Reviews & Comments
Tampa, FL
Affordable but very hot humid and rainy summer mon -
10/9/2016I’ve been living in Tampa for 12 years and unlike, some posters on here, I have no hidden agenda. Tampa is a great place if you’re looking for affordability. Houses are cheap and taxes are low (no state tax and homestead exemption for full time Florida residents). Beaches in nearby Pinellas County are among the best. However, expect to drive an hour each way to get to the beach.
Now the cons –
Hot humid summer - summers are very hot and humid. In fact they’re miserable and it pours heaving rain every afternoon. Any outside activities need to take place early morning or early evening. And all that heat and humidity breeds lot of bugs. Don’t go to any of the parks without bug spray or you’ll be mauled by mosquitoes.
Very low wages – companies much lower compared to other job markets
Terrible system of roads and traffic – many accidents due to poor/confusing signage
Too many bad neighborhoods throughout central Tampa – local ole boy government has done nothing to improve the situation
Minimal walk-able areas – expect to do lots of driving. A lot of strip malls throughout. There are a few walk-able areas downtown that are nothing to brag about.
Overall, I would say Tampa is a good place if you want cheap affordable housing to raise a family if you don’t mind the brutal summers, traffic and can find work that pays a decent salary.