Reviews & Comments
Portland, OR
High Cost of Living?? -
4/7/2010I guess depends on one's lifestyle, but I'm moving to Portland in part because the cost of living for me will be much lower than it is in Florida. My rent will be cheaper, I don't need to own a car (I am lucky in that I telecommute for my job), my utility bill will be much less, and because I'm a vegetarian and good produce is plentiful, I expect to afford to live there very well. However, I do understand that for those buying a house, having to drive to work downtown, and who eat out frequently, etc., that it can be pricey. Also love the liberal vibe, the art/music scene, the moderate weather. I'll be there in 3 weeks! Yay!
Tampa, FL
re: Some good, some bad... - 6/15/2007 -
9/28/2008Well said. I've lived in the Brandon/Valrico area for the past 13 years and I agree with your statements. My husband and I are considering moving elsewhere; our daughter is planning a move to Portland, OR. We work from home and can work anywhere, so the main issue is deciding where we really want to be. Moving is such a pain, so there's that weighing on us as well. But I hear you regarding considering living elsewhere; we're doing that, too.
Valrico, FL
It's a Very Individual Thing... -
9/28/2008It's very hot and muggy in the long summers here, no denying it. However, the past two years (due to climate change?) we have had more clouds and slightly more moderate temperatures during the summer months. You learn, though, to go outdoors during the cooler parts of the day during summer, which runs from May through most of September. Women younger than 50 (premenopausal) have more difficulty with the heat than men, children and women over 50. The Tampa Bay area is also the lightning capital of the western hemisphere, and summer thunderstorms are frequent, but usually brief. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
However, fall, winter and spring are nearly perfect here, with brilliant blue skies, low humidity, nice breezes and very moderate (occasionally chilly) temps. We do get freezing temperatures at night here a few days each winter, with rare frost.
Some people love the weather here; some hate it. I've learned to live with the summers, and I love the autumns, winters and springs, so I'm happy here.