Sarasota/Tampa vs. Jacksonville (St. Augustine: neighborhood, good schools, live in)

[chrissys74]

We are looking into Florida. Which part would better suit us. We are a biracial, liberal family and we love to be outside, biking, parks lot of activities but would like a "small town" feel with lots of kids and things to do for our children.

So, which city would better suit us? We also have kids so good schools and just really family oriented is top importance!

[jnanner]

does this help?


LOL Just Kidding!!! and I know I was no help :P
I have a cousin in Jacksonville, he's mid-30s w/kids. They love it there. It looks beautiful. I have family in Tampa, they love it there too. I don't know if I felt any "small town" vibe in Tampa. You'd have to define that more. Do you mean you go to the stores and everyone knows you and Pearl gives you the town gossip or that it's got a cute little main street?
I think the beaches here make Sarasota different. I'd say there is some of that small town charming main street thing going on in parts here but the Mayberry neighborhood thing I haven't found yet.

i don't know about mixed couples and general attitudes. I've heard a few jaw-dropping racial comments made casually that just blew my mind. Outwardly it appears to be mellow here, I see mixed race couples and same sex couples but I just don't know so lame it's even something you feel you need to mention but i bet if you pick the wrong area in the south you'll be sorry. I can tell you that in general, in the area that I live in, the schools I have been to here, the beaches, etc... heavy on the white folk.

[Sunshinejack]

Ok, that was funny. I live in Sarasota, been here all my life, but we are relocating finally further north.

We loved Jacksonville - although we are not liberal, I think jacksonville would be more diverse than a smaller area like Sarasota which is mostly conservative. Bigger areas breed more diversity.

Jacksonville has some really nice areas, lots to do and better weather in the summer than here which can be brutal to say the least. it is broken up into suburban areas which can give you that small town feel. And, St. Augustine is just down the road a bit.


Good luck and do your homework.

[dishing the 9411]

You will be totally welcome in Sarasota. Tons of liberals, good schools, great beaches, 9 months of great weather... 12 if you like the heat! :-) It has a small town feel with a wonderful arts/culture scene. Culture is the glue that binds us all together and Sarasota is considered the cultural capital of Florida. Best Wishes!

[StEt0417]

I would stay away from south florida (ft.lauderdale etc.) the schools in broward county arent so great. Check out Wesley chapel, near Tampa. When we went to visit, there where lots of families and it was a small place but you have access to the major city too.