[tasnell76]

Hi all - I've never been a fan of winter my entire life, I work from home (IT), so I'm finally seriously considering moving from Chicago to Florida to experience longer Summers! I've been in Chicago for 7 years, so I'm wondering what cities would keep me from boredom. I'm Single so activities that would lead to meeting new friends would be great. I'm thinking maybe the Tampa area? I don't have any kids either, so a city with a heavy presence of the perfect family (I want but apparently can't have) would probably bring me down. I would love to meet a great guy, but that's partially why I moved to Chicago, and nothing near great has happened, so I've accepted Singledom, but I don't need happy families shoved in my face. Which brings me to, I'm not a big Disney fan, so Orlando/Kissimmee is not really at the top of my list. Big palm tree fan though! I've surfed once, so that makes me think of the the East side of FL, but I've heard there's less going on there, compared to Tampa. I know I don't want to live in Miami - I'm too frugal. I do plan to visit for a week next Summer to see if I actually want to do this. I like warm weather...not so sure about the humidity though. I've been to FL many times 10-15 years ago, but never with the serious thought of moving in mind. So I'm going to drive around to different cities and see if anything grabs me. I'd rent at first, for a year or two, then see how I feel, I might grow to hate humidity. A city with available rental options (1-2 bdrms) would be necessary. Thanks in advance!

[kyle19125]

Not to come across as a Negative Nancy but the premise of longer summers here equates to what is a relentless 85+ degrees (and humid) from March through October/November. The tendency by many is to jump over large swaths of geography in between the frozen tundra and Florida, which is quite literally going from one extreme to the other. Have you considered moving the dial about halfway to a city like Charlotte, Atlanta or Nashville which are well fortified with single professional men and feature zillions of things to do in moderate climates with four fairly equal seasons?

[bmw335xi]

It’s very vague but Tampa, Orlando, South Florida could be options. Usually you’ll know right away if you hate or love the humidity or heat. I personally love it which is why I chose Florida over every state besides Hawaii. Some people hate it though. I grew up in Alaska too. Moved to Florida from California. In Orlando, check out Winter Park, College Park, Baldwin Park, Thornton Park. In South florida, check out Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Grove. Good luck!

[beach43ofus]

I totally agree with kyle19125, try Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta in that order instead of Florida. If you must do Florida, I suggest Jacksonville. Otherwise, you will be bored stiff by the nightlife in the rest of the State, and SE Florida too darned crowded the traffic will make you insane going up and down I-95.

[tasnell76]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Have you considered moving the dial about halfway to a city like Charlotte, Atlanta or Nashville which are well fortified with single professional men and feature zillions of things to do in moderate climates with four fairly equal seasons?

I actually have considered Charlotte, Nashville, and Austin too. But I've been thinking of FL for 26 years of my life, so I'd like to give it a try for at least a year. I work from home, so if I hate it, I can leave as soon as a rental lease would be up.... maybe move to one of those less extremely hot cities.

[bmw335xi]

Are beaches a big part of the reason? That’s probably the most important part of the question. If so, unless you go to Hawaii, no other beaches in the US compare. If you don’t care about beaches or water activities then there are better choices outside of Florida.

Regarding traffic, nowhere in FL has all day traffic like you find in Atlanta or Los Angeles. Since you will be working from home, you don’t have to worry about rush hour traffic.

[tasnell76]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Are beaches a big part of the reason?.

I would like to be near a beach, but I don’t have to be ON it. A 30 min or drive or so is fine. Kind of thinking of Tampa (area) at this point. Beach, stuff to do, affordable from what I can tell online. Yep, traffic isn’t a huge worry working from home. I do workout a lot so gyms are necessary. I’ve looked online and looks like plenty around there.

ZERO desire to live in LA. I’m far too frugal and not a size 0. :/

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by tasnell76

I would like to be near a beach, but I don’t have to be ON it. A 30 min or drive or so is fine. Kind of thinking of Tampa (area) at this point. Beach, stuff to do, affordable from what I can tell online. Yep, traffic isn’t a huge worry working from home. I do workout a lot so gyms are necessary. I’ve looked online and looks like plenty around there.

ZERO desire to live in LA. I’m far too frugal and not a size 0. :/

I live in Orlando and used to live in South Florida. I don’t know a lot about Tampa though. The beaches near Tampa are beautiful. Good luck with your move and if you have any questioms about South Florida or Orlando let me know anytime. Take care!

[Fredesch]

It sounds like you want to go to Tampa, so go. If you like warm weather, any coastal area in Florida will be better than Chicago.

I live in Ormond-by-the-sea which is the beachside far northern part of the Daytona Beach area. The area has a bout 20 festivals a year. I assume to attract tourists, we have bike week, Biketoberfest is starting on tomorrow and I can hear the bikes on A1A, we have NASCAR races. We have bars and resturansts and a small music and theater venue. I work from home too and going to the beach, brewpub and going out with my wife is enough to make me happy here.

Florida has a ton of things to do. Every area has them, they suck in money and are a part of Floridas economy. They are oportunities to socailize as are organizations and clubs, local brew pubs or whatever floats your boat. You cannot go wrong moving from Chicago to any half decent sized area on a coast.

At some point, a poster will tell you Tallahasee is the place for you. Take that advice with a grain of salt.

[beach43ofus]

I lived in Tampa. Good nightlife, but do not go near Ybor City after dark. I also found it be an unattractive city overall. There are few nice pockets, like Bayshore, and Hyde Park, but most of it looks old and junky. Take a ride along Hillsborough Ave from where it starts on the East part of town near the Seminole Hard Rock casino, and head West until you reach the Oldsmar flea market. That drive will give you a very good idea of what most of Tampa looks like. Why so many burgular bars along that route? High crime. You'll need to go to the Northern burbs to escape the crime of eyesoresville, but it gets costly up there from Carrollwood North.