About Macdill AFB

MacDill Air Force Base is home to the United States Central Command and the United States Special Operations Command. There are over 15,000 military and 2,500 civilian personnel assigned to the base, located eight miles south of Tampa, Florida on the Southwestern tip of the Interbay Peninsula in Hillsborough County. MacDill covers 5,767 acres of land and is home to more than 20 protected and endangered species, including the American Bald Eagle. The region, located along Florida's Gulf Coast and often referred to as "Tampa Bay," is comprised of seven counties. A popular vacation and retirement destination, Tampa Bay offers an enviable quality of life with year-round sunshine, a unique cultural heritage and a diverse business climate.

You can live in an historic bungalow, or a high rise by the Bay. You might choose a country club community, or a lakeside villa might be right for you. Tampa Bay has a wide range of residential choices to fit every budget and lifestyle. In 52 zip codes in Hillsborough County, the median sales price ranges from $37,500 at the low end to $320,250 at the high end.

The area's expanding mix of businesses, from financial services and bioscience to technology and insurance, has created a business environment which is a magnet for industry leaders around the globe. With international airports, major seaports and a vibrant world trade center, Tampa Bay continues to enjoy unprecedented growth in international trade. The low cost of living, affordable housing, health care and groceries and no state income tax, there are plenty of people and companies who want to be here! And why not' Tampa Bay offers accessibility, affordability and opportunity.

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) provides affordable public transportation, including bus, In-Town Trolleys and Park & Ride services.

Excellent education options are available for families with students in pre-kindergarten through high school. The public schools in the area continue to score above the state average on FCAT scores. There are excellent private and parochial school options as well. Comprehensive information about Hillsborough County public schools is available at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Adult students can choose to attend one of many major colleges, universities, technical and trade schools. Tampa Bay is home to a respected medical school, top-ranked law school, private national liberal arts college and several graduate schools. The University of South Florida has become the 9th largest public university in the nation and is a top research institution. St Leo University just north of Tampa has a center at MacDill; it has been recognized as one of the top military-friendly colleges and universities.

There is no shortage of quality healthcare and resources in the Tampa Bay area. The region has an exceptionally strong network for hospitals. Major medical research is conducted in area facilities. Tampa General Hospital, Moffit Cancer Center, St Joseph's Hospital and James A Haley Veteran's Hospital are just a few of the healthcare facilities that provide top quality care and medical services to Tampa Bay residents.

Cultural and entertainment opportunities are available year round for residents and visitors. Concerts, performances and events are produced at Tampa's Straz Center, Tampabay Times Forum, Ruth Eckerd Hall and many other venues. Other exciting cultural exhibits include the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer's Children Museum and Museum of Science and Industry. Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo are popular with people of all ages. Gasparilla Week is our version of Mardi Gras, and the annual Gasparilla Parade- a pirate invasion celebration of the spirit of adventure of legendary pirate Jose Gaspar ' is over a century old. Nearby Plant City is home to the annual Strawberry Festival, home of the world's best strawberry shortcake.

Tampa is home to several professional sports teams including NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, MLB's Tampa Bay Rays and NHL's Tampa Bay Lighting. The New York Yankees call Tampa their home for spring training. University of South Florida and Tampa University offer multiple NCAA sports for area fans, and the Outback Bowl brings championship football to the area in January. Outdoor activities are a way of life in the Tampa Bay area ' swimming, canoeing, biking, jogging, golfing, fishing or a walk on the beach ' the opportunities are all here to enjoy.

If you're looking for a place to live, work and play, we invite you to explore all the treasures of Tampa Bay. Just remember the sunshine, gulf breezes and sunsets are all free!