This is my opinion living here a few months. In some states you know what to expect because you know which cities are bad and you just stay away from them. For instance, if you're from NY you know that for the most part, the Bronx is a high crime city so many people stay away. However, in FL it doesn't always work that way. One city has a combination of both. You can be in a good area and if you make a wrong turn you can land on a bad neighborhood. Now, to answer your questions:
1. Cost of Living? Depends. I will break it down. I'm renting in a fairly good area and it's 2 bedrooms for $1450 plus electricity (A/C is always ON it's super hot in FL so expect to pay $60-$150 monthly), here you pay additional for water ($65-$150), and of course internet, cable, etc. would be additional fees. I heard it was cheaper to buy than to rent.
2. Of course everywhere has it's dash of racism but in regards Tampa do most people get along or is there racial outburst among blacks, white, latinos and etc.
Racism is EVERYWHERE. I went to Plant City and it had its fair share of confederate flags. In Tampa, it's known to be a blue "city" but I have seen many cars with confederate flags. I'm mixed, and have seen people look at me wrong for NO reason. Don't know if it is due to the animosity there is thanks to politics against people of color, but if you're coming to the South, don't think racism isn't here. As a matter of fact, racism is everywhere. On another note, in Tampa, I've seen LOTS of interracial couples. I think they are somewhat tolerant when dating outside your race. I've seen many black women with white men and white women with black men. I think it is somewhat welcoming, but not entirely.
3. Would you call Tampa a singles town? Look up the demographics. I'd say so, but other than the beach, bar, clubs you will need to go out there.
4. Low or High Crime Rate? Demographics will say this. Some areas are known to be really bad, especially for robberies, but home theft seems to be an issue in Tampa. Again, the demographics will detail it better. Where I live it's pretty quiet so I haven't experienced anything of the sort.
5. Weather and Air Quality? Good or Bad? Air is good, but the HUMIDITY is bad, if you have pulmonary problems they may exacerbate. Also, there are so many OLD cars in Tampa bay, lots of high rollers but also old cars that pollute the air.
6. Lot's of bugs or not too many? Are you kidding? It's a bug's life here! Wasps are a nightmare over the summer. Geckos everywhere. Water bugs (palmetto bugs a.k.a. huge roaches) are a thing! You will see them outside and inside the home. FL is all about bugs, you can't escape them. Even if you're super clean.
7. City Corruption among law enforcement and local government? None, Normal or Extreme? Just like everywhere, corruption is everywhere! But it's covert. If you work from the inside out you'd be able to tell better.
Now for the things you didn't ask that anyone moving to Tampa should know.
1. It's super muggy/hot. Expect to pay a lot for A/C, electricity. You will spend more time indoor because the heat is unbearable. It goes down from 90s to 70s on December, perhaps a little lower in January, but it's not called the sunshine state for nothing.
2. Don't drink the WATER. Tampa water is trash. I've drunk from it twice and got terribly sick. And I live in a good neighborhood. You'd think people pay more they will get cleaner water... NOT.
3. BAD drivers. Accidents are so common. Saying that, expect to pay at least $3k on car insurance alone.
4. 86% of Tampa has a HS diploma, if you don't work for the fed govt, or are a lawyer, doctor, engineer, good luck on finding a job that pays well.
5. Finding a job isn't as easy. I've seen discrimination against those who are a bit more educated.
6. It's all about $$$. Many car shops will scam you. I went in to get my car fixed, they messed up another part in my car, they said I lied and said they'd fix it for a fee. Some car shops, if not most, I read do this so wasn't surprised when it was done to me. I went in to fix one thing, they ruined another part that they'd say they'd fix for a fee. Be prepared for that.
7. People are nice, for the most part. Nicer than in South FL. But there's some rude people as well, young hoodlums and lots of drugs. So be wary of those.
John |
Tampa, FL |
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