ft myers (Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers: how much, transfer, neighbourhoods)

[Bugsbunny7]

why did you choose ft myers area over say tampa or other area?
in depth reply appreciated.
thanks

[equalrightsforeveryone]

Some times it's as simple as wanting to be further south, closer to the everglades.

[cassandrap83]

It was a possible city to be transfered for my job.

I have a friend that lives down there, too.

[Bugsbunny7]

Originally Posted by cassandrap83

It was a possible city to be transfered for my job.

I have a friend that lives down there, too.

hi how have you liked it? how long have you been there?

[kroeran]

Originally Posted by Bugsbunny7

why did you choose ft myers area over say tampa or other area?
in depth reply appreciated.
thanks

We were really drawn to the urban atmosphere of Tampa and the charm of its old neighbourhoods (St. Pete's historic downtown is nice, except for the massive homeless problem), but for second homers and snowbirds, you generally keep moving further south as mid-Florida catches a few more cold fronts than further south. Sarasota seems to be far enough. I have personally been on St. Petes Beach and seen snowflakes. This would not be an issue if you are a full timer getting 11 months of warm and hot weather. Apart from Naples/Sanibel, I believe you get much more for your money as you get away from commuting distance to Tampa.

And what is the deal with the air up there? Driving up the 75 I noticed the sky go grey as we approached Tampa, especially when looking through polarized lenses...maybe its the power plants. Noticed the same thing flying into Tampa.

Another consideration for Tampa Bay is that there is worse than average risk profile for a 2 story (or worse) storm surge if a hurricane hits the Bay at just the right angle, which is why I would live in the northern suburbs away from the Bay or a least check out the storm surge charts.

In my twenties I would drive around Tampa when visiting my parents (who were in Port Charlotte), and I kinda kick myself for not moving there when I was young enough to do so. As cities go, looks like paradise to me.

As far as Fort Myers (well, the zone 30 miles up and down), assuming you could find work, and then be willing to work for half of northern pay rates, I can't imagine enjoying that as a younger person unless you are totally into fishing/boating and golfing...but you have all that in Tampa as well.

For myself who uses Florida for leisure only, outside temp (especially Dec-March) is the deal breaker. Florida is real depressing and strange at 60F, so we want to keep those days to a minimum.

If you told us more about your situation in life and interests, I am sure you would get more detailed feedback.

[hiknapster]

I don't find great comfort in living in swFlorida during a storm surge, either. Florida Gulf Coast Storm Surge : Weather Underground

[Bugsbunny7]

Originally Posted by kroeran

We were really drawn to the urban atmosphere of Tampa and the charm of its old neighbourhoods (St. Pete's historic downtown is nice, except for the massive homeless problem), but for second homers and snowbirds, you generally keep moving further south as mid-Florida catches a few more cold fronts than further south. Sarasota seems to be far enough. I have personally been on St. Petes Beach and seen snowflakes. This would not be an issue if you are a full timer getting 11 months of warm and hot weather. Apart from Naples/Sanibel, I believe you get much more for your money as you get away from commuting distance to Tampa.

And what is the deal with the air up there? Driving up the 75 I noticed the sky go grey as we approached Tampa, especially when looking through polarized lenses...maybe its the power plants. Noticed the same thing flying into Tampa.

Another consideration for Tampa Bay is that there is worse than average risk profile for a 2 story (or worse) storm surge if a hurricane hits the Bay at just the right angle, which is why I would live in the northern suburbs away from the Bay or a least check out the storm surge charts.

In my twenties I would drive around Tampa when visiting my parents (who were in Port Charlotte), and I kinda kick myself for not moving there when I was young enough to do so. As cities go, looks like paradise to me.

As far as Fort Myers (well, the zone 30 miles up and down), assuming you could find work, and then be willing to work for half of northern pay rates, I can't imagine enjoying that as a younger person unless you are totally into fishing/boating and golfing...but you have all that in Tampa as well.

For myself who uses Florida for leisure only, outside temp (especially Dec-March) is the deal breaker. Florida is real depressing and strange at 60F, so we want to keep those days to a minimum.

If you told us more about your situation in life and interests, I am sure you would get more detailed feedback.

hi, I am dissabled and retired, moving with my mom and sister needs work, looking for beautiful beaches, parks too sit out, to maybe grow some fruit. too live there.

[tomno00]

how much money do you have? I would start in Naples and try to get something as close to the beach as possible. Naples has a nice downtown and some nice parks, as well as great beaches. It's kinda of a pain gettin to the beach sometime here in fort myers. But I cant remember the last time I even went to the beach and when I do, I always go down to Bonita because the beaches are nicer there.