[**NoodLes**]

Tampa easy. No mouse.

[Crane's Rooster]

Orlando for the same reason others have already stated. I also like the direction Orlando is headed in. But don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of Tampa also. I visit often and enjoy it every time. It's like the OP said coke v. pepsi, I can drink both happily, I just happen to prefer one if I have to choose.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by french paris

Tampa for the beach

I take it people do not understand these metros. You realize that Tampa and Orlando are about equal distance from the coastal beaches right? Otherwise you are in the bay...Anyway they are are more or less the same distance to get to good beaches. This isn't Orlando vs Clearwater.

[**NoodLes**]

Originally Posted by grapico

I take it people do not understand these metros. You realize that Tampa and Orlando are about equal distance from the coastal beaches right? Otherwise you are in the bay...Anyway they are are more or less the same distance to get to good beaches. This isn't Orlando vs Clearwater.

wow, really? I'd take Clearwater over Cocoa anyday regardless.

[FlyMIA]

Only downfall for Orlando is it is not on the coast. I still woud prefer Orlando, more of an International type city. Not saying its NY or Miami but compared to Tampa it is. IMO more things to do too.

[johnatl]

And while Orlando isn't "on" the coast, the thousands of lakes in the metro are beautiful and give the water feel many like. The beaches are pretty much an hour or less away for much of the metro.

[FloridaKash]

I absolutely hate the way people drive in Orlando. Yes, people do drive better in Tampa. Orlando seems to have worse traffic as well.

I got to be near the water. Tampa.

[allenk893]

Originally Posted by 90sman

Both are cities in Florida, have similar demographics, are in counties of roughly the same population, and are approximately in the same area of Florida. They are commonly disputed against one another like Apple vs. Mac or Coke vs. Pepsi, etc.

But in terms of the cost of living, job market, raising a family, housing, economy, transportation and in terms of entertainment, etc, which city would you rather live in and call home? And which two city is better overall?

I went to Tampa for the first time a few weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. It's small but homey and sort of rural. Lots of wide open space to breathe. Lots of trees. It's less busy than other parts of Florida which is great. It has a nice downtown, nice suburbs, close proximity to extremely nice beaches and St. Petersburg. It's one of the best cities in Florida in my opinion. I wish a year ago we would have moved there first instead of SW Florida.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by allenk893

I went to Tampa for the first time a few weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. It's small but homey and sort of rural. Lots of wide open space to breathe. Lots of trees. It's less busy than other parts of Florida which is great. It has a nice downtown, nice suburbs, close proximity to extremely nice beaches and St. Petersburg. It's one of the best cities in Florida in my opinion. I wish a year ago we would have moved there first instead of SW Florida.

This is what I love about the expanded Tampa Bay area - you have some parts with a bit of "city feel" but still have a lot of open space to enjoy - I like having some breathing room. Just north of Tampa in eastern Pasco County there are even some beautiful hills! And the Gulf Beaches from St. Pete down through Sarasota are among the best in Florida, maybe even the country. Beautiful white sands and awesome sunsets! We are never leaving this area. (Currently in Sarasota)

[chopchop0]

Orlando for sure. Next best city and international stature after Miami IMO