Tampa Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Tampa for a single-occupancy apartment is $3,265/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

The City of Tampa is located in Hillsborough County near the gulf coast of Florida, nestled in the corner of Hillsborough Bay and protected from harsh weather by not one, but two peninsulas. Tampa is believed to have derived its name from the Native American Calusa word meaning either “sticks of fire” or “place to gather sticks.” As of the 2010 census, the population density of Tampa was 2,960 per square miles, compared to 1,100 in Jacksonville and a Florida average of 350. The median age of Tampa residents is 34.7 years old. Florida is one of seven states where the median age is over 40. This is because the area is popular with Tampa independently living retirees and the fact that the baby-boomer generation is entering its retirement years.

Attractions

If the area didn’t enjoy a humid subtropical climate, close proximity to Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean vacation spots, as well as magnificent shopping and recreational facilities, it would still be an ideal for Tampa independent living because of its attractive cost of living. Rents, for example, are roughly one-third of what they are in New York City, while the local purchasing power is more than one-third greater. Tampa is a haven for sports fans. Fans may support the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL football), NHL hockey’s Tampa Bay Lightning or the Tampa Blue Rays, a major-league baseball team.

Senior Activities

For a senior center, national accreditation is the highest achievement. Of 11 nationally accredited centers in Florida, Tampa residents are fortunate to have two on their doorstep, one in Tampa itself, the Town ‘n’ Country Senior Center, and one in nearby St Petersburg, the Sunshine Senior Center. Hillsborough County government has an Aging Services Department charged with fostering Tampa independent living and promoting the social, economic, physical and emotional well-being of its elder citizens and their carers. The West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging is charged with helping Tampa’s senior population age at home with dignity.

Medical Facilities

According to Harvard University Medical School, most senior adults have at least one chronic health problem. For seniors fully to enjoy Tampa independent living, access to high-quality local health care facilities is an important consideration. There are more than twenty hospitals and four trauma centers in Tampa and the surrounding areas. Of these, three were rated among America’s best by US News and World Report. Tampa also hosts a number of research institutions. Some of the major hospitals in Tampa are Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. The area is host to hundreds of animal medical facilities to care for the residents’ pets.
Transportation

Tampa independent living is facilitated by excellent road, air, rail, sea and public transit facilities. The area is served by two expressways, the Lee Roy Salmon Expressway (SR-618) and Veterans Expressway (SR-589). Both of these are toll roads. Tampa Bay itself is crossed by three bridges into Pinellas County: the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Howard Franklin Bridge and the Gandy Bridge. The city is served by two international airports and two smaller airports. The town also has a rich railway heritage. Historic Tampa Union Station is served by Amtrak with twice-daily services to Miami and New York City. The Tampa Port Authority operates no fewer than three cruise ship terminals. Public transport includes bus, streetcar and paratransit services operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. The TECO Line Streetcar System combines rustic charm with modern functionality, serving 11 stations with air conditioning and wheelchair access. River taxis and light rail are also available.

Summing Up

For the senior seeking Tampa independent living, there is very little not to like. Weather, shopping, transportation, health and recreational facilities are excellent and the cost of living is low. Sure, the area is prone to hurricanes each season but the local government sees to it that the residents are prepared for it.