[yucastrike]

HI:

This is a question that I've seen many times, but I want a 2015 update. My wife and I are thinking to relocate from Ft. Lauderdale to either Orlando or Tampa. I don't know which two of the cities will offer better jobs opportunities and how our S. Florida salaries will hold up over there. Both of us are in Healthcare (Lab and Pharmacy) and I heard that salaries are lower up there. Also, other than healthcare, which of the two cities has a better economy, more diverse and stable job market?

Thanks!!!

[kyle19125]

Tampa/St Petersburg has more of a diverse economy than Orlando and is larger with more to do in my opinion, especially if amusement parks aren't of interest to you so much. In terms of salaries both cities are about the same, though bear in mind if renting that the Tampa Bay area in general costs less.

[Arcenal813]

I agree with Kyle.
I went to school in Tampa and liked it much better there overall. Theme parks not being an important factor for me, there just appeared to be more to do in close proximity to the city.
I live in Orlando mostly because of my wife.
Thankfully I was able to get a job transfer to Orlando so I no longer have to commute 91 mi one-way to work...

[Fl1150]

In my opinion you can't really go wrong with either as both have pretty good economies and if your looking for jobs in healthcare both are pretty strong maybe Orlando a little stronger since lots of construction of new medical facilities is happening. I don't agree with Kyle as far as saying Tampa is more diverse maybe because Disney is there he feels it makes it more tourist dominated then I could understand a little. But both are growing in different sectors each day.

[JayGatsby]

If you work in healthcare you should be able to get a job just about anywhere. I think the job market is roughly equal between Orlando and Tampa. I'd agree Tampa has more diverse opportunities, but specifically for healthcare I doubt it matters too much.

[kyle19125]

Actually the Tampa Bay metro is twice the size of the Orlando metro, so subsequently there's a great deal more healthcare opportunity as hospitals are a necessary infrastructure relative to population and to suggest Orlando falls equal in terms of diversity of facilities wouldn't be a rational statement. All in all Orlando is mostly a two horse town in terms of hospitals with Florida Hospital and Orlando Health controlling nearly all of the facilities in the area.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Actually the Tampa Bay metro is twice the size of the Orlando metro, so subsequently there's a great deal more healthcare opportunity as hospitals are a necessary infrastructure relative to population and to suggest Orlando falls equal in terms of diversity of facilities wouldn't be a rational statement. All in all Orlando is mostly a two horse town in terms of hospitals with Florida Hospital and Orlando Health controlling nearly all of the facilities in the area.

I agree with Kyle - Tampa Bay metro has way more to offer.

[MAniacTHW]

I'm biased as I was born and raised in Tampa. If I had a choice of where to live, money wasn't an issue, Downtown Tampa. If money is an issue, Seminole Heights.

[Arcenal813]

There will be lots of healthcare opportunities in either city.
Don't forget that The villages is only 45 minutes away from Orlando. Always plenty of work there.

[yucastrike]

Thanks to all for your feedback!!! A lot of thinking to do.