It's no mystery why Central Florida's Tampa Bay Area is a favorite destination among the millions of tourists who flock there every year. But those very same reasons also are what make Tampa Bay the perfect place to live.

From the heart of Tampa to Brandon and Plant City, and even to Ybor City, where the cigars are hand-rolled and the Cuban sandwiches inviting, the more than two million residents who live in the Bay area all bask in the same mild weather year round. An endless supply of sunshine and Gulf breezes -- not to mention the stunning, sugar-sand beaches, consistently ranked as some of the best in the country -- are all just outside your door, literally.

When it comes to new homes in Tampa Bay, there is a wealth of options at your fingertips. Whether you prefer the charm of a historic bungalow or downtown high-rise views, from budget to lifestyle, there is something to suit everyone. You can even handpick your scenery. The majestic beauty of the waterfront homes dotting the Bay area shorelines, perhaps? Or maybe the relaxed leisure of living alongside one of the area's premier golf courses?

The list of sights, both thrilling and cultural, is just as varied. Not only is Tampa home to Busch Gardens, one of the most popular theme parks in the world, but the area also hosts the Florida State Fair and boasts the Lowry Park Zoo?officially dubbed the ?Number 1 Zoo in the US for Kids??along with the largest science museum in the South and a number of renowned aquariums. Meanwhile, the arts community is alive and well. Performance halls, galleries and museums are plentiful, including the largest performing arts center in the Southeast.

Of course, every year residents anticipate the month-long Gasparilla Pirate Festival. And when water sports aren't on the menu, you can bet that land sports are, whether it's football and rooting for the Buccaneers or hockey and cheering on The Lightning.

The Bay area also offers the promise of a thriving business climate. Ranked as one of the Best Places to Live and Work in America, Tampa Bay residents enjoy a lower cost of living than other major Southern cities. Even better, the sun, surf and sand are always free for the taking!