A new Forbes Magazine article has listed Tampa, Florida as the #1 best place to live in Florida for 2023. They looked at different factors such as population, home affordability, employment opportunity, community well-being scores, crime rates, estimated monthly expenses and more. Forbes’ editors concluded that Tampa is Florida’s winning option for young adults and families.

With all due respect to the other cities mentioned, we’re not surprised. We’ve been building here since founding our company in 2010, and we believe Tampa has always been a great place to live.

Tampa’s bright future stems from a rich past

Tampa’s unique history stretches back long before Ponce de Leon’s 1513 visit. Native American tribes inhabited the area and flourished for hundreds of years prior, but modern development as we know it began after 1845, when the region became a territory of the United States.

Growth remained steady even throughout the Civil War. Henry B. Plant brought worldwide attention, wealthy investors and significant population growth to the area with his 1884 railroad extension, steamship service and hotels. Many establishments in the area are named after him for the influence he had in developing the region.

The late 1880s phosphate mining boom led the creation of Port Tampa — now the seventh largest port in the nation. Further growth resulted in iconic cigar factories, new commercial airline services and an influx of new residents after the advent of the automobile. Many current subdivisions, like Davis Island, were built during a large settlement wave between 1923–1926.

Through the 1960s and after, the downtown business district attracted major banks and other large companies, eventually erecting skyscrapers to tower over the otherwise notably flat landscape. The development of the Tampa Convention Center, Harbour Island, the Florida Aquarium, the Channelside District and Riverwalk followed over the course of decades.

Excitement about Tampa’s potential is nothing new, by the way. Way back in the 1980s, Tampa was widely promoted as “America’s Next Great City.” At the time, it seemed a bit aspirational, but completely possible. Even in the pre-Internet era, all indicators were pointing toward Tampa becoming the site of the next boom.

Winning geographical features

With miles of coastline, the Tampa Bay area is a water-lover’s paradise. The terrain ranges from sugar-white sand beaches to fish-friendly mangrove trees and rich oyster beds. Piers and bridges are everywhere. The Hillsborough River, Alafia River and others are a haven for wildlife and a natural balm for the adventurous soul. Wonderful state and county parks and recreation areas have walking paths, boardwalks and mountain bike trails to help you explore.

Yes, there really is mountain biking in flat Hillsborough County. The sand, mud and tree roots across the trails make for technical riding in places — and if you go to Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve a bit southeast of Tampa, there are even hills to climb and coast down.

Recreation and attractions

Tampa is home to theme parks, state fairs, festivals, expos, museums, aquariums, performing arts centers, concert halls and innumerable music venues. Entertainment districts like historic Ybor City, the still-growing Channel District and the newer River Walk and Armature Works offer a fun, walkable variety of Tampa flavor.

Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, downtown and Westshore also offer their own brands of diversion. Like Tampa’s residential neighborhoods, there’s a different feel everywhere you go.

Professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Tampa Bay Rays and many minor league and intercollegiate teams bring year-round sports excitement to Tampa. In addition to all the fun we have attending games and parties, these teams have made us proud by winning championship series. No wonder they call it Champa Bay!

Culture and cuisine

Tampa’s roots include strong Cuban, Italian and southern influences. As the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, site of historic cigarmaking and home to pirate-themed Gasparilla, Tampa continues to represent a melting pot of flavors.

Enjoy fine dining at numerous Michelin-recommended restaurants or take in the view at one of our rooftop bars. Try some sushi, tapas, Korean BBQ or Cuban dishes and find new favorites. Add freshness to your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from the bountiful farmlands of the area.

Tampa’s powerhouse economy

Tampa (and the surrounding Tampa Bay area) is home to significant business activity and robust job opportunity. Major employers include medical companies, financial services, business and information services, defense contractors, microelectronics and medical device manufacturing, port and maritime industries, tourism and more. Major airports, seaports and infrastructure support it all.

As more national companies turn their attention to making their employees’ lives happier, they are looking toward Florida in general (and Tampa in particular) for possible relocation. With no state taxes and an entrepreneurial spirit, Tampa is a natural fit for companies of all sizes.

Tampa is also home to MacDill Air Force Base, the U.S. Central Command Coalition and armed forces personnel from all branches.

Our business is at the center of the Tampa phenomenon

As you read this, we’re in various stages of building many homes in Tampa’s most exciting neighborhoods. You could say we’re specialists in the Tampa building scene.

Domain Homes started right here, and we’ve been building our reputation by designing gorgeous homes in unexpected places. Our ability to build on your lot and complement the architecture of your unique neighborhood is one of our greatest joys.

It’s great to be part of Tampa’s latest boom

Today, Tampa is an exciting city with a buzz of activity and ultramodern offerings. It’s no surprise that it’s become internationally known and evidently desirable.

We’re excited to live, work and build here in Tampa. Fulfilling our customers’ dreams of well-crafted, stylish new homes is something that never ceases to make us happy. We have helped many customers stay in their beloved neighborhoods while enjoying spectacular new homes.

We’re glad to see the area achieve more national recognition — and we’re thrilled to meet, greet and help new customers who are delighted to make Tampa their new home.