Jacksonville or Tampa?? (Sarasota, Hernando: buy, contractor, living)

[bluskyz]

Linda,
I'm sure you have already decided to move to Fl. so I won't dwell on the negatives. Not being a fan of either city I would choose Tampa. I actually think Fl. is more appropriate for young and middle aged people than retirees--although the stats. and many seniors would not agree with me. I am semi-retired and have found myself all-too-often in the grit my teeth and tolerate mode. Presently looking to make one of those well known J turns myself.

Yes, the winter weather is pleasant and there will be many many delighted to share it with you---each and every year. Tampa has two delightful seasons-- Snowbird and Hurricane. No, you don't have snow or much cool weather. You may have some culture shock, coming from your area. You may want to invest in a tank or at least a hummer. One thing on the side of Jax is that at least it isn't in Hillsborough county! GOOD LUCK.

[ralph]

I don't understand why you think Tampa is so much better.If you go to City Data's main site Tampa is in the top 30 of worst crime. Jaxs isn't even in the picture. The schools are not that bad and there are lots of things to do. You think NC has better schools? Thats crazy.

[dizliz0925]

NC (Charlotte) schools are not better, probably the same as Jax, Although DUval County School just hired a new superintendent from Delaware, and he conveniently left their school system in a $14M hole!

Wherever we are, we are most likely going to send our kid to private school.
Ducal Public Schools.....your tax dollars at work!

[SunnyDazy]

I would say only consider Jax if you are family-oriented, have strong Christian values, vote Republican, play golf and aren't going to be job hunting (e.g. are self-employed). As I have none of the above qualities, it is not for me. But, I can see how other people like it. Also, if you are from Southeast CT you will like Ponte Vedra.

[isa]

i would love to know how things ended up for you in fernandina beach, i will be going there, and would love to know

[willowsmom]

I've seen a couple of references to Tampa being primarily a retirement community. What??? Not by a long shot. At least not when I went to college there a few years ago. It was a major party town. Ybor City, Adamo Drive and the Gasparilla Festival are not the kind of places you take your grandma. Florida in general has a higher percentage of retirees than anywhere else, because it is Mecca for them, but Florida also attracts a lot of foreign visitors and investors, and young people with money, and Tampa has its share. I'll give a little plug to retirees though. First of all let's not forget we're all going to get older. It's great that people who have worked hard all their lives have a nice, warm place to retire. As far as neighbors go, you can't beat a retiree. They typically keep their homes and yards meticulously neat, they are always there (to keep an eye on the neighborhood), and they are quiet. I'd take that to a party-hardy hotshot with no brains any day of the week. I've learned a lot from the older people I've encountered here. In China, age is venerated, but here we get impatient with people who can't see as well, or move as fast as we do. It's all part of the diversity that makes Florida a great place to live.

[rogeriofocco]

I'd like pictures this places who you seek some nice.
thanks.

[Floridasunshine]

I definately would pick Tampa, It gets cooler up northern part of Florida longer.

[gypsychic]

Tampa is a great city for the young and young-at-heart who like a more urban vibe and a bit more night life than most of the Florida retiree towns have to offer. It is most definitely NOT a retiree town, I was born and raised here and it always has been a working man's town. Lots of industry, a seaport, international airport and lots of business. It may have a few little tourist things like Busch Gardens, but it has never been a vacation or retirement destination. It is especially youthful with the very large University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College and Tampa U.

[kwflconch]

Tampa has more young families than old people, there are more young people that move to the area than old people. The median age is 34.7 yrs. old. but i would pick tampa because of warmer climate and have lots to do for children, waterparks, bowling alleys, skating, ice skating, go kart tracks, resturants, arcades, and parks, and swimming pools.