Tampa Checks Off Much for a Budget-Friendly Retirement

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Editor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Last week, we looked at the 29th city on the list — Wichita Falls, Texas. This week, we look at Tampa, Florida, and found three great homes — all for less than $500,000.

“Tampa is located in a protected ocean inlet, so it is less susceptible to the harsh weather problems beach communities tend to have,” MoneyWise said. “Sunny Tampa is also home to a diverse population of about 350,000, and the cost of living requires an income of around $44,000.”

“With two hospitals and 17 health care centers, you can count on getting high-quality medical care in Tampa.”

Want to see examples of what you can find in Tampa? Let’s jump!

Canal-side Condo with Boat Slip

Price: $179,00

For the downsizers looking for water adventure, our first offering in a gated waterfront community might just be the ticket.

The one-bedroom, one-bath condo packs a lot of living space in its 654 square feet, but the biggest features are outside — a boat slip and 14,000-pound boat lift are included in the price of the home, giving you instant access to Tampa Bay via the canal running alongside the community.

That’s not to say that the inside isn’t worth noting — it’s been recently updated with fresh paint, oak laminate floors in the living spaces, carpet in the bedroom, and new granite counter tops in the bathroom and kitchen (which also has brand-new stainless steel appliances).

The community also offers a fitness center, resort-style pool, and several outdoor decks and grills, as well as walking paths and a dog park.  

The home is listed by Chris Bilar with Florida Executive Realty.

Midcentury Modern on the Golf Course

Price: $400,000

Looking to hit the greens a bit more after retirement? This Midcentury Modern home is across the street from Temple Terrace golf course, and sits on a huge lot with a lush tree canopy and landscaping.

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home has 2,577 square feet of classic Midcentury floor plan — open spaces, transom windows, high ceiling, and terrazzo floors punctuate the 1959 home.

Two woodburning fireplaces provide warmth, and the huge windows serve dual purposes of making the home feel bigger, and bringing the gorgeous landscaping indoors.

But this older home doesn’t mean you’re buying a lot of maintenance. The kitchen and baths have been updated, the home has been rewired and replumbed, and more, with renovations done with the aim of keeping the home’s original midcentury look intact.

The living room, family room, and master suite open to a large screened porch, and outside there is an oversized carport and an attached workshop with a full bath as well.

The home is listed by Suzanne Fernandez with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate – North Tampa.

Waterfront Home With Pool

Price: $459,900

Located on Channel A, the largest canal leading to Tampa Bay, our last offering provides both a boat dock and a pool, providing two options for leisure in one easy-on-the-budget price tag.

The spacious four-bedroom, two-bath home has 1,594 square feet of space, giving you a little more than your usual condo, but still less than a larger family home, so it’s a happy medium from the downsized-completely.

And it offers gorgeous views of your own backyard, and the canal. The family room is large and suited for entertaining, and the dining room feels spacious thanks to vaulted ceilings and faux beams. And while you might want to update here and there, it’s been well maintained, and is still perfectly comfortable — so you can make it your own over time.

An oversized, screened lanai overlooks the canal and opens to the enclosed pool, and there is a large covered area for entertaining.

And you can also spend time out on the dock, keeping your eyes peeled for manatees.

The home is listed by Martha Hernandez with Tampa Bay Elite Homes.

Bethany Erickson

Bethany Erickson