According to Harvard University Medical School, most senior adults have at least one chronic health problem. For seniors fully to enjoy Tampa independent living, access to high-quality local health care facilities is an important consideration. There are more than twenty hospitals and four trauma centers in Tampa and the surrounding areas. Of these, three were rated among America’s best by US News and World Report. Tampa also hosts a number of research institutions. Some of the major hospitals in Tampa are Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. The area is host to hundreds of animal medical facilities to care for the residents’ pets.
Transportation
Tampa independent living is facilitated by excellent road, air, rail, sea and public transit facilities. The area is served by two expressways, the Lee Roy Salmon Expressway (SR-618) and Veterans Expressway (SR-589). Both of these are toll roads. Tampa Bay itself is crossed by three bridges into Pinellas County: the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Howard Franklin Bridge and the Gandy Bridge. The city is served by two international airports and two smaller airports. The town also has a rich railway heritage. Historic Tampa Union Station is served by Amtrak with twice-daily services to Miami and New York City. The Tampa Port Authority operates no fewer than three cruise ship terminals. Public transport includes bus, streetcar and paratransit services operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. The TECO Line Streetcar System combines rustic charm with modern functionality, serving 11 stations with air conditioning and wheelchair access. River taxis and light rail are also available.