Considering moving the family from Chicago to Tampa (Orlando, Clearwater: transplants, apartments)

[TashunG1]

What is the cost of living, Is there a demand for production workers...like packers and shippers....Warehouse jobs. Is renting apartments super expensive...looking for 2-3 bedroom, utilities included... Thanks

[NALEXAND]

Cost of living is pretty high in Tampa. Its not cheap, I will tell you that right now. I dont see much of a demand for warehouse jobs here but I am sure there are some here. Apartments for 2-3 bedrooms in a decent area range between $800-1100 a month and they usually DONT include utilities.

[CMor2Day]

yep, what he said about rent. Although if you're in a good position to buy a mortgage can be a steel right now- $85,000 for a 1700sf home that's about 5-10 yrs old. Also, lower costs as far as winter - our electric bill is always under a 100 (for an 1100 sqft home). Plus you don't need coats, sweaters, etc. one sweater that you wear 3-5 times a year will last you a while!

Labor workers- that's not something I've seen advertised for. We're mostly service oriented or agricultural. We love it here in Apollo Beach (20 miles south of Tampa). Lots to do! Here and Orlando - and lots of beaches, parks, parades and other low-cost fun stuff to go along with the pricey theme parks and theatre and sports tickets.

[Not_liking_FL]

I'd imagine warehouse jobs in Florida pay less than they do in Chicago. It might be hard to support a family if that's your only source of income. You may want to look around Lakeland, I know there are a lot of distribution centers in that area and the cost of living might be a little less expensive. The unemployment rate is really high, so whatever job you apply for you're likely to be competing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other applicants.

[razorfrank]

As someone from the Midwest who lived in Tampa for three years, I advise you stay put and forget the sunshine state. Unless you're rich and don't have to work. No unions, jobs pay much less, very transient. It's sort of an extension of the plantation days...a few guys get rich, the rest suffer and struggle.

[thethinktank]

I lived in Chicago for 8 years, right down town, and I moved to South Tampa over a year ago. I am so, so happy I made the decision to move here and love my new town. It is home. It is beautiful, and my love for it is renewed just about every day.

Here's the thing though, I moved here with a job. 7 months after I moved here, my mother-in-law moved down to Clearwater. She still hasn't found work. She's had a really, really tough time. The economy here isn't healthy, just like the rest of the US. If you're going to move here, you should move here expecting that your savings will run out and you'll face eviction-- because that is such a common theme for new transplants.

I've had a great experience, but my story is not a common one. If you're planning to move here without a job lined up, signed, sealed and delivered, I would suggest you think twice...

Plan properly, find work, then move. Otherwise, sunny days and palm trees will not save you.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by TashunG1

What is the cost of living, Is there a demand for production workers...like packers and shippers....Warehouse jobs. Is renting apartments super expensive...looking for 2-3 bedroom, utilities included... Thanks

You might want to check around Lakeland for warehouse jobs. Lakeland/Polk County is the major distribution area for the state, having more leased warehouse space than anywhere else in the country, only second to LA.

Anyway, as thethinktank said, you really want to have a job in hand before you come down, or else a year's worth of savings to tide you over.

Good luck!

[GreenieTA]

We moved from the Chicago suburbs (where we lived our whole lives until now) to Clearwater a few months ago. We're loving every minute of it here. However, I transfered through my work and my husband quickly found an IT job. We don't really notice anything besides gas being cheaper. I took a paycut though ... go figure.