I need some Tampa HELP and advice (Sarasota, Siesta Key: real estate, apartment)

[SK FL boy]

Hey all,

So I am considering a move to Tampa in roughly 1.5 to 2 years...I know I know, it is far away, but I am beginning to plan and research now...

I am familiar with Siesta Key and the Sarasota area..but not so much with Tampa and St. Pete.

I live in Cincinnati now and will be a college grad in the finance and real estate field when its all said and done. I expect to make about $40,000-43,00 when I get out of school (at least thats what I have been told from all of my advisers and peers who are in the same field--some already in the working world).

I want to move to Tampa for a few reasons...
-I want to live near the water and I want to live down south...I know it takes approx 45 mins to get to the beach, but I can deal...I mean the bay is better than the Ohio River..
-I want to live in the warm climate and I want to take on a new challenge in a new city...and in terms of my cost of living and salary, Tampa is about a 2.6% difference from Cincy..

Now onto the part where I need help..

I will be looking to rent an apartment to start...hopefully in or close to downtown...St. Pete would be quite a drive to get to downtown Tampa everyday, right?

-How much should I expect to pay for an apt. on the bay, in the city, or near the city?

-How is the Tampa nightlife? I will be coming down single and looking to meet people my own age...so I need to make sure there is at least a decent amount of nightlife.

-Did any of you move to Tampa or simply live on your own in Tampa right out of college or high school?

-Would you recommend Tampa over St. Pete in terms of jobs, salary, living experience, nightlife for a young college guy, etc.?

-What do you guys think is the biggest difference between Sarasota and Tampa? Which would be the better move for a male, college grad--in terms of job opportunity/security, salary and cost of living, and night life--i want to meet more people my age

Thanks in advance for all of the help--sorry for the long post! I have a lot of questions!