East Coast vs West Coast (Tampa, Gainesville: home, schools, camper)

[happymccamper]

Just a question to throw at ya! We have been living here in Broward for over a year now, but my husband may have the oppt to move over near Ft Myers. If we had the choice, should we move over to the west coast of FL, or do you think its better here on the east coast?

[ezveedub]

That depends on work. If you have a secure job opportunity, then it would be fine. A bit slower life style, but still a nice area for most.

[compelled to reply]

The SW Florida area is very retiree oriented, while the east coast has a little bit of everyone crammed into an abrasive package.

[jhlcomp]

I like Ft. Myers but I would think twice before considering this as a "wise" career move. It all depends on what type of work/profession we are talking about. Life is slower for certain, beaches are far nicer than east cost - it is a different lifestyle. I would visit the area. Also, what is yoir age range? If you have children, schools may be better on the east coast.

[Nolefan34]

The West Coast is so much different, its like apples and oranges. It is way more laid back, more like a small town mentality. Quite frankly, I find it boring over there whenever I visit. A lot of old, retirees who want the "cheap living" lifestyle settle over there. That being said, there are lots of nice, newer developments that would be attractive to families.

I disagree about the beaches though. Sanibel and Captiva are nice, but are overcrowded tourist traps. They charge you a ton of money for parking and tolls to get over the bridges. I prefer the east coast beaches because of the accessibility. The only actual difference in the physical part is the sand is whiter on the west coast and there are less waves.

[Lost in Translation]

Originally Posted by happymccamper

Just a question to throw at ya! We have been living here in Broward for over a year now, but my husband may have the oppt to move over near Ft Myers. If we had the choice, should we move over to the west coast of FL, or do you think its better here on the east coast?

I prefer the West Coast of Florida personally and would move there in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself. I've visited the West Coast many times (mostly Tampa and Naples), but have never lived there, so I might not see things as they truly are. But I do think that what you will lose in living on the East Coast (better restaurants, night life, shopping, diversity, etc.) will be made up for by cheaper housing, less crime, and an easier pace of life. Also, this may not be so PC, but I feel like I am back in "America" when I visit the West Coast.

[fauve]

We tried the west coast (Tampa, in particular), and eventually moved back after 9 months. It never really felt like home to me, although we thought we were going to love it. I think it was a red state/blue state kind of thing. Gainesville or Sarasota might have worked out better.

[Nolefan34]

fuave>

I hear ya on the red state/blue state thing. I used to live in the deep south and there are some great areas. But the red thing got to me after a while. I was tired of not being able to speak my mind and having to pretend that I like Bush, lol. Deny global warming and deny that the world is round, etc. You get the point. Also, Lost in Translation said that the west coast feels more like being in "America". She is probably right, but if being in "America" means that my only choices of restaurants are fast food, Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, and Chili's, then I'll pass. South Florida may be an international type of place, but I'll take the vast diversity of choices of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, etc. over the west coast, typical America anyday.

[fauve]

Amen.

[CleanCutHippie]

The West Coast of Florida has ppl who mostly migrated from the midwest whereas the east coast is all ppl from the Northeast.