Tampa: Why Gen Z and Millennial Tourists Are Flocking to This Retirement Mecca

MILLENNIALS DISENCHANTED with Miami’s flashiness and the car-centric urbanism of most Sunbelt cities have found a new Gulf Coast getaway. That would be Tampa, perhaps unexpectedly, given the city ranked fourth on U.S. News & World Report’s “2022-2023 Best Places to Retire in the United States.” The city is booming, and energy attracts.

Last year, according to the financial tech company SmartAsset, Tampa was in the top 10 American cities that both millennials and Gen Zers are moving to (Miami figured on neither list).

“Tampa’s let me expand my network across multiple industries,” said Trinidadian-born Nneka Jones, 26, an artist and entrepreneur who likes the balance between “work and adventure” her adopted city offers. Draws for her: the beaches and outdoor festivals. South Florida native Clint Dunlap, 37, left Tampa to live in New York City but returned after the city’s postpandemic boom. “I see similarities between Tampa and New York for walkability and convenience,” said Dunlap, who owns Material, a hair salon on Howard Ave.

Millennials and Gen Zers aren’t as symbiotically tied to cars as older generations and you can get by without one here, thanks to a downtown extra-welcoming to saunterers and cyclists. Known as the Water Street District, the new city center abuts Tampa’s business district close to Amalie Arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. You can stroll to the Florida Aquarium. Scenic Hillsborough Bay is nearby, too. And last year’s launch of Marriott International’s Edition hotel, created by Ian Schrager, gave the area a base to explore the city by foot, yes, but also by trolley, bicycle or ferry. Those who prefer the independence of a short term rental book an apartment with Roost.

The Water Street District has also proven a Miami-level place to dine. Start with the standouts at the Edition, under the direction of Michelin-starred chef John Fraser (book ahead to snag a table at Lilac, for his creative tasting menus). Water St., itself, is home to more outstanding plates. For a casual-chic Franco-American bistro-food spot, hit the Brasserie Boulon. Dive into the Pearl for oysters (hot or cold) and artisanal cocktails (one called “The Sun Will Come Out Amaro” combines tequila, jalapeño and ginger). Young fans of French Dip sandwiches and espresso martinis sit down at Small Giant.

A short walk to Sparkman Wharf secures a lunch of chilled sesame noodles and Thai milk tea (with a sake shot, if desired) at Dang Dude, known for Asian street food. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Noble Rice, owned by Eric and Adriana Fralick, is a favorite of locals. (They save Koya, the couple’s tasting-menu-only experience, for a celebratory night out.)
After an assay of the Water Street District, it’s simple to branch out. Tampa is a city of distinctive neighborhoods, and the TECO streetcar line takes you to Ybor City, a landmark district founded in 1885. Or set off to Fort Brooke, a historical military post, where railroad magnate Henry B. Plant’s lavish 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel with its Moorish minarets still charms.

Floridians say one thing holds an appeal that spans all generations: a Cuban sandwich, especially the one at the Floridian. “It has a perfect crunch with every bite of La Segunda Cuban bread, Swiss cheese, pork, ham, sour pickle slices, mustard and, of course, salami,” said “Carlos Eats” blogger Carlos Hernandez. Take one for the road, he advised.