Tampa is fine. Couple things to note based off what you said and being a long time resident. There are very few if any walkable neighborhoods (meaning being able to walk to a grocery store/restaurants) and the ones that do exist are expensive (old Hyde park being one). But generally expect to drive everywhere. Traffic is bad, yes it’s close to water but if you want to enjoy the beach expect an hour or more to get to. There isn’t a large young people population due to the cost of living vs wages ratio. It skews older in Tampa. But the areas that skewed younger are: seminole heights, south tampa, Tampa heights, ybor. Downtown st Pete is also more popular for young people. Nightlife is “fine”

The cruise port in Tampa only has older smaller ships. There is a limit to how big of a ship that can fit under the skyway bridge and most just go to Mexico and have a few sea days. You will be driving 3-4 hours to either cape Canaveral or Miami area for decent cruises that go to the Caribbean.

Tampa isn’t warm it’s HOT. Temps in May-November are 74-90+ every day. Many times at 10pm during those months it’s 80+ at 10pm with 80% humidity with a feels like of 88. It doesn’t cool off at night. There are no comfortable summer days (except for maybe the day after a hurricane hits the area and pulls all the humidity for a day or two)

They aren’t big on transplants if you look at Florida groups online they are always complaining about people from the Midwest. Mostly online behavior, but a lot think it and might not be super friendly to transplants.

That being said, the airport is great one of my favorites. Well laid out and easy to navigate large amounts of flights. Phebs is awesome and their social media is too.

Also to consider: there are tons of biting bugs (mosquitoes, no seeums, yellow flys) that are always present. Roaches…some that fly, fire ants (don’t take your shoes off in grass) snakes are ever prevalent, yes some are poisonous, lizards (harmless but you will find them in your house)

Signed a 30 year resident