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Tampa - 8/21/2009 |
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| I agree with what most everyone says is wrong about Tampa. The biggest problem here is the economy. In opinion, the economy is linked with the overall poor status of our schools (individual schools can be great).
There are almost no modern service or valued added manufacturing businesses in Tampa. The largest industry is call centers, with tourism, contract manufacturing (low margin), and real estate next in line. To make matters worse, these low intellectual valued added businesses are cyclical. The shallow economy depresses wages and discourages highly educated people from settling in the area. Sadly, I see nothing that changes this phenomenon.
If you really want to understand Tampa and how it fits with the modern economy, study Minneapolis/ St. Paul, a metro area roughly the size of Tampa/St. Pete. Despite high taxes and frigid weather, Minneapolis is home to hundreds of corporate headquarters in retail, advertising, money management, tv production, drugs, medical devices, medical service companies, chemical and packaging companies. Why? Minnesota has some of the best public school systems in the US, no doubt helped by the relative lack of urban ghettos and rednecks.
The bottom line is the following: if you are ambitious, this is a tough place to move. Forbes ranked us the worst MSA in the US for young professionals. A high priced MBA is of dubious value when the only jobs are running call centers.
If you are not ambitious, like warm weather and can put up with crime, you can carve out a niche here. If you are talented and have a good job, you might enjoy being a big fish in a small pond. Never forget, that your escape velocity might be quite high, however.
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| Roads and Travel - 1/5/2008
The major arteries are clogged and need angioplasty! There is so much red tape surrounding re-construction of our roadways that it's getting us anywhere literally. We can't even get past creating a[read more...]
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| Tampa- Pros & Cons - 12/24/2007
I have say Tampa is not a bad place to live. Tampa is much more affordable than living up north. It's easy to work and save money living in Tampa, buy a home and raise a family.
CONS: People[read more...]
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| The weather here is the best! - 12/8/2007
No where else compares to[read more...]
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| Get me out of here! - 11/22/2007
I have been stuck in Tampa for 6+ years due to marriage(wife wants to close to parents) and you have described it perfectly. Anybody, considering Tampa should disregard most of the other statments[read more...]
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| Former NYers always like Florida... - 11/21/2007
I lived in Tampa for two years after leaving Detroit, but now happily reside in Atlanta. When I was in Tampa (and FL in general), I noticed there was/is a certain breed of people who think it's[read more...]
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| Tampa is the Pits - 11/2/2007
Tampa used to be a much better place to live. It is now a "toilet" It is crime ridden, dirty and deteriorating rapidly. The roads can barely handle the constant influx of new "Floridians", and the[read more...]
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| Only one word comes to mind when I think of Tampa - 11/2/2007
The only word I can think of when thinking of Tampa is "toilet". Florida used to be a great place to live. But now it is the pits. Too crowded, too expensive and the wages hardly reflect the cost of[read more...]
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| It's OK...like everyplace, has it's pros/cons... - 10/29/2007
Tampa is a great place to live if you love hot, sticky, humid weather. Much like the far northern cities where you can't go outside much in Winter, the same is true here is Summer. Outdoor sports[read more...]
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| Comparisons - 10/25/2007
I had to laugh when I read some of the comments posted regarding living in Tampa, FL. Since, it is one of the cities I am interested in moving to. I have to agree with Alex's comments. Born and[read more...]
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 | Sherri
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| Not a good place to be - 10/25/2007
Tampa is not a good city to live in. The traffice is unbearable, and the culture of the city is non-existent. This is definitely the deep south and shows that in every aspect. Eventhough, the[read more...]
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| Living in Tampa - 10/10/2007
Tampa is okay. It's not the greatest, though. One of the major reasons I am planning to move is because of the crime rate here. There is also a lack of culture and highly educated people despite the[read more...]
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| Good and bad - 9/22/2007
During the fall, winter and spring it is so gorgeous that you will want to spend your time doing outdoor activities such as gardening, exercising, visiting beaches, etc. However beware that many[read more...]
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| Wonderful place to live - 9/14/2007
I moved to Tampa from Buffalo four years ago and would never go back. We have a young family and find that there is always something to do. Pick from beaches to fairs, city life to zoo's, adventure[read more...]
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| Life is Good - 8/10/2007
I moved to Tampa, FL in 1993 from Westchester County, New York. I fell in love with the beaches and the climate (for the most part). I have enjoyed a good lifestyle in Florida, one that I would not[read more...]
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| A LOT of crime - 8/10/2007
Housing market plumeting and crime on the rise.....not a great[read more...]
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| It's Hot - 8/8/2007
You can do it......... whenever you want, It's always a beatiful day to go[read more...]
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| Traffic - 7/31/2007
Stay off the Interstates/Highways/Main Roads from 8:00 - 9:30 am and from 4:00- 6:00 pm. It's just not worth[read more...]
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| Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side? - 6/21/2007
I have spent 12 years living in Europe; while, living from LA to NYC and everywhere between the two within the US. Tampa with all its small faults beats the rest hands down. First, the schools are[read more...]
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| Public Transportation - 6/17/2007
I love the city and what it has to offer. Many people come to Florida to retire. It is great if you are self-sufficient and can drive.
There is a downside for anyone who does not drive. [read more...]
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| Some good, some bad... - 6/15/2007
Like all metro areas all across the country, every city has its good and bad sides. Tampa is no exception. It just depends on your needs/wants. For Tampa, the best and most exclusive area to live[read more...]
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