SWFL vs Greater Tampa area (Jacksonville, Cape Coral: condo, construction, gated community)

[dserhal]

Hi all,

My wife has an opportunity for a position over several dialysis clinics. It would be a traveling position going up and down the West coast to the clinics. It's hiring in the Tampa area but anywhere along the coast is good (From Tampa to Naples) because the travel would be same day stuff.

We are from Indiana (near Chicago). What are your opinions both good and bad about Tampa/St Pete vs SWFL as far as a place to live, work, & play?

I understand this is broad but I am just getting general idea research right now.

[LifeIsGood01]

If you want a larger city choose the Tampa area if you want a smaller city choose the Fort Myers area. SWFL is the second largest growing area in the nation according to a report I saw on the news yesterday behind Jacksonville. I haven't been here long but I've heard that people from the midwest prefer the SWFL area.

[Mr Cape Coral]

Sounds like the wife has a great opportunity that will bring you to Florida.

There are so many factors to consider when you are comparing areas.

Weather: Tampa area will be cooler in winter than further South.

Activities: This depends on what you are looking for. SWFL has beautiful beaches as does Sarasota and Tampa.
It also depends on your night life likes. Tampa has a lot to offer. However, Fort Myers is really growing in dinning, music and art opportunities. Are you in to boating, fishing, golf?

Housing: This is also dependent on will you become Homeowners or Renters. There are price point differences in Tampa/Sarasota, Fort Myers/Cape Coral and Naples. Do you prefer a Condo, Single Family, Gated Community?
Cape Coral will provide great opportunity in different styles of housing and the price point is one of the best, getting more for your money.
As you think through the process and determine what is really important to you we can provide more specific information.

[Beak Boater]

Everything pointed out above is true. The number one complaint about the Tampa/St Pete area from folks that come from small towns or the Mid West is the traffic. But.......since you are coming from close to Chicago, I am sure the traffic around Tampa would seem mild to you. The way I would sum it up......Tampa more modern City....Arts, Professional Sports, Heath care. All the amenities, and trappings of a modern big city.
SWFL....a little older, slower pace, more retired folks, I have heard it several times described as more like Old Florida. Housing in Ft Meyers, Cape Coral area more for you money. Farther South you go towards Naples, the more expensive housing becomes.
Your wife will be traveling up and down Rt 75 to and from most of the time....their is some road construction going on around Tampa on 75 and also around Punta Gorda that can slow things down. Its the main travel path....it can get slowed down by accidents and rubbernecker's. Their are ways around it, but until you learn the side roads, it can be a nuisance. Especially in the winter with the increase of residents (AKA Snowbirds)
Wife and I love it here. We came from Wash D.C. area, good luck in your search. If possible it would help you guys to plan a short Vacation, even just a couple of days to check the areas out for your self.