Welcome to Tampa Bay, an area that encompasses three counties and is "home" to over 2 million residents. It's a home filled with sunny beaches and bright futures. It offers great business opportunities and low costs for doing business. It's where Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fans cheered their winning team on to Super Bowl glory in 2002 and their favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on to the 2004 Stanley Cup victory. It's also home to the "Number 1 Zoo in the United States for Kids."

It has the largest performing arts center in the southeast. The largest science museum in the south. And the cultural arts district in downtown Tampa is expanding every day, with the recent addition of the Patel Conservatory which helps both young and mature actors, artists, musicians and performers perfect their craft.                   

It's one of the few markets in America with two major metropolitan newspapers. The #1 ranked airport in the country. And Tampa is the only city in America that celebrates the glory of being a pirate and all the festivities that Gasparilla offers during one whole month each year.

If you're looking for a great way of life, it doesn't get better than Tampa Bay. There's no state income tax. Low property taxes. And Tampa offers a lower cost of living than other major southern cities, including Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and Charleston.

As a region, the commitment to excellence in education is impressive, and is essential for providing an educated, talented workforce for area businesses.  

It's a region that attracts millions of tourists each year, who appreciate its mild winter climates, tropical summers, spectacular sunsets and beautiful beaches. To those of us who choose to live here, these are every day pleasures--not just vacation moments. We go fishing before heading into the office. We walk on the beach at sunset. We enjoy wearing shorts in January. And we are thankful, with each and every sunny day, to have made the decision to live in Tampa Bay.

We have a healthy economy, as well as some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, two trauma centers, a medical school (which works in conjunction with two major hospitals) and three hospitals ranked as "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Report.

Like most Americans, the residents of Tampa Bay are proud of the men and women who serve in the military. And we're honored that MacDill Air Force Base is located here in Tampa. It's the headquarters for two major commands; special U.S. Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. And it's also where Coalition Village is located, comprised of representatives from 65 nations who are working together to combat terrorism.

You can choose to live in a historic bungalow - or a high rise by the Bay. You might live in a country club community - or a lakeside villa might be right for you. Tampa Bay has a wide range of residential choices to fit every budget and lifestyle.

The more you find out about Tampa Bay, the more we're certain you'll decide to make this special region your home. We look forward to calling you our "neighbor."