South Tampa "glam" factor (Miami, Hollywood: middle-class, fit in, houses)

[lostintime83]

How strong really is it? I read a lot of posts using the fact people work out alot, and are into their style...as some sort of bad thing (implying a boring mentality). I've also read it's overrun by Affliction type guys, which isn't impressive at all. So is the midwest.

Also, what is the main beach nearest to South Tampa?

I've always gotten the impression that Clearwater beach was the main beach in Tampa area. Was a nice beach but seemed too redneck. Is there anything even slightly comparable to Miami beach?

I'm sort of rethinking if Tampa is right for me. Sometimes I feel like I'm just hoping for Miami on a budget. My spanish isn't that great and I can't afford Miami right now.

[kerplunk]

Tampa is a place to live. Miami is a place to party.

Clearwater Beach isn't "redneck" at all, in my opinion, but it definitely doesn't have anything even close to the same vibe that Ocean Drive does. Miami Beach is a very unique area, and that's why it's so expensive to live there.

[ferret111]

South Tampa is the neighborhood of choice for many young professionals, so style and healthy lifestyles are fairly important to some groups. There are plenty of Affliction/Ed Hardy guys, but they stick to the same places and are avoidable, just like they are in any city. There are plenty of average middle-class people in South Tampa, but everybody likes to focus on the noveau-riche douchebag-types.

It's hard to say which one is closest to South Tampa, as the Gulf of Mexico is twenty to forty minutes away depending on traffic, and once you hit the water, the distance between the individual beaches is negligible.

Clearwater Beach is the most famous of the area beaches, but I've found that many locals avoid the area due to congestion and overall tackiness. I don't know where you get the redneck vibe from; the only redneck beaches are the ones along the Causeway and the Gandy Bridge. St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks, and all of the other beaches are nicer and generally not as crowded.

You won't find a Miami Beach-type nightlife or bustle of people, which many people find nice, but not everyone. If you want a Miami Beach experience, skip the West Coast and go to...Miami Beach,

[craigm1841]

The douche factor is alive in south Tampa, but it isn't terrible outside of specific locations (ie Kennedy, drYnk, etc) a lot of people stay in shape because the generally care about their health and appearance, which is pretty standard for young professionals. Another positive, you will find almost NO smokers in the south Tampa nightlife scene.

Tampa is definitely not Miami. Thank god. I have heard it referred to as a "poor mans LA".

These are the people you've heard of:

South Tampa Douchbag
South Tampa Douchebags | Facebook
South Tampa Douche Bag Club


Only redneck beaches here are the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Its pretty hilarious. We have some of the best beaches in the country that include Clearwater and siesta key (about an hour away). St Pete beach has a lot to offer, including "caddys".

[Innertuber]

"Was a nice beach but seemed too redneck" - that's funny.

I think Miami needs you. It's calling you ....

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Innertuber

"Was a nice beach but seemed too redneck" - that's funny.

I think Miami needs you. It's calling you ....

Hahaha REALLY! Never in my entire life as a native here have I ever heard Clearwater referred to as "too redneck....."

[crazynip]

PARTS of South Tampa have a high percentage of "young professionals", parts of it have a high percentage of "old money". The rest is people living outside of their means in a desperate attempt to fit in or feel like they belong, with a mix of low income and minorities in some spots. I dont know how South Tampa got to be this way, in the late 70's up to about the mid 90's it was one of the most undesirable places to live. Most of the older houses are infested with roaches, rats, have major termite damage, most were built without air conditioning and when retrofitted a half ass job was done. I would never live there.

[lostintime83]

It's close to the "Redneck Riviera" and shares some attributes while not as strong as say Gulf Shores, Alabama. It is a nice beach but I did see more tourists from the Deep south than I was hoping for. I thought it would be more diversified. This was also 5 years ago and haven't been back since.

[algia]

You won't find "Miami Style" Anything in Tampa.

There are a LOT of places around Miami that are affordable now...Hollywood, residential, close to Miami affordable...etc

Clearwater is exactly what you thought of it. We stopped going there 3 years ago. We generally go to the quieter parks.

If Miami is what you're looking for, then go for it.

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by algia

You won't find "Miami Style" Anything in Tampa.

Thank god, I would move if Tampa ever got to be like Miami