Tampa, Florida, features some of the best attractions in the entire state. When most individuals think of Florida, most think of the typical east-coast beachside resorts along the Fort Lauderdale and Miami sections of the state, however sitting right alongside the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Tampa, Tampa features some of the most exciting attractions that the state of Florida has to offer.
Paul Turovsky of Tampa is a real estate professional representing both buyers and sellers for a significant period of time. Turovsky says, “Tampa boasts some of the best family-friendly things to do in the entire state!” He furthers, “most of my clients are a blend of real estate investors, buyers, and sellers, and are constantly drawn to the multitude of attractions and events that Tampa and its surrounding communities and neighborhoods have to offer.”
While these attractions have existed for several decades in the state, Turovsky feels that the recent eruption of economic development, attractive job growth, and reasonable housing options, have really catapulted Tampa’s attractions and encouraged investors to continue to reinvest in them.
A perfect example is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Perhaps one of the most visited theme parks in the state, with over four million visitors per year, the park features an animal-themed park, in addition to various roller coasters and theme rides. The park opened in June of nineteen fifty-nine and is owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.
“With Tampa and its surrounding communities being so family-friendly, we have seen a large uptick of real estate buyers being driven to Tampa, Florida, given its location near the Gulf of Mexico, regional airports, and settling here in their forever homes,” says Turovsky. “The one question I constantly receive from family home buyers is ‘how far are we from Busch Gardens’?”
Tampa is also known for its park and recreation features, and the Tampa Riverwalk continues to draw families and individuals. The Tampa Riverwalk is more than two and a half miles in total length and runs alongside the Hillsborough River. The pedestrian trail runs through various key parts of the downtown Tampa waterfront and attracts everyone from walkers, joggers, and runners, to families looking to access the key downtown parts of the city.
“The Tampa Riverwalk is one of my favorite locations to show real estate investors, buyers, and sellers alike,” says Turovsky. “Oftentimes, I will meet my clients on the Riverwalk when we are preparing to look at various properties and we can game plan and strategize how we are going to spend the day looking at properties. The city of Tampa continues to reinvest economic funding into ensuring the Tampa Riverwalk remains one of the best places in the city and community to enjoy.”
During the summer and fall months, the city hosts multiple events along the Riverwalk to drive new visitors and continue to offer its community members fun and exciting things to do each night. Typical events can include live music, member meet and greets, guided tours, rides, and more. Tampa’s unique culture also comes to life on the Riverwalk, drawing from the area’s local residents and visitors alike.
One of the most family-friendly attractions located in Tampa is the Florida Aquarium. The Florida Aquarium is a non-profit organization that is publicly operated and nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To Turovsky, it’s not just about the building, it is about their mission.
“The Florida Aquarium places a heavy emphasis on conservation and education while supporting programs for wildlife conservation in our local communities and the state,” says Turovsky. “When I am working with my clients, some of my favorite work is to review and detail the surrounding areas and why location is so important. I am constantly drawn to the work of the Tampa Aquarium as they provide top-tier entertainment and learning for all guests.”
Starting in nineteen ninety-five as a privately funded organization, the city of Tampa began a city-wide partnership with the aquarium and has continued to reinvest resources into the organization in order to continue to provide a safe and educating, yet enjoyable environment for visitors and locals.
While Tampa, Florida continues to be one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, the work of local government really emphasizes why Tampa is such a desirable location. Families and young professionals have continued to move to the area to take advantage of the booming economic opportunities, and visitors also continuously come to the area to visit loved ones and even evaluate when they can call Tampa ‘home’.
