Tallahassee is a good city - 8/16/2023

My husband and I have been here for 5 years - we are not from Florida. Tallahassee is a very livable city. It is FULL of natural beauty and trees - you are surrounded by it inside the city and a short drive outside the city - gorgeous beaches / water, etc. Lots to do outdoors. There's nothing wrong with Tallahassee. It's diverse because of the universities - the people are generally very nice and it's pretty laid back. It is a safe city for families, as well. Of course, as with any city there are pockets of crime and gun violence - normally in economically challenged areas - but this is not a city I feel unsafe in. The cost of living everywhere is up - same in Tallahassee and Florida in general - it's a destination state - but compared to South Florida, Tallahassee is not very expensive.

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Tallanasty - 12/7/2020

Tallahassee is backwards. The housing is abundant yet way overpriced. The utility bills are insane with many extra fees-much higher than average. Lots of drunk students and road raging drivers. Lots of racism and ignorance. The colleges are useless, diplomas not worth the paper they’re on. There are gangs and lots of shootings-it’s the murder capital of Florida. Trash everywhere, and I’m not talking about the litter. The city of Tallahassee charges in utilities what is normally included in property taxes, and they charge you just for being a customer, plus another charge to pay your bill. They spend this money painting storefronts of abandoned stores.

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Great Place to Raise A Family! - 9/6/2019

I lived in Tallahassee from 1999 to 2002 as a college student at FSU. I was not a fan of the town back then, but now I absolutely love it. I have been living here (for the second time) since 2010, almost ten years. In that time, my husband and I have had 4 children. This is a fantastic place to raise a family!!! It has a small town feel but offers much more than a typical small town. People here are so friendly. Racism feels non-existent. Southern hospitality is a part of my daily experience. When I moved here and knew no one but my husband, many, many women reached out to me to help me feel at home. When our first son was born 10 months later, people I had only just met created a meal list and started delivering home cooked meals to us...for months. Our church community is incredibly friendly and active. The school my children attend is full of parental involvement and teaches Christian values in every subject throughput the day. There are ample parks with gorgeous trees and nice ballfields. Neighborhood kids play with our kids outside after school, which is not the case everywhere in FL. The parks and rec sports are fantastic and very affordable. The college football and baseball games are a blast. We love the little theater here and the museums and the downtown library. We absolutely love our neighborhood, full of friendly neighbors who say hello to one another and look out for one another. One example is when we lost power on Christmas Eve during a storm, and our neighbors who had a generator brought over warm coffee and homemade banana bread over to us the next morning. More often than not, when I go grocery shopping with all of my kids, someone comes up to me and offers to take my shopping cart back. I could go on and on. I will also say that it is the state capital, and politics is part of the scene here, but that isn't bad. People here are involved in local government. They care about school board meetings. They volunteer for Arbor Day. Although our family is slightly in the minority here because we lean to the conservative side, our point of view feels welcome and respected. This has never been an issue. Nothing feela divisive here. I don't enjoy the super hot weather in July and August, but I love the season changes and love the chilly winters. The leaves turn beautiful colors here, unlike in most of FL. And I really love how close it is to other fun places. We love to take weekend trips as a family to places like Santa Rosa Beach (2 hours), New Orleans (5 hours), the Blue Ridge Mountains (5.5 hours), Savannah (5 hours), Thomasville (30 minutes), Tampa Bay (4 hours), Atlanta (5 hours), and Pensacola (3 hours). Tallahassee is a very special place in the world. A beautiful and friendly place to live!

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It's Ok - 5/1/2018

Like others have said Tallahassee is a college town. I have lived here about three years. This is a good city if you are in college and are working on a degree as there are several colleges (FSU, FAMU, TCC, etc.) nearby. I am a college student so this works for me. The wages are bad. There is simply no other way to say it. The main employers are the state government and the colleges. Other than that the job listings are full of entry level jobs (fast food and retail) with very few decent paying jobs. I am not sure how you could raise a family here without substantial government assistance. Crime is high for a population just a hair over 200k people. Some places are much better than others though. Tallahassee is weird in that there a small pockets of "good" areas surrounded by rough areas that you will want to stay away from. Fortunately it does not take long to figure out which area you are in. The traffic - OMG the traffic... For a smaller city I am amazed that there can be so much traffic. I have been in cities with 4-5x the population of Tallahassee that have much better traffic particularly during rush hour. I think this is largely due to the narrow windy streets and few major roads that all the cars are funneled into. The cost of housing is relatively low, unfortunately this is off-set with low salaries and surprisingly high property taxes and utilities. The whether in Tallahassee is good if you like the sun. During the summer Tallahassee has many picture perfect bright sunny days (there is one today as I am writing this review). The temperature during these days is somewhere between perfect and harsh. Keep in mind it is humid here which can make the temperature feel hotter than it is. The winter's are very mild. It does get colder than south Florida, but it seldom feels like winter here which is nice. In fact I would say the winter/fall months are the best times of the year here. As far as entertainment and things to do? Tallahassee has things to do, but you will have to look for them. I can see how this city comes off as bland to some people. There is nothing "amazing" here if that is what you are looking for. However there are some good restaurants, stores, and things to do, it just might take awhile to find them. The culture here is mostly black and white. The college does bring in other nationalities, but from what I have seen this has made only a minor impact.

