Is Tampa or Orlando Better?

Tampa is better. Oh, let me count the ways. Consider this. Nobody living in Tampa has ever said I wish I could move to Orlando. When it comes to Orlando vs Tampa Bay anywhere in the Tampa Bay area wins. Trust me, most of us get sick of the parks after vising a few times and they do not change much.

Tampa FL

Actually I lived in Orlando for a while and I have lived in Florida for nearly 50 years of my life. It does not ran in the top 5 places that I have lived here. The Keys are better, Fort Walton Beach is better, St Augustine is better and yes Tampa is better. I have to admit I do lean toward the coast and yes I do like the beach.

Central Florida

Orlando does have some things going for it including the theme parks. Volcano Bay is great for teens and adults. Walt Disney World wins over Busch Gardens and Sea World beats the Florida Aquarium. The cost of living is similar and the price of housing is a little less. Our favorite was Universal Orlando Resort etc.

Tampa Bay

There are 3 places worth living in the greater Orland area. Windermere if you can afford it. Winter Garden FL if you like a fast growing area and Lake Nona is probably the most nuanced and interesting place in Orlando. Kissimmee stinks and Winter Park FL is similar to the rest of northern Orlando.

Orlando Wins

Best theme parks, hurricane season, public transportation, more direct flights (Orlando International Airport) and the young professionals moving to Lake Nona.

Both Downtown Tampa & Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando is fairly attractive. There is even a lake there named Lake Eola that has a walking trail around it and Lake Eola Park. Downtown Tampa on the other hand has Hillsborough River, channels and Hillsborough Bay. Not to mention the riverwalk area wins hands down over Lake Eola for outdoor activities. Our skyline is also more impressive because the buildings in Orlando's downtown area are under a height restriction due to the Orlando Executive Airport.

Tampa Wins

Orlando's economy is probably weaker. I watch housing fairly closely. Tampa's location is closer to other great areas and has the best beaches nearby. Orlando may have more theme parks but you can catch a cruise liner here and Tampa stays warmer in the winter months. When you compare Tampa Bay to the Orlando Metropolitan Area, Tampa Wins.