Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
While Miami, and Key West – and more recently Fort Lauderdale and Orlando – are the more popular gaycation destinations in Florida, moving to LGBT Tampa offers open parks, pioneering gastronomy, cultural venue and a relaxed pace of life. That’s without even counting the hip GaYbor district where all of Tampa’s hottest nightlife is – gay and straight.
Tampa is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Tampa, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Honolulu, Long Beach, Milwaukee, Providence, and other mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Tampa is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
However, this somewhat camouflaged LGBT scene doesn’t mean that you should be nervous about making the move to this beautiful city. Most people are friendly towards the LGBTQ community and you will find services, shops, and establishments proudly serving our community.
Think of this article as a queer Tampa relocation guide that will help you understand what you’re getting yourself into when moving to this beautiful city. If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Tampa Guide!
This article will cover what you should expect to experience as an LGBTQ individual moving to Tampa. Leave all your preconceptions at the door, because (spoiler alert) moving to LGBT Tampa is not what you think!
In this article we will cover...
Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Tampa
Tampa residents are well aware that their city is a hidden gem. It is brimming with culture and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
Tampa promises a wide range of activities for everyone. Our favorite is to take the trolley to the Florida Aquarium, and after that stroll over to Sparkman Wharf for a laid-back atmosphere in one of the city’s newest parks. Doing this on a sunny day will convince you that moving to LGBT Tampa is worth it for the vibes alone…
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Tampa, be it entertaining clubs, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
History, Culture, and Diversity
Tampa has a diverse population, with approximately a quarter of the population being Latino or Hispanic and a quarter being African American or Black. There’s an even distribution of females and males with an average age of 35.6. The city’s culture is heavily influenced by Latinos.
Ybor City, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, was established by Cuban cigar manufacturers and has drawn workers from all over Latin America, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Ybor City is one of the only two national historic landmark districts in the state, with historic buildings housing offices, boutiques, and residences.
The area has been dubbed the “Greenwich Village of Tampa” because it has grown into a regional entertainment hub and is the abode of numerous creative industries.
The Climate
The words “Tampa” and “sunny” are practically interchangeable. The city has an average of 246 sunny days each year, which is more than the U.S. average. Tampa receives 51 inches of rain each year when the sun sets behind the clouds, which is 13 inches above the country’s average. There’s no snow in Tampa.
Anyone considering relocating here should be aware that the climate here is hot. It’s not just a teensy bit hot; it’s scorching. In Tampa, there are about 74 days in the year when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Combine that with the lack of snow, the average low of 51.6 in January, and you get a very mild winter.
Outdoor Activities
Residents of Tampa have access to more than 165 parks and beaches, as well as more than 40 public spaces in the suburbs. The Tampa Riverwalk stretches over 2 miles and provides fantastic views of the downtown skyline.
Whether you’re a skateboarder or simply want to watch the local sports, you can head to the Bro Bowl, which is one of the first major skateparks in the region that opened in the 1970s.
Busch Gardens Tampa is a theme park with exhilarating roller coaster rides and lots of fun for the entire family, and also draws a large number of visitors to the area. Adventure Island is a cool water park. It is a welcome respite from Tampa’s hot summers.
Animal lovers will appreciate the Lowry Park Zoo, with more than 2,000 wildlife. The coasters at Busch Gardens get all the attention, but the park also allows visitors to interact a little with African wildlife.
The Food
Foodies who enjoy Latin-inspired and fusion cuisine will enjoy meals in Tampa. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, and other countries have all left their mark on the Tampa culinary scene today. Locals celebrate fusion and love variety, which you can see and taste yourself at Armature Works and the Hall on Franklin, two new food locations in Tampa.
Columbia is the oldest restaurant in Florida and a visit here is a must. It is the ideal location for sampling Tampa’s popular Cuban sandwich. Drive through Ybor City, South Tampa, and Seminole Heights if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ll come across fine dining options, food trucks, and cafes that you’ll want to visit.
Does Tampa Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Tampa is growing into a hub for LGBTQ people who are looking for the advantages of life in the sunshine state as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance thanks to a notable perfect MEI score from the HRC IN 2020. The MEI score of 100 for the city is well deserved. Bob Buckhorn, the previous mayor devoted effort and time to celebrating diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
When it comes to LGBTQ events and festivals, Tampa does not disappoint. The parade booths, floats and a wide range of exceptional entertainment and celebrations are all part of Tampa PRIDE, which happens in Ybor City. The International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in the city is one of the longest-running and largest of its kind in the U.S.
The jury-selected festival runs for nine days and features films made by, for, and about the LGBTQ+ community. In Tampa, LGBTQ people do not have to think about feeling isolated or alone. Inclusion is a priority for the city government. Seeking support and finding it is simple thanks to the myriad LGBTQ resources available. Whether you need help with your health, a business, or figuring out how to find support and make social connections, there is an organization that can help.
