Tampa Area Information

There's good reason Tampa Bay is ranked as one of the Best Places to Live and Work in America. It has what employers-and individuals-are looking for: a diverse and expanding business mix, a thriving economy, a vibrant job market and a multilingual, highly trained workforce supported by outstanding educational institutions. It's no wonder it's considered one of the best locations for start-ups in the country. Add in a Chamber of Commerce that is committed to attracting new businesses and helping them grow - the future couldn't be brighter.

The business climate in Tampa Bay couldn't be better. In fact, the Bay area's economy is one of the strongest in the country. We boast a healthy mix of businesses, from financial services and bioscience, to technology and international trade-to name but a few.

Tampa Bay also ranks among the best metropolitan areas in the nation for its low cost of living. With no state income tax and low cost of housing, health care and groceries, there's no shortage of people who want to live and work here. In fact, during the recession, when the nation's unemployment rate spiked, Tampa Bay escaped the national average of 5.4% with a 3.8% unemployment rate. And it's a low 3.5% in Hillsborough County. It's no wonder so many businesses and employees are taking a closer look at Tampa Bay, and why the Tampa Bay area is getting so much national attention.

What the Experts are Saying About Business in Tampa Bay:

• Selected as one of two of the world's major emerging financial centers. (Nomura Research Institute- Japan's largest think tank, research and consulting firm)
• The 3rd "Most Economical City to Conduct Business" by KPMG's 2003 Competitive Alternatives Study.
• Ranked #12 of the 20 Best Places to Live and Work in America, based on lifestyle, cost of living, industries, current unemployment rate, healthcare system, education, recreation and the arts. (Employment Review and BestJobsUSA.com , June 2003)
• Ranked #27 in the Top 200 Best Performing Cities, based on job growth, high tech GDP growth and population. (Milken Institute, June, 2003)
• The second most broadband-wired city in the nation, based on AOL's first poll on broadband use, placing higher than Boston, Houston, Charlotte, and Los Angeles. (Tampa Tribune, May, 2003)
• 9th in the nation as one of "America's 50 Hottest Cities." (Expansion Management Magazine, January 2003)
• Out of the top 40 largest cities, listed as one of the "Best Cities for Entrepreneurship." (Entrepreneur.com, 2002)
• Named one of "America's Best Places to Live and Work" and rated as a "Four Star Community." (Expansion Management Magazine, May 2001)
• Appeared on Forbes/Milken Institute list of "Best Places for Business and Career" in 2001.
• Selected one of "America's Hottest Cities for Business Relocation and Expansion." (Expansion Management Magazine, 2001)
• Selected one of "America's Hottest Cities for Business Relocation and Expansion." (Expansion Management Magazine, 2001)
• Ranked number 4 out of 354 in Places Rated Almanac. (Criteria: Cost of living, climate, transportation, job outlook, education, the arts, healthcare, recreation. ( Places Rated Almanac, Millenium Edition, 2000)