Miami may have the glamour, and Orlando may have the tourist appeal, but the Tampa Bay area has that elusive quality many attribute to the "real" Florida. It has nature preserves, crystal-clear rivers, quiet parks, and white-sand beaches-but natural beauty isn't Tampa's only calling card. This is a full-fledged metropolis with economic and cultural opportunities unmatched on Florida's Gulf Coast, from the vibrant business community of Tampa itself to the interesting museums, shops, and restaurants in St. Petersburg and Port Richey beyond. Few areas of the country have grown as Tampa has in the past decade, but growth hasn't diminished the area's beauty or the quality of life it offers. The world-class beaches and superior resorts that attract visitors by the thousands have also attracted a growing number of selective home buyers who recognize the Tampa Bay area as an excellent place to spend not just a week, but maybe a lifetime.