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Climate? - 3/29/2018

It seems to me that Sperling's had given Tallahassee a climate score below 50 a few years ago. Now it is 75. Someone must have forgotten to deduct points for humidity.

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Sad. - 1/22/2018

Being in Tallahassee is like eating the same food every day over and over again. The town is 51% white and 39% black with a handful of Asians and about 5 Latinos, but that's it in terms of flavor. Every race keeps to themselves and almost tries to stay segregated. Every child I see I empathize with because they are being raised in a close-minded, racist, segregated environment. On top of that, the city only spends money on the richer neighborhoods, trying to improve what is already functioning instead of going to the poorer neighborhoods and fixing the roads or building parks. On top of that, there is seldom anything happening and there is nothing to do unless you're in college. It is hard to find jobs, housing is expensive, and prejudices are almost reinforced. If you are thinking about moving yourself or your family here, you should look out for the wellbeing of yourselves and refrain from doing so. If you have a differing opinion you are either from Tallahassee and unaware of these issues or you're in denial of the truth.

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Good for students, professionals, and families. - 1/27/2017

Student life is a lot of fun. Lots of cheap, yummy, and local food like California Chicken Grill and Crepevine. There are always fun events at the university open to all, including movies at the SLC and orchestral and jazz performances at the school of music. Professional life is excellent, with many young professional meetups and hip places like Brass Tap or Fermentation Lounge. Coffee Shops like Lucky Goat, RedEye are great, and even some Starbucks make a great work location. For families, the Killearn, Midtown, and Southwood. Big complaints include the weather and maybe the community a bit. It gets hot in the summer. Being inland there is no Florida ocean breeze, making it one of the hotter places in Florida. The community can be very friendly, which is a strong point, but there are a lot of places that are simply rude and mean to right-leaning or religious people.

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Tally is fun! - 1/27/2017

Tallahassee is a fun town, rich in history and Florida State Seminole-culture. The layout of the town is interesting with Florida State University and the city center with government buildings close by. This creates two different cultures for Tallahassee, one that appeals to the students, and another aspect of rich history and legislative action. Near the university you'll find unique bars and restaurants catered to students that are fun to explore on a Friday night. The area is buzzing with students moving to and from class. It's also fun to explore the FSU campus to see their stadium, buildings, libraries, and more. The downtown area is anchored by the Florida State Capitol and can be busy during times of the year when legislators are in town. I've found that the downtown area is not very good for late-night fun, but you can make a great Saturday afternoon by walking through the city and seeing the capitol buildings and old architecture. All-in-all, Tallahassee is a fun place to visit if you're looking to learn more about our state's history and government.

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city is claustrophobic - 10/25/2016

I thought It was just me, I moved here in late May 2016. I’m from northeast, been in Florida since August 2015. I live 6 miles from work and it takes me 17 minutes to get to work and 20 minutes to get home.(I have driven 20 mins to work before but that was 17 miles) I moved here from Mount Dora, FL for a better position in my company and now I wish I had never left. This city is claustrophobic for me, I have never lived in a forest before. The combination of the forest like 2 lane streets and the long lights has caused me anxiety while driving. I never would have moved here had I known, I also agree with the nothing to do and more expensive than lake county. And the summer here was hot, hot, hot, and soooo humid. The utilities are crazy, the rent is more and the food is expensive. Only thing to do here is go to the movies if you are not into sports. I have driven to Panama City Beach, Jacksonville and Orlando for something to do. Also you need to drive to Jacksonville or Orlando to get a decent price for airfare, my co-worker told me the Tallahasse airport charges the airlines more money, so the tickets out of here can be hundreds of dollars more than elsewhere and some airlines are not here. I am looking for another transfer within my company back to Lake county Florida area, although there is a 18 month waiting period between transfers. I’m out of here as soon as can. This place is not why I moved to Florida.

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An Isolated Island of Traffic - 9/20/2016

