Depends on perspecitve. Its an ok city
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3/12/2007
Moved to Tampa from the D.C. area about a year ago, though I have lived and spent time in Southern California as well. The beaches are great, and there does seem to be a decent nightlife, though I would hesitate to say there is any artistic or creative energy in the city. It may exist, but I havent found it yet. People complain about the traffic (like any city) and it can get congested at times, but it is nowhere near as bad as people would like to think. I spent years in D.C. traffic and Tampa doesn't compare in any way. You may be in traffic here, but you wont spend hours trying to move a mile. The people differ depending on where you go and who you meet, some are laid back and nice while others can be complete morons. My biggest problem is the lack of diversity, artists, or anything creative. After awhile you tend to feel a little isolated from the rest of the world, seeing as besides Orlando (big deal) you have nowhere to go for hours outside the city. Florida to me is all about the ideals of tourism with no real backbone or unique characteristics. It tries to pass itself off as the California of the east, but pails in any comparison. The city seems rundown, but I havent had any problems with crime. People here tell me stories all the time and tell me to be cautious in Ybor City, but not once have I felt uneasy walking down the streets of Tampa or Ybor. Tampa has nothing compared to the streets of D.C., Philadelphia, or Los Angeles. Overall, its a so-so city. My rent here for a 2br 2bt right next to the Airport, Stadium, minutes from Downtown, etc is reasonable and affordable for a student. Wouldnt want to live here forever or move here expecting something fantastic, but for the meantime its generally agreeable.
Matt | Town n Country, FL