[FLover]

Immokalee and Belle Glade: Both rural areas isolated from the main population in their counties. Both have economies based off agriculture and populated by many immigrants. Both are very poor and have high crime despite being in counties with extremely wealthy places (Naples and Palm Beach).

Fort Myers and West Palm Beach. Both cities' "bad" sides are their northside while they have "good" neighborhoods on their southsides. Both have a snowbird population and are located close to islands that have an amazing amount of wealth (Sanibel and Palm Beach Island

Tampa and Miami: Both are the largest cities in their regions (gulf coast and southeast florida). Both have large Cuban populations, and are located on Bays (Tampa Bay and Key Biscayne Bay.)

Got any more?

[TriMT7]

Port St. Lucie (East Coast) and Northport (West Coast)

Both are fairly new cities with large working and middle class population. Both were terribly overbuilt during the boom and now suffer the consequences of many foreclosures and a weak construction economy. Both are primarily sprawling bedroom communities. Both were envisioned and founded by General Development Corporation.

[FSUMike]

Daytona Beach on the east, and Panama City on the west. Both tacky redneck hangouts. Nothing against rednecks (lots of people would call me one), and Daytona Beach is my hometown, but the cities are what they are.

[LovinDecatur]

Naples/west = Boca Raton/east.

[boricua70]

Please don't ever compare Miami with Tampa....granted that what you said of location is true, but trust me Miami much better in climate, people, crime, beaches.....and yes Miami has some really bad areas but if you live toward the east or south or south east, is like living in an oasis of the best that Florida can provide.

[rusty78]

How about Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale....

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by rusty78

How about Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale....

Nah, I don't see that one. Ft Lauderdale is much more built up and seems more congested, IMO. Ft Lauderdale has probably three times the population as Sarasota. I would compare Sarasota (west) to Jupiter (east). I think Sarasota has a few thousand more people though. I believe the age range is pretty similar as well.

I get a lot of people looking and comparing both areas. Both are also noted for their excellent school systems. Both are kind of laid back artsy towns.

TriMT7-you're right on with the North Port vs. Port Saint Lucie comparison. Funny thing is they even used alot of the same street names in both towns.

[Eresh]

How about Dunedin and Indialantic?

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

Originally Posted by FSUMike

Daytona Beach on the east, and Panama City on the west. Both tacky redneck hangouts. Nothing against rednecks (lots of people would call me one), and Daytona Beach is my hometown, but the cities are what they are.

Wow, not to seem harsh or hurt anyones feelings who lives in these towns but I think you nailed it.

Even thought the panhandle is crisp, clean and beautiful, Panama City in a way in an embarassment in the reputation of the panhandle.

I believe Panama City is the Daytona Beach of the panhandle and that is not in a good way.

On the other side Daytona is the embarrassment to the east coast. Run down and becoming ultra dirty, Daytona needs to get itself together before it collapses to the ground.

Daytona leaders need to learn from Myrtle Beach leaders, they have a code to keep and over the last decade they made the hotels and owners of business keep their places nice, painted, CLEAN and attractive. Daytona is becoming a dump. In fact I won't even stay in Daytona anymore. I will stay outside of Daytona and drive in the enjoy the wide beach area.

So, I agree, they are a good comparison as they are both going downhill and need to be revitalized badly.

The only difference is Panama City has the advantage as it has a much better beach and I believe smarter leaders who will not allow it to continue to dive into what Daytona has become.

It is literally sad to see that Florida has allowed Daytona to become what it is today. More people talk about how dirty Daytona is then its beach anymore when years ago it was the pride and joy of the east coast.

My honest opinion of your comparisons.

[OhLanaRN]

Originally Posted by boricua70

Please don't ever compare Miami with Tampa....granted that what you said of location is true, but trust me Miami much better in climate, people, crime, beaches.....and yes Miami has some really bad areas but if you live toward the east or south or south east, is like living in an oasis of the best that Florida can provide.

So now Tampa has a higher crime rate than Miami? Where have I been and what have I missed?