orlando vs tampa (Miami, Winter Springs, Oviedo: apartment complex, rent, crime)

[nicolepsy]

i traveled to the new ikea in orlando today (i just moved to new tampa from ohio) and i think i do like orlando. can i hear anyone's opinions as to which they prefer and what the well know differences are (because i am too new to know)? thanks for any input.

[compelled to reply]

I'm going to make it simple. Orlando pretty much sucks, and Tampa has areas that are pretty nice.

You wouldn't believe the crime in that area by the Ikea. Head further down Conroy, and your basically in the ghetto. It's crazy because in Orlando nowhere is far from one. Not to mention, how was that traffic on Conroy? If someone sneezes I-4 backs up for 20 miles, what did Ikea do for the traffic?

Seminole County is nice though, especially for families. But it's pretty boring.

[OrangePalm]

Well, I live in Tampa Bay and am planning on moving to Orlando. There's a reason IKEA came to Orlando instead of Tampa - think about it. People are feeling the bay area and S. FLA for the jobs in Orlando. Also, Tampa is so old and dirty "feeling" compared to the newness of Orlando.

[kinglouix]

I just went to IKEA and decided I like Orlando. It sounds like you've researched and found all that is important in an area. Perhaps they should build a new apartment complex across from IKEA and rent 700 ft. apartments for $2500 a month. Don't let the word out, act quickly!!

[nicolepsy]

Originally Posted by kinglouix

I just went to IKEA and decided I like Orlando. It sounds like you've researched and found all that is important in an area. Perhaps they should build a new apartment complex across from IKEA and rent 700 ft. apartments for $2500 a month. Don't let the word out, act quickly!!

oh i would LOVE that!

[the9thwonder]

Tampa: not too crazy with it's appearance. In my opinion, it looks dirty and just kind of old. Bad drivers, crime.

Orlando: Bad drivers, and I mean bad, crime, but prettier aesthetically (I think). Stay in Oviedo, Lake Mary, Winter Springs. I was in the Semoran Boulevard area today, it turned very ghetto, very quickly. I think I even saw signs in Spanish and many were tagged in graffitti. Not pretty.

[Magnulus]

Tampa has more character. It picked up a book of great American cities, and Tampa and Miami are both in there, Orlando isn't. Orlando proper is hardly much of a city.

However, Tampa isn't what I'd consider a highly vibrant city, either. It's got plenty of ghettoes and aside from shipping/port, a declining tobacco industry (small cigar brands, big machine made Havatampas, various bulk pipe tobacco manufactures), and some pool equipment manufacturers, not much of an economy.

[markhunt]

Originally Posted by nicolepsy

i traveled to the new ikea in orlando today (i just moved to new tampa from ohio) and i think i do like orlando. can i hear anyone's opinions as to which they prefer and what the well know differences are (because i am too new to know)? thanks for any input.

I have heard from people I know that have lived in both cities that they like Tampa a lot better.

Also, I hear IKEA is opening a store in Tampa as well.

UpdateFlorida: Ikea coming to Tampa

[kinglouix]

Tampa has real authentic ethnic restaurants: Mexican, Cuban, Good Thai, Bern's Steakhouse and take a drive along the bay, it's beautiful. 20 minutes to the beach, pro football, good adult entertainment. Orlando is a sewer. If your in awe of Lake Eola, you belong here. Orlando has nothing on Tampa.

[tvmango]

Originally Posted by kinglouix

Tampa has real authentic ethnic restaurants: Mexican, Cuban, Good Thai, Bern's Steakhouse and take a drive along the bay, it's beautiful. 20 minutes to the beach, pro football, good adult entertainment. Orlando is a sewer. If your in awe of Lake Eola, you belong here. Orlando has nothing on Tampa.

wow, thats pretty strong words... I really don't agree at all.
well i know there is a tons of great restaurants here, and nightlife? tampa? what ebor??? If your a college kid YEAHHHHHyyyy.... I went there alot 15 years ago when I was a youngin, and it was cool,, but I don't think I would want to go there anymore... as a adult...

tampa is riddled with as much traffic and crime and everything as we are.. no better of worse..

I like orlando over tampa because of the amount of things to do here for kids.
plus we also have beaches very close.
Also is alot cleaner, and in my opinion, easier to get around..
Tampa is very diff to get around, esp in an emergency when they close bridges.. there is not as many smaller highways to get you around faster like 417 408 528 etc. (the tolls stink though)

I lived there and hated it... the ONLY thing I miss is the baseball games at the trop field.. Thats about it.... even the beaches are over run, and not that easy to get to..