[AR1234]

Hi everyone,
I am currently located in Oklahoma City, OK (grew up in Dallas, TX) and am looking to move to Panama City to attend Florida State University - Panama City for graduate school.
I'm reading quite a few scary things on this thread... about it being super conservative, low education, very redneck, nothing to do, no nightlife, dirty, etc. I am wondering how much of this is actuality. Many people think of Oklahoma as the same way (and I suppose parts of it are that way), but I've had no problems here.

Background: I am 24 years old, and my boyfriend (28 yrs old) and I are looking to move to PC. We aren't huge clubbing people, but would like to go grab some drinks with friends on the weekend. We have 4 large dogs so looking forward to the possibility of them having space to run and possibly be able to walk along with beach with us (in areas that permit). We're not huge country music/country lifestyle people... regardless of us living in OK.

How bad is Panama City really? Is PC or PCB better to live in? I also have the option to live in Tallahassee, but my education would be better on the PC campus if the livability wouldn't be awful. I do like the idea of a beach.

Thanks in advance!

[kyle19125]

Unfortunately the reality is pretty close to what you have heard. Unlike Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa or Norman there isn't the presence of a university and/or the prevalence of skilled professionals to lend anywhere close to the progressive vibe you're seeking, or are no doubt used to. If the Tallahassee option is available I would highly stress that as your option because of the day to day environment you'll experience there, which is very much in keeping with your livability criteria.

[Restrain]

You are going to go to school. Dump the other baggage and focus on that. You want to be a SJW and partier, go to Austin.

[AR1234]

Originally Posted by Restrain

You are going to go to school. Dump the other baggage and focus on that. You want to be a SJW and partier, go to Austin.

I understand this, however as I said, my partner is moving there for me. He's not going there for school, so I am trying to get a feel for what we're in for because of him. Thanks for the advice, though!

[AR1234]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Unfortunately the reality is pretty close to what you have heard. Unlike Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa or Norman there isn't the presence of a university and/or the prevalence of skilled professionals to lend anywhere close to the progressive vibe you're seeking, or are no doubt used to. If the Tallahassee option is available I would highly stress that as your option because of the day to day environment you'll experience there, which is very much in keeping with your livability criteria.

Thanks for the helpful reply! This is what I was afraid of. I will be okay for the next few years as I will be on campus good majority of the time of in my practicum sites, but I'm more worried about my partner that will be moving as well (Although he grew up in good old small Chickasha so maybe he's used to it lol). I am going to talk to my adviser about being on the Tallahassee campus and if this would affect my education at all.

If I did end up in Panama City, which would be better? PCB side, or east of the bridge?

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by AR1234

If I did end up in Panama City, which would be better? PCB side, or east of the bridge?

I would suggest the mainland versus beachside which is very touristy and has some tendencies in terms of visitors/locals that many might find unpleasant as full time residents.

[AR1234]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would suggest the mainland versus beachside which is very touristy and has some tendencies in terms of visitors/locals that many might find unpleasant as full time residents.

Thank you! I will definitely keep this in mind. I appreciate your help!

[saltydog920]

Honestly, you'll probably be scooped up by one of those scary conservatives and held against your will in a compound. Happens literally every day there. I'd try your luck in San Francisco or Oakland.

And as nightlife goes, there's nothing but tractor pulls and night church.

[AR1234]

Originally Posted by saltydog920

Honestly, you'll probably be scooped up by one of those scary conservatives and held against your will in a compound. Happens literally every day there. I'd try your luck in San Francisco or Oakland.

And as nightlife goes, there's nothing but tractor pulls and night church.

Sounds just like Oklahoma!!! I hate when I get held by hillbillies against my will.

[TD*]

Panama city is literally a dump. Everyone knows its full of nasty trailers and rednecks. Its nickname is the Redneck Riviera. It has a nice beach, and thats about it.

Tallahassee is a much better city in every regard.

Go to Tallahassee.