Attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium are close at hand, and Orlando's many offerings are within a drive of just an hour or two. From reggae to Rigoletto, Dali to dinosaurs, there are enough museums and performing arts centers to offer something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for major league baseball, the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers , the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning , and Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny . Greyhound racing and horse racing are other popular spectator sports. The beaches, bay and rivers provide plenty of opportunities for boating and water sports, and roller-blading near the beach or the downtown areas is another popular pastime.
Golf courses are plentiful and are open all year long, thanks to the favorable climate.
The Tampa Bay area has one of the most affordable costs of living of any major metropolitan region. The region is served by an international airport that consistently ranks among the ten best in the country. There are at least ten colleges, universities, junior colleges or community colleges within the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, offering everything from continuing education to doctorate degrees. Most offer evening and weekend classes so that students may still pursue full-time careers.