The Los Angeles I visited was most certainly better than the one I gathered in my head (Pasadena: crime, buying a house)

[genjy]

What's wrong with Tampa? I was there for a convention once, and I thought it was a charming coastal city.

The area (Tampa, St. Petes, Clearwater, etc.) seemed much more lovelier than the beach cities we have here in SoCal.

[PDF]

The better question is what isn't wrong with Tampa?

[Kobe25]

Yeah can't forget the blogging & creativity that feeling where you feel your in a world class city like no other tinseltown hollywood where everything is at your feet if it ain't done right in L.A it ain't done right nowhere else that feeling

[Mr. Opinionated]

Originally Posted by Kobe25

So true bro L.A is the most envied city in the universe

Yup. And the biggest haters tend to spawn from meaningless wilderness. Lol

[Kobe25]

Lmao yup people from slow ass texas and cold ass eastcoasters lmao

[urbanr0cker]

I've never heard as much negativity about Los Angeles as I do on City-Data. It's downright depressing. I understand disillusionment, but the bitterness I get from many here is deplorable. Maybe how Los Angeles is viewed through the eyes of transplants versus how it's viewed by a lifelong resident (like me) is the cause of most of the disparity but baffled nevertheless. I hear a lot of talk about how you have to be rich to enjoy living in this city, what the hell? No you don't. From reading, you'd think LA was a hellhole where the gap between haves and the have-nots were so pronounced that the wealthy wipe their feet with us 'less fortunate souls' and we merely grit our teeth and smile.

As far as the OP goes, dude, you need a car and I don't know if it's a fear of driving that's helping you with your decision but personal transportation is definitely needed. Amtrak and Metrolink can only get you so far, and try taking a day trip anywhere around SoCal using public transport and see if you enjoy yourself.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by urbanr0cker

I've never heard as much negativity about Los Angeles as I do on City-Data. It's downright depressing. I understand disillusionment, but the bitterness I get from many here is deplorable. Maybe how Los Angeles is viewed through the eyes of transplants versus how it's viewed by a lifelong resident (like me) is the cause of most of the disparity but baffled nevertheless. I hear a lot of talk about how you have to be rich to enjoy living in this city, what the hell? No you don't. From reading, you'd think LA was a hellhole where the gap between haves and the have-nots were so pronounced that the wealthy wipe their feet with us 'less fortunate souls' and we merely grit our teeth and smile.

As far as the OP goes, dude, you need a car and I don't know if it's a fear of driving that's helping you with your decision but personal transportation is definitely needed. Amtrak and Metrolink can only get you so far, and try taking a day trip anywhere around SoCal using public transport and see if you enjoy yourself.

The reason you see so much negatism about anything on city data, we are all ananomus (spelling). Plus it is easier to complain than to praise and when you live someplace and love it, you rarely hear people talk about not loving it. This is human nature. As I have said, many times, I defend many things about Los Angeles, I love to visit from time to time, but I am also aware of all the problems that exist in the city. Many who live there just can't see past their love for what it does offer.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by genjy

What's wrong with Tampa? I was there for a convention once, and I thought it was a charming coastal city.

The area (Tampa, St. Petes, Clearwater, etc.) seemed much more lovelier than the beach cities we have here in SoCal.

The entire gulf side of Florida has a lot to offer, you are right. The water is warmer, the beaches clearer (in my opinion) and cost of living lower than you find near the pacific ocean. Both have pros and cons. Except for hurricanes I would take Florida over So Ca.. Remember, the old saying "the grass is greener on the other side" well quite often it isn't, but people have to find that out for themselves.

[D-R-B]

If you have to make a living, than the west coast of Florida SUCKS.

Yep, we have warm water, beaches, good boating, ect........

AND THATS ABOUT IT............................

I too live in the Tampa Bay area- and am considering a move to SOCAL at some point.

If you like culture, diversity, a diverse economy, and opportunity........than stay away from Tampa (and the bay area).......

If you just want to go boating/fishing or play golf every day for the rest of your life than come on down.

[bradleyyo]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

Just don't tell that to anybody down in SD. They don't take a-likin' to that sorta talk.

Haha I know what you mean. I love San Diego. Afterall, it's where I was born and raised, but LA has always been a place I've loved since I was a little kid. Eventually I'm moving there, no matter how long it takes.

Originally Posted by didi768

My husband writes screenplays too and we too are thinking of moving to LA from Tampa FL. Scared to death to pick the wrong area to live in. What did you finally decide?

I write or at least attempt to write screenplays too. Maybe that's why L.A. is so attractive to me because it is so artistic and awesome.