Tampa, situated along the picturesque shores of Tampa Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast, began as a military outpost with Fort Brooke in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a major metropolitan area with an economy powered by diverse sectors including tourism, healthcare, finance, and technology. The city's heritage is deeply rooted in Cuban culture, most notably in historic Ybor City, where the once-booming cigar industry shaped the district's distinctive architecture and cultural landscape.

The rental market in Tampa spans across distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character. Hyde Park features historic homes along oak-canopied streets, alongside the open-air Hyde Park Village shopping district. Seminole Heights, known for its bungalow-style architecture and independent businesses, offers a mix of rental options. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,665, while two-bedroom units average $2,012. The iconic Bayshore Boulevard, home to the world's longest continuous sidewalk at 4.5 miles, provides waterfront views of Tampa Bay and connects South Tampa to downtown.

Downtown Tampa continues to grow, anchored by the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk which winds along the Hillsborough River. This waterfront pathway links attractions like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Convention Center. Major employers in the area include BayCare Health System, Tampa General Hospital, and JPMorgan Chase. The city offers easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, and hosts three professional sports teams: the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, NFL's Buccaneers, and MLB's Rays. Cultural destinations include the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. With an average of 246 sunny days per year and mild winters, Tampa's climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle throughout most of the year.