Charleston, SC vs Tampa, Fl (St. Petersburg: rent, crime, colleges)

[kikitam00]

Hey guys, I would like to know if anyone is able to help me compare charleston and tampa. I am 25 years old and thinking of moving to either one of those places. How do they compare in terms of weather, beauty of beaches, things to do, young professional population, music scene, opportunities for music, and contemporary church scenes, crime, cost of living and anything else noteworthy. Thanks!

[BucFan]

South Carolina likes to tax - everything from the car you drive, your income, and your home.

[pezzy669]

The only things I can comment on are cost of living and nightlife.

Cost of living in Charleston is relatively low compared to the Tampa Bay Area. Nightlife is pretty much nonexistent in Charleston and there is really not a whole lot to do for us Gen Yers. Beautiful city with lots of southern influence.

For what you are looking for St. Petersburg would be a great location. Plenty of culture, art, music, etc. Beautiful city with a more modern feel. Downside is crime is pretty high.

[Keylime]

Originally Posted by kikitam00

Hey guys, I would like to know if anyone is able to help me compare charleston and tampa. I am 25 years old and thinking of moving to either one of those places. How do they compare in terms of weather, beauty of beaches, things to do, young professional population, music scene, opportunities for music, and contemporary church scenes, crime, cost of living and anything else noteworthy. Thanks!

Tampa was rated the worst place for a young professional to work. We have no work here. There are plenty of night clubs and bars if that is what you are into. I'm a native of Tampa and am saving to move out of state.

[JSnFla]

Originally Posted by Keylime

Tampa was rated the worst place for a young professional to work. We have no work here. There are plenty of night clubs and bars if that is what you are into. I'm a native of Tampa and am saving to move out of state.

Perfectly summarized by a native of Tampa....most bright,young, educated natives of Tampa leave this place for opportunities elsewhere....this is one of the many challenges Tampa faces in becoming relevant.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by pezzy669

The only things I can comment on are cost of living and nightlife.

Cost of living in Charleston is relatively low compared to the Tampa Bay Area. Nightlife is pretty much nonexistent in Charleston and there is really not a whole lot to do for us Gen Yers. Beautiful city with lots of southern influence.

For what you are looking for St. Petersburg would be a great location. Plenty of culture, art, music, etc. Beautiful city with a more modern feel. Downside is crime is pretty high.

Pretty much agree with most of this. As far as crime, there are nice areas of St. Pete where crime is low. St. Pete is a larger city, and a much larger metro area with Tampa, therefore lots more for a young person to do; more diverse than Charleston. Gulf beaches are absolutely gorgeous.

[Jimbo88]

Charleston: less modern, a small, crowded but charming downtown ,no attractions other than some great historic sites and plantations. Awesome parks system. Less strong sun - less cancer risk. Not the gulf, so better waves, probably less hurricane risk (I know about Hugo), colder water, nice beach selections, but no white sand.

People more Southern, but also a good mix from all over. Division I college sports 2 hours away, pro sports 3 hours away! We also get less concerts coming through due to our size. Cold January and February, less suffocating July and August. Awesome breezes, many waterways that are easy to access, so great for boating and fishing; yet plenty of open land nearby to go hunting or exploring/hiking. No hills here either, but decent hills 2 hrs away in midstate. More quiet and peaceful. Less opportunity for colleges and work due to its size and all the smaller cities in the state, but still plenty to choose from, just not nearly as much.

No state income tax in FL, but if you own a home, property taxes are vastly more expensive. If you rent you really save a lot in taxes vs. someone in SC.

I chose Charleston for the lower skin cancer risk, peacefulness, very clean air (when you get 10 mile outside the port), lower hurricane risk, and slightly less brutal summers. Love Florida though - esp.northern parts, as well as St. Pete. I might even like it better there if I had moved there, but I am happy here.

[Audioslave1981]

when researching Columbia, SC versus Tampa, FL... I chose Tampa. I am very happy that I did. Columbia has no diversity and that was a huge turn-off for me. I do not want to live anywhere that is predominantly anything. I value diversity and the number of things there are to do in Tampa along with the beautiful weather that we have down here. Hope this helps you!!!

[dlhanson]

Originally Posted by Jimbo88

I chose Charleston for the lower skin cancer risk, peacefulness, very clean air (when you get 10 mile outside the port), lower hurricane risk, and slightly less brutal summers.

Skin cancer rate is higher in South Carolina than it is in Florida. It is even higher in many of the northern states.

Source: CDC - Skin Cancer Rates by State

[BucFan]

Wear 80+ SPF and enjoy wherever you decide to live. SC is a nice state - very beautiful places to live (Aiken, Columbia, Hilton Head).

Unless I'm mistaken, aren't citizens of SC taxed heavily?