Tampa vs Jacksonville for an interracial family? (Clearwater, Sarasota: renting, employment)

[wmel]

Hello,

I am considering moving to warmer weather and would like some input on the Tampa and Jacksonvile area. We are an interracial family with two kids (5&11)and just want to move to an area where we are accepted and where my kids can feel comfortable and make friends. We will be renting at first but will buy in a year or two. We have our bachelors degree and hope to find jobs before moving.*Right now we stay in Merriam, KS which is very diverse and the schools are great. I have done a lot of research and still not sure on where to go. Hope you can help. any input on best diverse schools and employment will be great.

Thank you.

[theurbanfiles]

What are some of your other criteria? I feel like you'll find most people pretty accepting, and those that aren't, well they're bad apples in both places. As for good, diverse schools, I would assume Plant is reasonably diverse, and is very highly rated.

[rvais]

Family in Jax I visit often not as bad as most people think along racial terms in the south, Tampa is the blue Parr of the country for what it's worth.

[al91206]

"We are an interracial family with two kids (5&11)and just want to move to an area where we are accepted and where my kids can feel comfortable and make friends. We will be renting at first but will buy in a year or two."

Move to LA - you won't have to ask the question (saying this without any ill will re: FL)

Neighborhoods, workplaces and community gatherings are all as diverse as you would expect in a place like Los Angeles - PLUS we have the warm weather you are looking for. =)

[deb kerr]

Jacksonville is like living in "Memphis TN on the Water", socio-culturally , lots of Georgia like redneck and black ghetto boys as well.


Tampa is nothing like Jacksonville, not really. Tampa is not like south Georgia. Jacksonville is.


Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater and down across the skyway to manatee and Sarasota counties are indicative of Florida life....Tampa has a long histories of Italians, Cubans, Seminoles, mid-westerners, Canadians etc.


In short, pick the Tampa bay area...hands down.

[cjairo191]

Originally Posted by al91206

"We are an interracial family with two kids (5&11)and just want to move to an area where we are accepted and where my kids can feel comfortable and make friends. We will be renting at first but will buy in a year or two."

Move to LA - you won't have to ask the question (saying this without any ill will re: FL)

Neighborhoods, workplaces and community gatherings are all as diverse as you would expect in a place like Los Angeles - PLUS we have the warm weather you are looking for. =)

There is a huge difference between Los Angeles and Florida cities when it comes to cost. Not sure its worth if for most people's budget.

I have not been to Jacksonville but drove straight through it and I have lived in Florida most of my life. Its reputation is as being one of more southern type cities of Florida. But I am sure its a big enough city that is open minded. But I think the further the south you go, the more socially liberal the cities and people outlook becomes. I would say go with Tampa. But maybe stay in each city for a week.

[Stewabby]

Tampa is very diverse and I don't think you would have any issues here. I mean you can always end up with a whacko neighbor but overall you would be fine.

[Tim Tim Tim]

you wont have any issues in Tampa. Its a pretty diverse area and I while im sure racial issues exists somewhere, its certainly not something seen day to day. I have plenty of friends (couples) who are mixed races and they don't really see any issues.

Of course, if your the type that is looking to have issues, they sure will find you. If you just completely ignore skin colors and just act the same with everyone, odds are you will be fine regardless of where you end up.

[gypsychic]

Tampa, hands down. It is and always has been one of the most diverse cities in the state.

[roadtrip75]

Originally Posted by cavsfan137

As for good, diverse schools, I would assume Plant is reasonably diverse, and is very highly rated.

This is terrible advice. Plant is one of the LEAST diverse schools in the Bay area.