Moving from AZ to Tampa (rent, how much, high school)

[mountainriver91]

I'm considering moving to Tampa from the middle of nowhere Arizona (Sierra Vista). Now I just graduated from High School and i'm working and saving all my money to move out there. Right now i don't have anything saved but i'm starting as we speak. Now how much would be recommended I save to actually move out there? How are the job prospects? As a just graduated 18 year old it doesn't matter what kind of job it is as long as it supports me financially.

[algia]

Just curious, why Tampa of all places?

[mountainriver91]

Honestly, because i've been there before and from what i've seen I do think it seems like a nice place. I see myself being in Florida and I just think it would be something different than what i'm used to here.

[DDJJ]

Hi there,

That could be a risky move financially but you are single making it easier. You said you were starting to save now and they always say you should have at least three to six months of cash reserves at all times in case you lose a job or are unable to work. I guess this applies here, too.

I would save as much as possible with the outlook that you won't have to spend it. You will need a place to live, that means security deposit and first month's rent from the start. Being that you are young and not too picky about a job I guess you could try to get a job along the beaches. Anything connected to hospitality or tourism maybe. At least seasonally that could provide some income. For the long term I would look for something with more potential for growth. Good luck! I hope this will work out well for you!

[algia]

It is different for sure...I was just curious since AZ has the most beautiful & divers scenery in the country and dry heat on top of that which is awesome......what about college tho?

Originally Posted by mountainriver91

Honestly, because i've been there before and from what i've seen I do think it seems like a nice place. I see myself being in Florida and I just think it would be something different than what i'm used to here.

[mountainriver91]

Originally Posted by algia

It is different for sure...I was just curious since AZ has the most beautiful & divers scenery in the country and dry heat on top of that which is awesome......what about college tho?

Well there are some very nice areas in AZ but, where i live it's dirty and disgusting. The dry heat actually is really bad for my skin because i have very dry skin already so that's why i'm looking into places with high humidity levels. I don't plan to go to college because my career goal (as unglamorous as it seems) is to be a customer service agent for an airline company.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by mountainriver91

Well there are some very nice areas in AZ but, where i live it's dirty and disgusting. The dry heat actually is really bad for my skin because i have very dry skin already so that's why i'm looking into places with high humidity levels. I don't plan to go to college because my career goal (as unglamorous as it seems) is to be a customer service agent for an airline company.

Sounds like Tampa would suit you well. And while it's all subjective, I like the scenery in Tampa (and Florida) a whole lot more than Arizona. I love water and lush foliage, which the area has in spades. And I too prefer humidity and despise really dry weather (bad for my skin and hair) Tampa has an award winning airport as well.

As has already been recommended, come with plenty of savings, and do as much research as you can into different areas. I think you will need to be here to be hired for most jobs, so the more savings the better. Good luck!

[matt_sfl]

I did the opposite move. I'm from here originally, and when I was 18 my brother and packed up my '70 Bug and drove to Tuscon. It was all so different, the low humidity and the mountains. Eventually I said screw it, why stop here, and continued on to California.