Is Tampa An Expensive City to Move To?
Tampa is a reasonably priced city, even though this is slowly changing with the rise in housing prices thanks to Florida’s increasing popularity as a place of refuge for frustrated northerners. However, with an average rent of less than $1,500 in Tampa, the city is competitive compared to numerous major cities in America.
Tampa’s cost of living is 5.9% lower than the country’s average, with essential costs such as goods and services and healthcare being very affordable. If you’re looking for a place to live in Tampa, you’ll be surprised at how reasonably priced it can be.
Housing
A 2-bedroom apartment in Tampa costs $1,926 per month on average. With multitudes relocating to Florida, there’s no surprise that home costs in the city have increased by 23.6% in the last year. If you’re looking to buy a new home in the city, you have to be swift and decisive, since houses don’t stay in the market for long.
Food and groceries
Grocery prices are only 1.4% higher than the country’s average.
Utilities
Tampa’s cost of living is 2.1% lower than the country’s average for utilities. Expect to pay an average of $161.99 for your utility bill.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Tampa
When relocating to LGBT Tampa, there are a few areas you should know about as they are close to the queer community, allowing you to conventionally pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or part of town.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person manifesting a liberal neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Tampa neighborhoods to discover your perfect new home, each with its own distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Tampa’s diverse personalities, and remember that this city offers something for everyone – LGBTQ or not!
If it all seems a little overwhelming, you should speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more nuanced and up-to-date understanding of the best options available to you.
Most areas in this city would welcome you, but let’s take a look at the handful of the more fabulous gay areas in Tampa are and talk about the Tampa gayborhood where you might feel most at home!
Ybor City (the gayborhood)
From when cigar-maker Vincente Martinez-Ybor established Tampa in the 1880s, the city’s historic neighborhood has undergone some transformation. Ybor was once a flourishing village occupied by Spanish, Cuban, and Italian immigrants that worked in the cigar factories. The village, however, experienced economic decline after automation took over immigrant jobs.
The majorly abandoned district became appealing to young musicians and artists looking for affordable rent between the 1970s -1980s, and the first revival began with art galleries, clubs, vintage stores, and restaurants lining the major avenue, Seventh Avenue. During the 1990s, developers acknowledged Ybor’s prospects and built a buzzing New Orleans-style entertainment location of nightclubs and bars, driving out the previous generation of artists with higher rents.
Several of the shotgun-style dwellings that were home to cigar-factory workers have been redeveloped, and many apartment buildings are popular among young students and professionals on the calmer blocks away from Seventh Avenue. Around Seventh Avenue, there is a party atmosphere. However, east of the entertainment district, locals face challenges with crime and poverty. The neighborhood attracts a diverse group of residents who value excellent amenities and convenient access to different parts of Tampa.
SoHo/Hyde Park
The Soho/Hyde Park neighborhood is a vibrant neighborhood full of life and charm, so there’s no surprise that it’s popular with the LGBTQ+ community, most of whom were involved in the renovation of Hyde Park’s stunning bungalows. This is where you want to be if you’re looking for active nightlife.
This neighborhood is more of a district within Hyde Park than a neighborhood. During the day, South Howard Avenue, popularly known as “SoHo,” is a hotspot for foodies and shoppers, and by night, it’s a buzzing social scene. SoHo caters to all tastes.
Those who visit Soho’s walkable village during the day have access to vibrant shopping, a social scene, dining, as well as a bolder nightlife scene than in other neighborhoods in the city. With fantastic bars, restaurants, and hotels, a slew of tourists and endless entertainment can be found here.
Bayshore Boulevard, which runs for 6 miles along Hillsborough Bay from Ballast Point Pier through downtown Tampa, is the central focus of Historic Hyde Park. It is the longest linear park in the world, with its wide sidewalk, balustrade, and waterfront greenspace. Swanky residences are hidden away under moss-covered live oaks, hidden behind stately luxury homes and condo complexes that line the thoroughfare. Hyde Park Village, which is half a mile from the bay, is a mix of restaurants and boutiques.
Downtown
Tampa Bay urban enclave is energetic, flourishing, and expanding. It is an increasing attraction for LGBTQ couples and singles. Downtown, located at the mouth of Hillsborough Bay, is among the city’s most common neighborhoods for living and partaking in fun local activities. Why travel to the city for recreation or work when you can live there?
While it is primarily commercial development, there are a few housing options in the area, including condos, apartments, and a few residences on the outskirts of town for those who prefer the location. Downtown is Tampa’s most amenity-packed neighborhood, with incredible places such as the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, where you can see amazing shows.
The Florida Aquarium, which opened in 1995 and houses more than 14,000 remarkable marine animals, is one of Tampa’s top attractions. The Tampa Convention Center is located downtown and serves as a center for a variety of events throughout the year.
