ping
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 90’s, 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!
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.
FL offers mediocre public schools, overpriced real estate, and clogged roads. I love the state, but uncontrolled growth has done a number over the past 20 years.
COME ON DOWN!!!
I'm not a Floridian, but with the predicted increase in hurricanes and damages for the next five years or so ... I'd stay put. You'll loose more than you will gain. Just my 2 cents.
Clearwater is like a Scientological Vatican City, so I'd stay to the south of the Tampa area and avoid Clearwater whenever possible.
I live in Orlando, but spend time over there on occasion. The whole state is growing fast in population, so traffic will likely headache for you. That said, it is a great place to live, no state taxes, economy is booming. Weather is great. I moved from the north, and would have a hard time going back.
lots of old Yankees who drive slow and erratic and don't que well but can be sweet
Good seafood
Pass a Grille beach, Anna Maria, Clearwater Beach, Egmont, Longboat....all nice and close
parlez le Québecois?
My family chose to move to the New Orleans area 13 years ago. It has been financially good for us; but, evacuations are extremely unpleasant and expensive. We have always returned to an undamaged home. If your home is severely damaged it means months and/or years of headaches and heartaches to get back to normal. You should strongly consider this in your decision.
It's a great area. But as others have mentioned the growth has outpaced the infrastructure. Depending on where you are going to be working, I suggest you pick a place to live where you don't have to commute far on any of the Interstates. One problem you'll see is that for the most part, there aren't good alternative routes if there are accidents.
Avoid Bruce B. Downs or Dale Mabry areas.
I have an opportunity to relocate to Tampa which I've had to turn down, or at least put on hold, for family reasons. If it weren't for that I'd move there tomorrow.
This makes all the difference in the world if you want to receive some specific recommendations.
Leni
Where in NC? That would determine the relative housing costs. If you are in the G'boro/Winston area, Tampa will seem expensive in comparison. Even the outlying areas of Tampa are expensive. Living near your work is important, bec. the traffic in Tpa is horrendous during drive-times. But it is a beautiful city w/ lots of things to do and is near some of the most beautiful beaches and areas in FL. The two major newspapers are editorially split: St Pete Times,liberal; Tampa Trib,relatively conservative.
The FL Gulf coast is pretty conservative too, and some areas around here are overwhelmingly conservative. I have never, ever regretted the move from NC to FL.
Well, I have just sold my house in Lakeland (next county over) and left for Kentucky. Lived in Central FL since 1965. Went to college at USF in 1970 (ugh, I can't believe that!)
Housing values in Tampa right now are very high, causing movement further out. An old college friend of mine is a realtor and property manager there. Sharp cookie and very honest. If you decide to go, private mail me and I will give you her contact info.
Ah, personally IMO the congestion is way past out of control and property taxes in Hillsborough County are beyond the pale. Homeowners insurance is a total nightmare and in the process of getting significantly worse. Although I like Tampa as a city, and it is much preferable to Orlando.
That said, many of my friends thought I was nuts to leave. The growth is very good for you in a business sense. Ponder these points:
1-Where are you coming from in NC? How urban and crowded is it?
2-How much congestion and piss poor roads can you tolerate?
3-Is it a business oportunity that will require a permanent move? Over 5 years, for example?
4-Can you afford to keep your property in NC as a fall back if you don't like it there?
5-Can you pursue this opportunity on a sort of contingency basis? I mean lease a house or apartment and see how things go for a year and be able to back out or go back?
Read the thread, both pro and con. Most pro, all an honest assessment of the Bay area. My AO is Oldsmar, between Clearwater, and Tampa. Great place at the top of the bay. Come check out Jack Willies, the grouper is great.
I've lived in St. Pete, S. Tampa, Passe a Grill, and like it better than Ft. Lauderdale where I grew up. Ya got to check out Clewiston. It's a cool place, U.S. Sugar, and a large Seminole reservation. It's also a lot of fun if ya like alligators, rattlesnakes, and bobcats.
8^)
5.56mm
If you are in the mountains, and like being there, I don't think you'll take to all that swampy, skeetery, steamy landscape.