Tampa Ranked As A Top City For Renters In The Country

Apartment move-in season is right around the corner. Whether it's young professionals moving into the city or students making plans to head back to campus, many yearly rentals begin in August and September. Based on quality of life, Tampa was recently ranked as one of the best cities for renters in the country.

WalletHub recently published a report that details the best and worst places to rent in the country for 2023. CNBC then analyzed the data. They then arranged the top ten markets for renters based strictly on the overall quality of life category.

"Inflation has significantly impacted rental prices, and 2022 saw the second-highest price growth in decades, a 6.2% year-over-year increase," WalletHub explains. Nonetheless, 44 million households in the U.S. have still opted to rent rather than own their homes or apartments.

CNBC explained, "To rank the best states for renters based on quality of life, the report considered the following factors: City satisfaction index, job market, driver-friendliness, recreation-friendliness, weather, quality of the public school system, safety, and presence of state bedbug laws."

Obviously, there's warm weather year-round and hundreds of miles of coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico in the Sunshine State. As a result, Florida's quality of life has shined in these 2023 rent reports. On the east coast, Pembroke Pines ranked as the third-best city for renters based on quality of life. Coming in right behind it at number four was Tampa.

Overall, Tampa had a final score 52.65. For reference, Overland Park, KS had the highest score here at 61.77.

The biggest question regarding rent is what is the average monthly rental cost? Rent Cafe detailed this information. They say for a 925 square foot space, the average renters cost in Tampa is currently $1,898, demonstrating why it is one of the best cities for quality of life. Downtown Tampa and Harbour Island have the highest rental costs. In addition, Courier City - Oscawana is listed as the most popular neighborhood.

The fastest-growing sport in America has made its mark on Southwest Florida. There are now a few exciting new places to play Pickleball in the Tampa region. Perhaps you have noticed your local athletic center turning part of their basketball gym into a Pickleball court. Even Lebron James is onboard, buying into a major league team in late 2022.

Though the sport has been around since 1965, it’s more recently gained major popularity here in Tampa. There are local Facebook groups that share ideas and enthusiasm for the sport. There is also a community named, The Tampa Pickleball Crew that describes themselves as, "a socializing, community, and friendly competition come together through pickleball." This crew is also pioneering an effort to open a new indoor facility in Ybor City this spring. Whether you are looking to learn the game, play competitively or swing a paddle while sipping a beer, Massachusetts now has options to meet your Pickleball curiosity.

Known for being a recreational sport landmark (where numerous MLB baseball players trained), there are also six pickleball courts at Cuscaden Park. Each are dedicated to Pickleball with permanent lines and nets. They are free to use and open from sunrise to sunset.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has its own tennis and pickleball facility. Though a membership is required to play, there are eight courts available and classes you can register for.

Home to the Northlakes Recreation Center, there are eight outdoor courts here in addition to six tennis courts and two racquet ball courts. There’s something for everyone here, with walking trails and lacrosse fields on the grounds. Bring the whole family!

Reservations are available at 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River. There are two outdoor courts in close proximity to public restrooms and water.

The Tampa Bay Times has reported Ybor City’s Gas Worx will open the indoor pickleball courts this spring. It is in part thanks to the Tampa Pickleball Crew, who are leading the efforts. The 28,000-square-foot club will house seven courts. The plan allows for there to be both open times and court reservation options that can be secured via an app.

These four outdoor hard courts are dedicated to Pickleball. There is a full gym schedule dedicated to the game, four days a week. In close proximately to the lake and pool, this facility is open to the public and does not require a membership fee.

Described as an active community, this Oldsmar club has 12 outdoor courts available for Pickleball. The game is offered to members of all ages. There are tournaments, clinics, and social events held throughout the year.

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