Tampa is like a bad child, sometimes its ugly and
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5/24/2011
I have been in Tampa for 8 years. When I moved here I had only planned to be here no more than two years, obviously that changed. There are days when I cant wait to get out of here but then Tampa will show me her nice side and I think, wow what a beautiful place to live.
The good:
The airport is the best in this country, I travel for work and TPA always impresses me and makes me feel proud.
The downtown area and Riverwalk. The downtown has made a HUGE step forward since I have moved here. We now have 3 new beautiful museums. One of the most successful convention centers in the country. The Riverwalk, although still under construction is simply awesome and theres a new waterfront park that attracts so many good events and people.
Ybor city: Yes Ybor city has seen some dark days but its coming back and there is simply no place like it in the US. Travel magazine named 7th Ave one of the best streets in the country and for good reason. You may not find a Starbucks and Crate and Barrel but you will surely find it interesting.
The beaches: White sand beaches are a short drive away. Need I say more?
The bad:
Tampa is not a flashy city and the people here are mostly working class. The bad thing about this is its hard to find a good neighborhood thats not overun with shabby looking houses, at least within the downtown core. I live in South Tampa which anyone will tell you is the "place to live". I get so irritated because it seems my neighbors dont give a sh*t about keeping their homes up. Its this way all over the city and I really hate it.
The tax structure here is also irritating. Florida caters to the elderly and so you may be paying $6000 per year in taxes while your neighbor who has passed the house down through the family pays $600 per year. Thats my situation and its just not right.
The heat. Its just too stinking hot to even be outside for nearly 7 months out of the year. May through November is miserable in my opinion.
Overall, I like Tampa and if I never leave I will be OK. I think its got enough good to outweigh the bad.
Ron | Tampa, FL