Which is better? Gulf or Atlantic (Jacksonville, Miami: oceanfront, home, employment)
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If you wanting to move here, which is why I assume you are asking about unemployment rates, please remember that it is all one state. Unemployment is high everywhere in Florida. What kind of work are you looking for? What are you looking for as far as living situations? What kind of services to do you want? How important is it for you to be near theaters, museums, or colleges?
It all depends on what you are looking for, there are places on the east coast that are very nice and beautiful, like Hobe Sound is one of my favorites! However, there will always be one major reason that I prefer the west coast of Florida - the beaches. On the east coast, the ocean beaches just aren't as pretty to me. The sand is darker and more coarse, there's more "stuff" in the water; seaweed, jelly fish, etc, and the water is just SO salty! On the west coast, the gulf beaches have white sand that is so light and fluffy it's like sugar and the water is always a crystal blue color. But all of that is a personal preference. The east coast has other advantages, such as a rich history in cities like St. Augustine and a much larger "party scene" in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, West Palm Beach, etc. The west coast seems much more laid back and relaxing - a beautiful place to enjoy life.
The St. Petersburg area is nice also. They have the nice beautiful gulf beaches that I adore, but with a much larger city attached to it. I would say that the primary difference in the areas that we service and the St. Petersburg/Tampa area is just the population. It's a major metropolitan city, so naturally there are a lot more people up that way. Also, there are colleges there, so the median age is a bit younger than it is places like Venice and Sarasota, which are mostly retirement and vacation communities. I don't have exact statistics on crime, but generally a larger city leads to more crime, unfortunately.
Because of the slower pace I think the the west coast is a better place to raise a family. My kids are very fortunate to be able to attend Pine View School in Osprey. It does take a more work because it is a gifted school and there is testing that is required to enter, but to me it's worth all the effort. Sarasota county is known for its terrific school system and we are very pleased with it.
I think you are going to find a large unemployment rate anywhere in the Nation right now and Florida is no exception. There are some fields of work that are better than others for employment right now. It would help to know what line of work you are in.
It all depends on what you are looking for, there are places on the east coast that are very nice and beautiful, like Hobe Sound is one of my favorites! However, there will always be one major reason that I prefer the west coast of Florida - the beaches. On the east coast, the ocean beaches just aren't as pretty to me. The sand is darker and more coarse, there's more "stuff" in the water; seaweed, jelly fish, etc, and the water is just SO salty! On the west coast, the gulf beaches have white sand that is so light and fluffy it's like sugar and the water is always a crystal blue color. But all of that is a personal preference. The east coast has other advantages, such as a rich history in cities like St. Augustine and a much larger "party scene" in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, West Palm Beach, etc. The west coast seems much more laid back and relaxing - a beautiful place to enjoy life.
The St. Petersburg area is nice also. They have the nice beautiful gulf beaches that I adore, but with a much larger city attached to it. I would say that the primary difference in the areas that we service and the St. Petersburg/Tampa area is just the population. It's a major metropolitan city, so naturally there are a lot more people up that way. Also, there are colleges there, so the median age is a bit younger than it is places like Venice and Sarasota, which are mostly retirement and vacation communities. I don't have exact statistics on crime, but generally a larger city leads to more crime, unfortunately.
Because of the slower pace I think the the west coast is a better place to raise a family. My kids are very fortunate to be able to attend Pine View School in Osprey. It does take a more work because it is a gifted school and there is testing that is required to enter, but to me it's worth all the effort. Sarasota county is known for its terrific school system and we are very pleased with it.
I think you are going to find a large unemployment rate anywhere in the Nation right now and Florida is no exception. There are some fields of work that are better than others for employment right now. It would help to know what line of work you are in.
Great post, I am in agreement. I too, prefer the West Coast just because I love the beautiful white beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf. I also love the whole Tampa Bay area, which for me spans several countys - Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and even Polk where we live now. There is so much to offer in this region. As said in the above quote, jobs are tough all over now, and will depend on your line of work whether you would even have a shot at employment here right now.
My husband is an engineering tech for a large pharmeceutical company. I have been fortunate enough to be able to stay home to raise our children so far. I know that he will most likley have to take a pay cut moving to Florida so I will have to look for some type of work so that we can still bring home close to what my husband alone was earning.
What coast do you prefer and why? Which has a lower unemployment rate? Which is better to raise a family?
Your inquiry is a very valid one but it reminds me of those algebra problems years ago with several variables. It's not easy to solve and only you will really know the answer after sometime of living here. Personally I like both coasts for different reasons. Living here in the middle allows me a choice and less danger from the hurricanes when they do make landfall. Experience is still the best instructor.
It all depends on what you are looking for, there are places on the east coast that are very nice and beautiful, like Hobe Sound is one of my favorites! However, there will always be one major reason that I prefer the west coast of Florida - the beaches. On the east coast, the ocean beaches just aren't as pretty to me. The sand is darker and more coarse, there's more "stuff" in the water; seaweed, jelly fish, etc, and the water is just SO salty! On the west coast, the gulf beaches have white sand that is so light and fluffy it's like sugar and the water is always a crystal blue color. But all of that is a personal preference. The east coast has other advantages, such as a rich history in cities like St. Augustine and a much larger "party scene" in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, West Palm Beach, etc. The west coast seems much more laid back and relaxing - a beautiful place to enjoy life.
The St. Petersburg area is nice also. They have the nice beautiful gulf beaches that I adore, but with a much larger city attached to it. I would say that the primary difference in the areas that we service and the St. Petersburg/Tampa area is just the population. It's a major metropolitan city, so naturally there are a lot more people up that way. Also, there are colleges there, so the median age is a bit younger than it is places like Venice and Sarasota, which are mostly retirement and vacation communities. I don't have exact statistics on crime, but generally a larger city leads to more crime, unfortunately.
Because of the slower pace I think the the west coast is a better place to raise a family. My kids are very fortunate to be able to attend Pine View School in Osprey. It does take a more work because it is a gifted school and there is testing that is required to enter, but to me it's worth all the effort. Sarasota county is known for its terrific school system and we are very pleased with it.
I think you are going to find a large unemployment rate anywhere in the Nation right now and Florida is no exception. There are some fields of work that are better than others for employment right now. It would help to know what line of work you are in.
Great post. I'm on the East in Vero Beach and can't wait to plan my trip to the West coast, you described it as so inviting and beautiful.
Predominance of Midwesterners
Warmer in the winter
White sand
Carribean Turquoise Waters
It's a hot water bath in the summer
No significant waves
More frequent red tide
Boating better
Better Shelling
Higher risk of hurricaines
Tends to be more expensive, Sarasota, Marco, Naples Ft Meyer's etc
Only urban area is Tampa
Sunsets over the water
More laid back
Atlantic Side
More Northeasterners
Browner coarser sand
Longer uninterrupted beaches
Waves
Cooler waters
Sunrises over the water
Greener waters
Shores Breezes stronger. Cooler in the winter and summer
Surfing
Body Surfing
Deep Sea Fishing
Some scuba
More urban environments, South Florida & Jacksonville
Stronger economy and diversity of jobs
Cheaper oceanfront property especially as you head north
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Depends on your wish list
