Housing in Tampa: Wishes, Worries and Solutions

Housing in Tampa: Wishes, Worries, and Solutions

Most Tampa residents (85%), like most older Americans, want to stay in their homes and community as they age, a recent AARP Research survey of adults ages 45 and older living in Tampa found. That said, concerns over the affordability, accessibility, and resiliency of the homes in Tampa have them thinking twice about the reality of this desire.

The survey reveals not only a desire for more affordable housing, but also housing that meets the unique needs of older adults and residents living in a community that is prone to natural disasters such as  hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surges, and flooding.

Reasons to move

In the survey, overall housing costs and finding a home that can withstand a natural disaster shared the top spot for reasons to move, with both cited by 67% of residents.

Insurance coverage is also a major factor in deciding to move or stay in one’s home, with the majority of residents struggling to both find and afford housing insurance. A striking 83% are extremely or very concerned about the cost of insurance.

Other factors are also compounding the affordability of housing. Property taxes (77%), electricity costs (74%), and home maintaince costs (64%) are all cited as major cost concerns among residents.

Money isn't the only factor shaping older adults’ housing choices. Just over half (53%) of Tampa residents age 45 and older say that having a home designed to support independent living would strongly influence their decision to move. As mobility naturally declines with age, features like no-step entries, wider doorways, grab bars, and single-level living become more than just conveniences, they become necessities. In fact, nearly one in three adults in this age group already report having a health condition or disability that limits their day-to-day activities, underscoring the urgency of more accessible housing options.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — small dwellings located on the same property as a single-family residence — may be a viable option for easing housing challenges in Tampa, with the survey revealing an openness to them. 

The survey found that 53% would consider adding an ADU to their property.  That said, just 8% of residents say thay currently have an ADU on their property.  But with most respondents (59%) supporting town or city ordinances that make it easier for property owners to build an ADU on their property, that number could increase in the near future.

Methodology

AARP engaged ANR Market Research Consultants to conduct the May 2025 study of adults 45 and older living in Tampa. ANR completed 222 interviews (27 via landline telephone, 34 via cell phone, 132 online, and 29 utilizing text-to-web [TTW] methodology). Survey length averaged 18.3 minutes by telephone and 15.1 minutes online.

For more information, please contact Joanne Binette at jbinette@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.