Tampa, FL Foreclosed Homes & Properties

Foreclosure Homes for Sale in Tampa, FL: Everything You Need to Know

Spain controlled Florida through the early 1800s, and in 1821 it sold the territory to the United States for $5 million. Tampa thrived on shipbuilding, busy docks, and lucrative trade with Cuba. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Tampa's number one industry, cigar manufacturing, was decimated and never recovered. 

During WWII, thousands of soldiers were stationed in and around Tampa, reviving the economy. An urban renewal program implemented in Tampa during the 1970s-1980s helped to restore downtown. The restoration effort has helped Downtown Tampa evolve into a massive area full of tall buildings, stores, convention centers, stadiums, and condos. The city is thriving and continuing to grow.  

Job Opportunities in Tampa 

Dominating industries in Florida include aerospace and aviation, life sciences, manufacturing, security, and information technology. Tourism is also a giant sector, employing 1.3 million Florida residents. International trade is essential as Florida is a primary gateway for imports and exports with many other countries. There are seven Fortune 500 companies with headquarters in Tampa including Tech Data, Publix, Jabil, and Bloomin’ Brands. Some top employers in the city are Publix Super Markets, Inc. (22,515 employees), BayCare Health Care Systems (17,000), and Wal-Mart (16,800).

Tampa’s Climate

Tampa can be described as having a humid subtropical climate. The hot and wet season lasts from May through October, followed by a mild dry season that runs from November through April. Rain falls most heavily during June and September. Temperatures average highs of 95°F and lows of 65°F throughout the year.  

The city is prone to sudden thunderstorms that can occur daily, usually during the early afternoon during the hot and humid summers. Tampa is referred to as the “Lighting Capital of the World,” due to the high average of 10 deaths and 30 injuries a year from lightning strikes.  Although hurricane season is from Mid-August to mid-October in Florida, Tampa hasn’t experienced a hurricane head-on since the 2004 Tropical Season.

A Diverse Local Culture 

A variety of cultures and ethnicities make up the Tampa population. There are over 134 different ancestries in Tampa Bay today.  The city was nicknamed "Cigar City" in 1886 when cigar making was the top industry of the region. The Cuban culture has shaped Ybor City with local cigar factories, historic architecture, and restaurants offering Cuban cuisine. Locals celebrate the legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, in the annual Gasparilla festival that depicts an invasion of pirates via theatrics. Celebrated in January, this event attracts over 400 thousand visitors.  

Local cuisine is best described as waterfront dining and Cuban food. Tampa Bay has fresh, high-quality seafood and an array of restaurants offering unique dishes and beautiful settings with relaxing ocean views. Oystercatcher is a popular restaurant for fine seafood dining. The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has various Spanish, Caribbean, and Cuban plates. You can enjoy some Spanish music and dancing before, during, and after your dinner. The Heights Public Market at the Armature Works in the Tampa Riverwalk has everything from pizza to modern Cuban dishes and is a trendy food attraction in town.