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Skyline- Austin
Transportation- none
Density- Austin
Walkability- none
Shopping- Central Flo
Recreation- tie- edge to Cen Flo
Diversity- Central Flo
Food- CenTex
Culture- CenTex
High Culture/Arts- sucky offerings all around
Music- Austin
Film- Austin
From the bunch Orlando is my favorite.
They aren't horrid choices, most of the typical city comparisons have been beaten to death on here and I know what is there. Both of the cities have emerging or somewhat developed tech corridors, both have seen developments in film and have a pair of cities which are frequented heavily by tourists and both are not the *star* of the state and both around 2m/2m twin equal distance apart metros. Orlando / Tampa would have been getting HSR if the governor wasn't an idiot.
I pick Austin and San Antonio. Better downtowns, more charm, much better food, more friendly and socilable people than Florida.
Could you elaborate? What is it about Tampa/Orlando that can't compete on friendliness and sociable? Are the downtowns also really better? Why are tampa/orlando lacking food options, they seem to have diverse populations? Does the food not match up?
They aren't horrid choices, most of the typical city comparisons have been beaten to death on here and I know what is there. Both of the cities have emerging or somewhat developed tech corridors, both have seen developments in film and have a pair of cities which are frequented heavily by tourists and both are not the *star* of the state and both around 2m/2m twin equal distance apart metros. Orlando / Tampa would have been getting HSR if the governor wasn't an idiot.
They are too me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfieldian
Could you elaborate? What is it about Tampa/Orlando that can't compete on friendliness and sociable? Are the downtowns also really better? Why are tampa/orlando lacking food options, they seem to have diverse populations? Does the food not match up?
All though I prefer the Orlando/ Tampa combo I would say yeah, the DT's of SA and Austin are better than the central Flo ones. Austin has the best skyline of all of them, it is the most pedestrian friendly, and there is lots of activities to do right there in downtown. SA has nice architecture downtown and things to see.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfieldian
Could you elaborate? What is it about Tampa/Orlando that can't compete on friendliness and sociable? Are the downtowns also really better? Why are tampa/orlando lacking food options, they seem to have diverse populations? Does the food not match up?
OK fair enough
I find Texas to be a bit more extroverted. Floridians, I won't call them unfriendly as that would be to broad I just feel there is less ice to break in Texas from the outset. San Antonio especially made an impression on me when visiting I just felt a very warm demeanor from many every day encounters there, like unusually so. But that's just my anecdotal experience however it was most impressionable for me.
Yes I do think downtown San Antonio and Austin have better downtowns. Tampa's downtown leaves something to be desired. It has a sterile feel dominated by business and government with not very much creativity. That was in 2002 when I was there last so it may have changed. Ybor City was charming to too small to make a big impression. Orlando has a pretty downtown with the new modern high-rises but at street level it's meh...
San Antonio has a wonderful downtown, among the best in Texas. I enjoyed the river walk, it really had an ambiance about it that was unique to San Antonio itself, awesome landscaping and fountains. San Antonio has a lot of preserved historic buildings. It's not going for the flashy or modern Dallas genre but rather it's own genuine charm. Downtown Austin is also very interesting having the 6th street entertainment district with diverse music venues, a growing residential base with some impressive recently constructed high-rises. Add in a state capital and huge college town presence, some interesting hilly topography with lakes and there is quite a dynamic city.
All four cities are diverse like any big city in North America. I just think cities in Texas have an edge upon food with its own Tex-Mex and barbeque element. Florida doesn't really offer much of a trademark for food.
Last edited by Champ le monstre du lac; 11-28-2011 at 01:18 PM..
I find Texas to be a bit more extroverted. Floridians, I won't call them unfriendly as that would be to broad I just feel there is less ice to break in Texas from the outset. San Antonio especially made an impression on me when visiting I just felt a very warm demeanor from many every day encounters there, like unusually so. But that's just my anecdotal experience however it was most impressionable for me.
Yes I do think downtown San Antonio and Austin are better. Tampa's downtown leaves something to be desired. It has a sterile feel dominated by business and government. That was in 2002 when I was there last so it may have changed. Ybor City was charming to too small to make a big impression. Orlando has a pretty downtown with the new modern high-rises but at street level it's meh...
San Antonio has a wonderful downtown, among the best in Texas. I enjoyed the river walk, it really had an ambiance about it that was unique to San Antonio itself, awesome landscaping and fountains. San Antonio has a lot of preserved historic buildings. It's not going for the flashy or modern Dallas genre but rather it's own genuine charm. Downtown Austin is also very interesting having the 6th street entertainment district with diverse music venues, a growing residential base with some impressive recently constructed high-rises. Add in a state capital and huge college town presence, some interesting hilly topography with lakes and there is quite a dynamic city.
All four cities are diverse like any big city in North America. I just think cities in Texas have an edge upon food with its own Tex-Mex and barbeque element. Florida doesn't really offer much of a trademark for food.
A lot has changed. They have a new streetcar line and now Channelside has been built up. It's much nicer although I'm not sure if it's better than San Antonio or Austin. But it is better from 2002.
What is up with these two sunbelt clusters? What will their future hold? Are they good for young people? How is the culture different.
Which would you prefer to live in?
This is a very legit and difficult question because the two are actually very similar! I've actually lived in both Orlando and San Antonio and has visited Austin and Tampa. I would definitely pick Austin & San Antonio. For me, I love not dealing with humidity, bugs, insects, and mosquitoes. The Texas weather was a very welcome change for a Floridian like me. The only issue I had was dry skin.
I prefer Texas people in general to Floridians. I feel like Floridians are more materialistic and shallow compared to Texans. Texans are very down to earth. Southern Hospitality is alive and well over there. My life long friends are all Texans. So that pretty much tells you.
I would say for nightlife, Orlando and Tampa definitely have that in the bag over San Antonio. San Antonio is a military town filled with families. Not too many clubs. Austin is a different story. It's music and club scene is nationally known. But I tend to think Orlando's and Tampa's are also a huge force that can stand against it. I don't know which is better honestly.
Obviously there's more family-related activities to do in Orlando than anywhere else. Theme parks galore.
Overall, I would pick San Antonio and Austin based off the people, the cost of living, weather, and quality of life. I had a great time there and would definitely move back if there was a reason to. But right now, I came back to FL to finish school and then I'm moving to the west coast.
For me Austin & San Antonio win this won hand's down. Austin is my favorite city in TX and San Antonio is not far behind. I think Tampa is all right (and Clearwater Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the nation) but I feel that Orlando is fairly soul-less. There's no "there" there.
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