The Tampa Bay area encompasses Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota Counties

With 3.3 million residents, the Tampa Bay area ranks number one in population in Florida, and number two in the Southeast.

More than one-third of the people moving into the Tampa Bay area each year are 25 to 34 years old.

As Florida's wealthiest market, Tampa Bay is number one in effective buying income and number one in retail sales. It is the second wealthiest market, following Atlanta, in the Southeast.

According to Southern Business and Development Magazine, the Tampa Bay area ranks first among southern MS's for expansion and relocation.

In a survey of 400 American CEO's, the Tampa Bay area ranked in the top five as a business location.

The Tampa Bay area leads Florida in the number of businesses, manufacturing employment, new business formations, effective buying power, retail sales and bank deposits.

According to the Census Bureau, the average 21.8-minute commute here is among the lowest of any metropolitan area in the United States.

Housing is very affordable in Tampa Bay. In 1998, the median price of an existing home in Hillsborough County was $104,477 in Pinellas County; $107,772 and in Pasco County, north of Pinellas, just $74,144.

Tampa Bay rings up the highest food sales in Florida.

With more than 100,000 registered pleasure boats, Tampa Bay is a nautical haven.

Cost of living is 5% below national average.

Home to 19 colleges and universities

University of South Florida - one of 20 largest universities in the United States

State leader for providing and acquiring medical patents

Over 95 million sq. ft. of office, industrial and warehouse space

Ports and airports export over 2 billion and import 1 billion


GOOD NEWS ABOUT TAMPA BAY

• #1 in job growth of all major metro areas - U.S. Labor Statistics
• #1 in South for Job Announcements - Southern Business & Development
• 4th Best US Metro Area in which to live - Places Related Almanac
• "Florida's Only Five Star Quality of Life" - Expansion Management Magazine
• "7th Best Airport in The World" - Conde Nast Traveler
• "#8 Best Places for Small Business" - Entrepreneur Magazine
• "#10 Market for Projected Job Growth" - Newsweek Magazine
• "A Top 10 City for Small Business" - Dun & Bradstreet
• "15th in the Nation for Business & Careers" - Forbes Magazine