Tallahassee is all the traffic of a real city with very few big city amenities. It is also VERY ISOLATED, with little or nothing to do nearby besides Wakulla Springs. Although near the coast, you will have to drive at least an hour and a half to find a beach which is not swampy or swarming with bugs. I was draw here when Trader Joe's and Whole Foods opened, thinking Tally had finally reached big city status, but no. The Whole Foods is a dud, and the impressive plethora of natural foods stores, Publix, Starbucks, Target, shopping, plus some very nice city parks, do not make up for all that is lacking. I should have know Tally was a mistake in the beginning, but I was coming from someplace worse. The first time I visited here, I listened to hip-hop music blaring in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn all night. Later that day, we visited the mall and someone shot off a gun causing mass panic. The second time I visited, there was a stabbing in the lobby of our hotel and prostitutes hanging around in the parking lot. Tallahassee has grown up too fast, yet has never fully realized a cohesive identity of its own. A strange mix of students up here from Miami, State Government workers, Health Care workers, a diverse African-American population, young couples with toddlers who go to bed early, and most recently, Retirees, Tallahassee boasts crime at an all time high. I have watched the downward spiral of the Midtown area in the past three years, as crime and the homeless population have crept in. The most violet negative here is not the crime however, it's the students. Students rule here- they rule the road and they will basically wipe their butt with you if you get in their way. It's all ego, all me, all the time. For " The Most Highly Educated City in Florida," I have not been the least bit impressed. My graduate student neighbors are the loudest, worst neighbors I have ever had. Additionally, this State Capitol of Florida is more reminiscent of the slow pace, Southern cities of Alabama and Georgia, with all the road rage and bad drivers of Orlando and Tampa. The narrow canopy roads which encompass many residential driveways are not equipt for the heavy traffic which they see daily, resulting in a grid lock which traps people in their homes until rush hour has passed. Stop lights are ill designed, and include left turn signals which let one car through at a time, while a long line of cars wait through multiple lights. Businesses are not well stocked here, shelves are empty, and many stores are closing. It's hard to find what you need, and when you order it, mail service is unreliable at best. I have had multiple packages disappear, and have experienced extreme unprofessionalism in the Post Office. High speed internet service is slow, and Netflix can take up to a week to arrive from nearby Panama City, an hour and half drive away. During Hurricane Hermine, the mayor refused the help of the Governor to get the power back on, resulting in thousands of people (and pets) waiting in the blistering heat for 5 days or more because of political differences. Good luck getting any sleep in Tallahassee. Local trash pick-up is usually between 2 and 3 am, and includes a truck which goes BEEP BEEP BEEP constantly. Quieter nights are accented by random gun shots and sirens. If you venture outside Tallahassee you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, like a drop off a cliff into redneck, country living. As far as weather, it's more like living in the Carolinas or Georgia than like living in Florida. The summers are hotter than the Peninsula, with no sea breeze or relief, and the Winters likely dip below freezing and stay there. I've also experienced allergies I did not have in Florida proper from the many Pecan trees just North of here in Georgia. The nature is still wild and untamed here- the bugs are heavy and prevalent, and you will see wild animals in town, as Tallahassee is surrounded by heavy forest. It may be a nature lover paradise with all the gorgeous trees and parks, but all and all, Tallahassee is isolated and mediocre. There is no real airport, no concerts or events- just FSU football and blood curdling crime. Strangely, it is not the worst place I have ever lived, but the whole time I've been here, I have been thinking I cannot wait to get back to civilization.

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Living in Tallahassee - 9/19/2016

Relocated her from midwest - typical southern city - very parochial & boring if you're looking for a vibrant artistic and rich cultural experiences that are diverse. However, nice for raising a family - as there are some great elementary schools here! I must say it is a beautiful place aesthetically - lots of green spaces & wildlife abound in every community even downtown.

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Tallahassee Weather - 10/2/2013

Generally hot from mid-May to mid-October. The Winter, generally mild, can have 30 degree swings from the morning low to the afternoon high.

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Tallahassee - 3/15/2013

Tallahassee is a great place to live. I have lived in a big city before and Tallahassee has more wildlife, and more parks; two things I enjoy. The jobs vary. If you have a high demand field (STEM, or anything in healthcare) you can find a job here. Some other field of studies may also be able to find work here also. The pay varies also, but it is also a more affordable city to live in.

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Cost of living - 3/6/2013

Not ready for a comment at this point, just want info on living in Tallahassee

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Tallahassee - 2/7/2013

It is a great college city but with that said, it is smaller than you might think. It is beautiful year round. In the restaurant business where I work though, jobs are hard to find-everyone has already worked for everyone (LOL)

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Going East or West ........... - 4/9/2012

More to come.......... Just travel a little east or west of Tallahassee to see Beautiful small towns & Green Natural Landscapes for exploring with a camera & hiking boots.

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Great City - 5/20/2011

Tallahassee Florida is a great city for older adults. It is a beautiful city with big,beautiful trees. People are nice and helpful. Farmers market 6 days a week, library open downtown on Sunday. Moved here from SW Florida and LOVE IT!

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The ArmPit of Florida! - 2/18/2011

Tallahassee is the armpit of Florida! Traffic is horrendous, crime is off the charts, the weather sucks and the schools are the absolute worst! Jobs are crappy - with so many college students/graduates running around town willing for work for minimum wage, employers don't pay more than that to fill even professional positions. Your other choice for employment is to work for the State of Florida and get paid in sunshine. It's nice to have a sunny day but it sure doesn't put food on the table, ya' know what I mean? If you love living in a mosquito-infested swampland next door to white trash living in run-down shacks then come to Tallahassee!

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Not enough bang for the buck - 2/5/2011

There are some really great places here, but all in all it is too expensive for what you get.

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Learning Options for Higher Education - 1/2/2011

Tallahassee has a community college, two universities and a few technical schools. The community college also has several university partners which share its campus. Tallahassee is a great place to come for higher education!

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