Tallahassee: Best (and Worst) (Miami, Tampa: fit in, high crime, attorneys)

[lokaydokay]

I have a good job opportunity in Tallahassee, but based on what I'm reading here, reviews are mixed.

For those in the know, what are the five biggest advantages (positives) about living in Tallahassee and the five biggest challenges (negatives)?

FYI: I'm a single 40 year old gay man. Liberal, professional.

[JAS]

Coming from a 40+ year old married hetero; politically moderate, professional ...

Advantages (from what I'm guessing your perspective would be):
- More liberal than other parts of northern FL, although with a conservative undercurrent. Generally votes Democrat in elections. No problem at all for a liberal to fit in - I would even say that the city as a whole leans slightly to the left.
- University activities. FSU has a strong arts/music/theatre department, lectures, guest speakers, sports activities, etc.
- A somewhat "green" city, although not to the extent of some places out west. Definitely green in the sense that there is almost zero industrial activity and that trees are everywhere. The nearby coastal areas are still somewhat natural.
- The employment landscape is geared towards professionals (attorneys, consultants, etc.), although I cannot comment on the prospects of finding a job since I no longer live there and I'm not looking.
- Very laid back atmosphere, which can be either an advantage or disadvantage.

Disadvantages:
- Almost no "big business" apart from govt/universities. If you're not an attorney, not in a traditional "high-demand" field (e.g., health care), or if you don't already have something lined up, it could be difficult to enter at a high-level position. Not a very entrepreneurial location in general.
- The somewhat isolated location can be frustrating for some people. The closest major metro areas are Jax (~ 3 hr drive), Orlando/Tampa (~ 4-5 hrs), Atlanta (~ 5 hrs). The airport is small and doesn't have a lot of cheap flights, especially northbound.
- For those who desire "Florida" in the same form as Miami, Tampa, etc. -- TLH is not that. It is basically a large southern town with govt/universities. You can't walk to the beach, you won't see much nightlife geared towards those who older than 25, etc. Similar to my laid-back comment above - either an advantage or a disadvantage based on what you are seeking.
- Very hot/humid during the summer, without the benefit of a sea breeze like some other places in FL.
- Some areas have a high crime rate, but that can be avoided by not going to the areas at night.

[Saritaschihuahua]

It feels like a small town removed from any big cities and metropolitan areas.

Originally Posted by JAS

Coming from a 40+ year old married hetero; politically moderate, professional ...

Advantages (from what I'm guessing your perspective would be):
- More liberal than other parts of northern FL, although with a conservative undercurrent. Generally votes Democrat in elections. No problem at all for a liberal to fit in - I would even say that the city as a whole leans slightly to the left.
- University activities. FSU has a strong arts/music/theatre department, lectures, guest speakers, sports activities, etc.
- A somewhat "green" city, although not to the extent of some places out west. Definitely green in the sense that there is almost zero industrial activity and that trees are everywhere. The nearby coastal areas are still somewhat natural.
- The employment landscape is geared towards professionals (attorneys, consultants, etc.), although I cannot comment on the prospects of finding a job since I no longer live there and I'm not looking.
- Very laid back atmosphere, which can be either an advantage or disadvantage.

Disadvantages:
- Almost no "big business" apart from govt/universities. If you're not an attorney, not in a traditional "high-demand" field (e.g., health care), or if you don't already have something lined up, it could be difficult to enter at a high-level position. Not a very entrepreneurial location in general.
- The somewhat isolated location can be frustrating for some people. The closest major metro areas are Jax (~ 3 hr drive), Orlando/Tampa (~ 4-5 hrs), Atlanta (~ 5 hrs). The airport is small and doesn't have a lot of cheap flights, especially northbound.
- For those who desire "Florida" in the same form as Miami, Tampa, etc. -- TLH is not that. It is basically a large southern town with govt/universities. You can't walk to the beach, you won't see much nightlife geared towards those who older than 25, etc. Similar to my laid-back comment above - either an advantage or a disadvantage based on what you are seeking.
- Very hot/humid during the summer, without the benefit of a sea breeze like some other places in FL.
- Some areas have a high crime rate, but that can be avoided by not going to the areas at night.

[TD*]

Its a nice place.. many people who live here end up moving away then moving back later..

Nice family friendly city.

Awesome parks

[Dog Star]

From the bare minimum of what I'm incurring about Tallahassee (and I do mean bare, take what I say w/ a grain of Nature's Seasoning), it seems somewhat like my native Colorado Springs: a big, tiny city( cultural, geographical, etc. differences aside).

[lokaydokay]

I just returned from my initial visit. I found the city to be very beautiful, enchanting with all of the trees. Plenty for your average person to do. Housing is affordable, and the people are professional (without being arrogant).

I liked the "cozy" feel and how easy it is to get around. Seems like the kind of place one could settle in and just enjoy life. As long as your interests are pretty mainstream and your lifestyle is simple, it seems like a good place to live.

A little disconcerting is the HUGE difference between the "right" and "wrong" side of the tracks.

P.S. The heat... wow. And it's only the first of June.

[WellShoneMoon]

Yeah, no kidding about the heat. And it will stay this way until October. But this is Florida. It's hot everywhere in Florida in the summer. Some people like it; some don't.