Tampa has been named the "best city" in the Southeast by Money magazine.
Money took a number of factors into consideration including the city's job market, housing prices, accessibility to health care and culture. Residents said they're not surprised.
"Tampa is a fun, lively place where you get to meet all kinds of people and there are always great activities," said Courtney Beale.
The magazine praised Tampa for the Lightning's appearance in the Stanley Cup Final as well as hosting the Bollywood film awards.
It also mentioned the Tampa Museum of Art's move to a new building in 2010, Tampa International Airport's expansion and several new companies moving to the area.
Chris Brown said he's amazed at how Tampa is growing.
"Since I moved back to the area there's been a lot of changes, a lot of positive growth. You have a lot of new companies coming to the area as well so that's keeping people here and that's always a plus," he said.
Kinga Tarrants said she graduated from the University of Tampa in 2007. She moved away but said the city drew her back.
"Because it's a big city but not too big so it's comfortable. You feel safe and there's a lot to do," she said.
Money called Tampa the "Sunbelt beach city with international aspirations."
Residents said they feel like the world is beginning to notice what they've known about Tampa for a while.
"It's like baby bear's porridge, not too much but not too little. It's just right, "said Lauren Durcan.
Joining Tampa on the list: Pittsburgh was named the best city in the Northeast, Omaha in the Midwest, Mesa in the Southwest and Denver in the West.