St. Louis or Orlando (Springfield, Florida: rent, homes, job market)

[SK37]

I live in Springfield Missouri and I am lookin to move to either Orlando or St. Louis. I have family in Orlando, but I have family in St. Louis also and know even more people there. I am unemployed and I luv orlando weather (and the females down there) but St. Louis is closer, more familiar, and cheaper to live (and they got good females too). I really want to know which one got the better job opportunities though.

[Brickmama]

I may be biased towards my city but I would choose STL without even thinking about it. I am just not attracted to the cities in the South and Southwestern part of the country since they seem stale, lack history, and rather dull. As far as jobs go, we are still in a deep recession and the job market is tough everywhere. However Florida has been one of the hardest hit combined with the fact they had a fragile economy even before the recession. If you decide on STL let me know and I can point you to a good area that fits your needs. Good luck and let us know what you decide good or bad.

[ShadowCaver]

SK37 - I've a feeling that whichever city ya'd choose, there would be doubt and possibly regret and wonder, contemplating if ya did the right path... being that ya are unemployed, and no firm ties to really be in either, maybe try one of 'em first, for a couple months? Guess you will need to find employment no matter where ya go, so find some job [good luck ] and rent some place, just bare bones yet convenient to get feel for the places of interest. After bit of time, then head to the other city... compare each to the other, and maybe even to other potentials. You could get 5000 people replying, all of 'em suggesting "this" particular city over the other, and they could all have very valid and good reasons - but its your own preferences and desires, at this stage of your life, is what matters. But, since ya asked - my suggestion is as above: both, get a feel for what the pros and cons are to each one, via your own eyes and experiences. Good luck.

[aragx6]

To speak to job opportunities we'd really need to know your education and skill set a bit better. That said, I'd suggest checking out USAjobs.gov which is the Web site from which you can apply for all federal jobs. Working for the government is a great way to ride out the economy, and because of ARRA funding there are a LOT of entry-level jobs out there right now.

I was just on there the other day and there were more than 30 positions open at the VA in St. Louis -- entry level benefits work that pays about 30k per year and is scheduled to last at least one year and no more than 3 -- this sort of job could start immediately, get you some cash and experience and spending a year or so in St. Louis might help solidify your feelings about the city.

I've known 5 people -- my guess is that all of them are older and have more work experience than you do -- who've moved back to St. Louis/the Midwest in general after a few years in Florida (one just moved back after 10) because in spite of the things that initially pulled them toward Florida such as the weather and the new shiny homes, they simply couldn't make a living there.

So much of Florida's entry-level economy is based on construction and tourism, and because of this they are particularly susceptible to market downturns.

Unless your family connections in Orlando can get you a job, I would stick close to the Midwest for now -- at least until the economy recovers. The cost of living savings can not be denied, the housing market isn't in the kind of declines you see on the coasts and you might just find, as I have, that St. Louis is a fantastic city with a rich history, vibrant urban environment and enough activities both of an indoor and outdoor nature to keep you happy for life.