Posted on 03/10/2006 6:24:51 AM PST by Hatteras
Thanks for the vanity vine.
Currently, I am in NC but a nice business opportunity is formulating where I will have to decide on relocating to the Tampa area for the forseeable future. I am hoping to get any constructive input from Tampa Freepers and former Tampa Freepers and Freepers that are familiar with the surrounding area.
I have traveled through Florida on numerous occasions (East coast and West coast) so I have a pretty good understanding of what to expect but I would love for anyone to share any "inside" information. Areas to avoid? Best "reasonable" housing areas? I want to do some research on real estate so I am interested in your recommendations. High Schools? etc...
So you got to let me know...
Should I stay or should I go?
tiredoflaundry lives in the area..and she knows everything..
tiredoflaundry lives in the area..and she knows everything..
If traffic doesn't bother you it is a very nice place to live.
ping
Ah, the Dale Mabry Ballet...I remember it well.
Hatteras, my experience with the Tampa area goes back to the early 70s and into the early 80s. Ended up there in the USAF (Macdill), and absolutely loved the place; two sons born in Tampa, and, myself, graduating from the university downtown with the minarets atop Plant Hall. BUT, I have been back since, late 90s, and again in 2003, and lordy, lordy, has that place gotten crowded. I hope your new workplace is not in Pinellas County, and, hopefully, you must try to reside as CLOSE as possible to your workplace. I would not want to be a commuter in that area. I used to live in the Macdill area (Westshore and Gandy), and could be downtown in less than 10 minutes; not sure if you can do that now. Brandon, and points east and northeast, used to be the bedroom communities, I suppose they still are, but oh, what a commute. But, maybe, even with the crowd .. the weather, the fishing, the FOOD (especially Cuban and seafood). ET. Al.; it may still be worth it. I like your Hatteras id; I live not far away near Little Washington. I have entertained the idea of moving back down that way (Tampa) myself these past few years. Really beginning to dislike guys like Tax Hike Mike. (as in Easley). Hopefully, others FReepers can give a more up to date insight. Myself, I miss the place, especially that back in the 70s ambiance. Just remember, there is a billboard down on I95 in Georgia that says Florida is just about Full, Why not just stop here? I guess your decision is what you think Full is. Hard to beat Hatteras Island from October to May. Best of luck in your decision.
P.S. Don't forget in figuring the cost of living...no state income tax in Florida, LOL!
Brocato's Sandwich Shop
5021 E Columbus Dr
Tampa, FL 33619
No doubt on the Cuban sandwiches. You can get some good ones in Tampa. Also I forgot to mention the lightning! Ha Ha. If you think your not scared of lightning just wait.
"Great Cuban sandwich's:
Brocato's Sandwich Shop"
OMG! I forgot that one- best Cubans!
OBTW! Allessi Bakery- the guava pastery is simply da bomb!
I was born in Tampa General but moved to Ga when I was two. However, my Dad's parents lived in Clearwater until they died, and I would see them for about a week every year.
If you want to move to Tampa first have a friend but a blue hair wig on and drive without regard to anyone else at about 25 mph, riding the brakes the whole time. You have to follow that person for at least two hours a day.
If you want the full treatment add two more blue hair cars along your route, backing up into the street without looking, running stop lights, driving over the center line towards you, etc.
At night play a recording of ambulances blaring near and far as they cart the local population here and there.
Let us know how it goes.
I sit out on the porch during storms watching it.
My kids have grow an affection for watching it too!
Isn't that where they have the new drive through? By a stolen car?
I'm a Tampa native and so is my hubby. We are rare birds here. I like to think of this part of the state as a transitional culture. The large influx of "northerners" have made a big impact on politics and our old fashioned southern hospitality.
Guava turnovers...yum!
Yeah, but if your interests are deeper than just following the box scores and league standings, Tampa baseball has a very interesting soap opera to follow.
Quick summmary: Devil Rays = Enron
and Vince Naimoli = Kenneth Lay.
LOL! It's a hoot!
Holy Naimoli!
Police: [Devil Rays Owner] Naimoli Yelled During Traffic Stop [Do You Know Who I Am???"]
I'm a sixth generation Floridian and the only reason we have "bad drivers" is because of all the northerners that move down here. (end/sarcasm)
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