The vibrant downtown atmosphere is ideal for young professionals and college students. However, people of all ages can be found having a good time downtown. You’ll be close to everything, including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which hosts the city ’s top events, such as Gasparilla. You’ll almost certainly have to rent an apartment if you live downtown, though you don’t have to worry about a shortage of options.
Downtown apartments and condos are thriving, grounded by Skypoint and Element, the first residential towers in downtown built after the Great Recession. Families, young professionals, and empty nesters are excited to sample the burgeoning arts and entertainment landscape in recent years.
Tampa Heights & Seminole Heights
The Heights, like many other neighborhoods in Tampa, has seen considerable revitalization in the last decade. Home renovations, art galleries, and construction projects abound in the neighborhood with major developments such as the multi-use Armature Works and The Pearl, a luxury apartment community. The awakening in the Heights started with restaurants a few years ago.
Armature Works, which used to be a storage facility for Tampa Electric Company streetcars, is now the home of a co-working and event space, upscale food court, and boutiques. The neighborhood features a combination of new developments and family-friendly enclaves. As urban trailblazers discovered the neighborhood’s gorgeous Victorian fixer-uppers near the downtown area that was in need of some renovation, real estate values in the neighborhood increased.
Magnificent older bungalows are part of Central Avenue, Seminole Heights, which was once a flourishing boulevard for Black businesses. Craftsman-style dwellings are common on the calmer side streets, which are now home to a healthy combination of families and young professionals. Many loft-style apartment complexes have popped up over the years to cater to the young professionals attracted to the district’s artsy personality.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Tampa
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it’s critical that you support such groups in any way you can use so that they can reach out and aid others in the community. You might even need their assistance right or at some point in the future – and no matter what, every queer person has benefited from their tireless work to achieve the progress and rights we have today. Here are some outstanding community LGBT organizations in Tampa.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
Balance Tampa Bay is an LGBTA volunteer organization established in 2011 with the objective of promoting fun, fellowship, and philanthropy in the LGBTQ+ community all over Tampa Bay. The group engages in public service events, collaborates with non-profits, and hosts socials, in the Tampa Bay area to achieve project goals. The majority of their events are open and free to the public.
Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber is the leading authority in the Greater Tampa Bay for the LGBT business community since 1983, which represents over 600+ businesses, individuals, and community groups across seven counties.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Tampa
After moving to LGBT Tampa, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Tampa you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Tribeca Salons is the leading salon in Tampa supporting the Tampa Bay area for more than 21 years. Hair color is both a science and an art that they have mastered. Whether it’s hair extensions, barbering, dimensional color, or color melts, they can do it all. They even have a private salon suite for Hallal clients and bridal parties.
Cheese Please has the most extensive collection of charcuterie, gourmet cheeses, condiments, beer, and wine. The establishment has ninety distinct kinds of cheese on hand you can carry home and enjoy with your friends and family. In addition to their retail selection, their Wine and Cheese Bar offers a flight of cheeses and a glass of wine.
Our favorite gay club in Tampa with a large dance floor, great drink specials before 11, a hot and steamy atmosphere and a young crowd. Fun events every night of the week with the most popular Tampa lesbian night: “Tease Saturdays” complete with rainfall shower. A variety of other events include onesie dress-up, Masquerade and glow parties.
Flan Factory is a cozy yet contemporary place to appease your Cuban food munchies! Their area of expertise is flan. You can enjoy their signature flavors, but make sure you inquire about their bonus flavors, which change weekly!
If you don’t feel like dessert, try one of their appetizers or breakfast favorites- particularly their Cuban sandwiches, which are some of the best in the region.
An LGBT-friendly bar and burger chain with locations around the USA including Houston, Las Vegas, and yes; the gay neighborhood of Tampa. We love any brand that markets to us gays and we think they deserve our support. Plus the food is delicious – and there is drag bingo, trivia, and live music weekly!
A fun gay-owned barber in the heart of the GaYbor village. Offering facials, grooming, waxing and haircuts + cold beer, flawless beers and professional staff who make you feel welcome.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Tampa
Tampa is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for new beginnings. With an LGTQ community that’s thriving and welcoming, you will feel right at home here.
Keep in mind that life is what you make it, and wherever you choose to begin your new life in gay Tampa, we hope you find the openness and security you deserve. The surest way to discover LGBT Tampa is always going to be living in a gay-friendly neighborhood by frequenting local LGBT businesses and events and joining queer community groups and sports teams.
We promise that if you follow these steps, your transition to LGBT Tampa will be easier, and you’ll rapidly meet like-minded people to build your new chosen family here.
Finding Gay Realtors In Tampa Florida
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Tampa is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home. That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be difficult to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Tampa, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Tampa to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
