Tampa, some good, some not so good...
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3/26/2006
I agree with David's comment. I have lived in the Tampa area for 13 years and then for about 6 years as a teen/young adult. I am now a middle-aged single woman and plan to leave as soon as I complete my graduate degree in mental health counseling. Tampa has been trying to be a sophisticated, world-class city for some time now. But Tampa's a long way away from being a world-class city (although things have certainly improved) and most of the sophistication is located in South Tampa, where most of the wealthiest residents live. There are other nice areas in Tampa and Hillsborough County, but there's a lot of very country, and un-educated population here too. I've heard it said that Tampa is basically a "working man's town," and I thought that wasn't true, but then I realize, it pretty much is true. Tampa is "working man's town" trying to be a sophisticated cosmopolitan city, but just not quite making it(in spite of the building boom and even Mr. Trump building here.) One way you can judge a city is by its public transportation. The public transit system here sucks. It's just pitiful. The lack of availability and convenient schedules should really be an embarrassment to HART. (And don't even get me started on the schools.) And then unless you're in business development/sales-marketing/finance/accounting or healthcare, the salaries and opportunities are so out of line when compared to the cost of housing and range of opportunities available in other large metropolitan areas. If you don't mind hot, sweltering weather, beaches and things to do though, Tampa (and surrounding areas)might be the place for you. (And Tampa has a great airport.) For myself, I'm heading north. I'm so sick of the sticky, hot and humid weather and having to worry about hurricane season EVERY year. Plus, if you have allergy problems, they are likely to get worse here. Nothing ever dies in Tampa's subtropical climate and the fall and spring can be particularly brutal. Allergy sufferers can plan to spend a lot of time at the allergist' office and will also spend large sums on antihistamines/ decongestants. Think about it.
Nancy | Brandon, FL