Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Tampa, FL

Florida bound

Leaving Jersey City, New Jersey, for life in Tampa, Florida, is a journey of nearly 1,125 miles.  

On paper, it looks like Tampa is a larger city, with almost 385,000 people in the city limits, compared to just over 292,000 in Jersey City. But Jersey City’s proximity to New York City makes it part of a much larger metropolitan area of over 20 million residents. 

While you won’t have easy access to New York City at your new home, Tampa has much to offer, including gorgeous white sand beaches, year-round pleasant weather, a unique cultural vibe and more.  

Keep reading to learn more about living in “Cigar City.” 

Beach life is calling

The subtropical climate in Tampa gives the city an annual average of 51 inches of rain, similar to the average of 48 inches in Jersey City. But unlike Jersey City, with an average of 26 inches of snow per year, icy precipitation is almost unheard of in Tampa. 

Tampa temperatures typically vary between 52 and 90 degrees, compared to the range of 25 to 86 degrees in Jersey City. 

With an average of 246 sunny days per year in Tampa, it’s perfect for visiting one of the white sand beaches, including Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Park Beach. 

Culture: from cigars to cuisine

Nicknamed “Cigar City,” Tampa’s rich history is rooted in the cigar industry of the 19th century when Vincente Martinez Ybor brought the business to the city. Once a global hub for cigars, only one factory remains in operation. 

Tampa is a melting pot of cultures, with African American, Hispanic and European influences evident in the arts and cuisine. 

Seafood is popular because of Tampa’s location near the Gulf of Mexico, and you’ll also find Cuban, Latin American and Caribbean flavors in the local cuisine. 

Work-life balance

Tampa is known to be a laid-back beach town with plenty to do. When you’re not visiting the shore, check out the Africa-themed amusement park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium or ZooTampa at Lowry Park for family-friendly fun. History buffs will enjoy the Tampa Bay History Center, a museum with exhibits spanning 12,000 years. 

The city has job opportunities in government, healthcare and tourism, with unemployment rates below the national average.  

Over 325 public and private schools serve grades K-12, and Tampa is also home to 7 colleges and universities. 

Move to Tampa with U-Pack

U-Pack® has nationwide service centers and more than 25 years of long-distance moving experience. We have locations near Jersey City and Tampa that are ready to help with your move. We’re a DIY service where you handle packing, loading, and unloading, and then take care of the driving. Get a free online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.