Any negatives about Tallahassee? (Jacksonville, Miami: credit, lawyer, gated)

[megaseth7]

When I lived in Tallahassee there was still quite a bit of racial division. I think the blacks were actually quite a bit more friendly once they realised you were cool with them or whatever. I think to alot of southern whites I was something of a yankee...you know one of the people who ruined it for them. I have been asked if I am even 'white'...I guess my dark curly hair just isnt pure enough for some. As a Yankee I found that almost all of my friends were also from out of state (i.e. Yankees). I would still move back...its just something you get used to I suppose.

[megaseth7]

Have fun getting acrossed town. I think Tallahassee is still pretty much working off the original road plan that they used when they were settling the place.

[FSUMike]

Worst thing hands down is the traffic. Other than that Tallahassee is beautiful and a great place to live and raise a family. One of the best places in Florida.

[wdrogers]

how about the weather?

The amount of rainfall is what bothers me more than anything else. I've lived in Louisiana and spent a summer in Houston and summers can be brutal as I'm sure they are in Tallahassee. My biggest concern, however, is the rainfall. It looks like Tallahassee is worse than the Pacific Northwest. Is it really that bad?

[Strel]

It rains a lot, but no more than the rest of Florida. Summer pattern is a fierce afternoon thunderstorm that cools things off and that's about it. It rains more in the spring....except for the last few years it's been a spring drought.

It does not rain anywhere near as bad as the Pacific Northwest. I don't know who told you this but they are utterly wrong.


I have lived here for 20+ years and the worst thing about Tallahassee is the traffic, as others have said. Not bad so much as just plain odd. The roads are not laid out on a grid, but more like a crooked wagon wheel. It takes years to find your way around this place, and neophytes often get lost and wind up in Sopchoppy LOL.

Other than that, and not having a great job market, it is a wonderful place to raise a family.

[wdrogers]

the average rainfall there is more than it is in portland or in seattle, that's why I asked about the pacific northwest.

everything about the city looks so great and I'm excited to move there but when I saw the rainfall I got a bit worried.

anything else about your general impression of the place. nice areas for younger folks, good areas to walk around while eating, shopping, etc. fun things to do places to go. I've looked online but it's nice to get a local's perspective as well.

[GR82BAGATOR]

Florida has heavy downpours and that's probably why our rainfall, in inches, could be close to the PNW but look at the average days. It rains on average far more there than here but in the PNW its more of a constant light rain, Oct thru June. Here it is more of a short, heavy rain and most times its in the afternoon during the spring/summer. We are after all called the "Sunshine State" for a reason!

Originally Posted by wdrogers

the average rainfall there is more than it is in portland or in seattle, that's why I asked about the pacific northwest.

everything about the city looks so great and I'm excited to move there but when I saw the rainfall I got a bit worried.

anything else about your general impression of the place. nice areas for younger folks, good areas to walk around while eating, shopping, etc. fun things to do places to go. I've looked online but it's nice to get a local's perspective as well.

[kit_kat]

I have lived here a while now and can outline my own personal negatives.

The main bad points imho are (in no particular order):

1. the weather - unbearable humidity in the summer for about 4 months.
2. The heavy traffic makes it feel like a big city (but without amenities)
3. Isolation from other urban areas
4. religious conservatism is the dominant culture
5. business connections are often made through the "church culture" so if you don't belong to a church it is hard to start a business.
6. The town is very sprawling and most people drive trucks - they are not interested in environmental issues
7. lack of stores - only the basic chains are here
8. Non FSU salaries are low

Many people say that this is a good place to raise a family. I would say that crime/safety wise it may be but bear in mind that this is only really true if you are a Christian and fairly conservative. For example a large proportion of people in the town do not believe in evolution and this is reflected in the policies of the public schools. I'm not mentioning to start an argument of any kind I just want to present a fact. For me personally this is a strong negative to the town. This is something which will not necessarily be noticed so much by students so I thought I should mention it. If you feel yourself to be a liberal you will probably not like Tallahasse.

[GracieJayne]

The driving here is terrible or maybe it's the police's inattention to it. I have witnessed people running red lights, stop signs, speeding well above the limit, changing lanes in the intersection, pulling out in front of other cars almost causing accidents ... so many times I can't count, right in front of police cars and they don't even flash their lights. They won't do anything about the horrid driving conditions, especially around the college. Make sure you are fully insured!

[MrTudo]

It gets cold up there!

But at least it's Fla.