Tallahassee... the good, the bad , and the ugly, please?

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by Huasho

But LKJ . . . RAIN is what is missing in your LIFE, Then why not ? ? ?

You still get more where you live VS tally sally on avg. The west coast just does not get much rain anymore in the summer with a west flow bro. I would much rather be in Glades county than tally.

[TrilbyandDixie]

Originally Posted by RamenAddict

I don’t live in Tallahassee anymore but lived there for about 3 years. One thing you might want to think about living there is that allergies are absolutely horrible. I’ve lived in several areas of Florida (from Tampa, also lived in the Jax area) and had more people taking sick days from allergies than I’ve had anywhere else. People would have trouble opening their eyes due to gunk and have other issues. Even people who don’t have allergies normally found that they have allergic issues there. It is something to consider.

I don’t particularly like it there because I like more to do, but it is very pretty and affordable. The allergies are the only issue I’d urge everyone to consider.

If that is the worst thing about it then I will be okay. I lived in the Atlanta area for 20+ years and the pollen season there is horrendous, so anywhere else is a cake-walk compared to it.

I think I will have to get up there and take a look around sometime soon!

[TD*]

Yes I think you will love the area. See you soon.

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

With a decent income, it is a fairly easy place to live -- traffic only in the usual times and locations. Housing is relatively affordable, although many neighborhoods are quite scruffy. Hot and cold, and rainy, weather wise, but lots of greenery and open spaces. Isolated is an understatement.

[grad_student200]

Originally Posted by TrilbyandDixie

I currently live on the Treasure coast and I like it here but I am considering moving north now while I am still young enough (low 60s) to handle the move. My sister lives in GA and we would see each other more if it weren't a 10 hour drive.
What can you all tell me about living in north Tallahassee? I don't need a lot of entertainment, just a few restaurants, and close proximity to supermarkets and Lowes. I like the 'burbs, not too city and not too country.
Those of you who live or have lived in the area, please share your thoughts with me. Thanks.

It sounds like you want to be closer to your sister while still living in FL. Tallahassee has a lot of retirees. May state employees continue to live in Tallahassee after they retire. They are people who have raised families, put in their 30+ years at the state, and gotten the pension. With multi-generational roots and long-term community interactions, many seem comfortable. Albeit inland, the Gulf beaches are within driving distance. Panama City Beach is about 2.5 hours away. The other beaches like Destin (which my girlfriend used ot like) and Pensacola are not that far either. But could you handle being more inland? If not, Ponte Vedra might be a better choice in Jacksonville.

The one advantage Tallahassee has in my opinion (for Floridians who are comfortable in the area) would be low-priced homes of high quality in nice neighborhoods. I moved back to Phoenix and homes where I live now are about 700,000+ where buyers must put a 100,000+ down and waive inspections just to be considered. It's crazy out here for housing. I can't even afford one. By contrast, I had a house in Tallahassee with 1400+ square feet and 3 big rooms and two baths. Tallahassee does have affordability of quality homes. It was just that my family roots are in firmly in AZ. I was an outsider in Tallahassee. But for you it may be different.

[chefcurry91210]

I been around Tallahassee for 5 years on and off now for school and during covid. Here is what your asking for.

Good
Low cost of living. Has most of the major chain stores. Has a decent winter compared to South Florida. FSU and FAMU bring in a decent amount of culture and educated people to the area. People are generally polite. Lots of nice green trees. Not as at risk for hurricanes compared to the rest of Florida due to being inland. Lots of good lawyers in town if you need legal help.

Bad
Similar to the rest of the south, lots of passive aggressiveness. Summer is horrible since its so hot that going outside really sucks. Is still missing some major chains like Wawa, Apple Store, etc. A beach is an hour away while a decent beach (Jax) is 2 1/2 hours. Isnt located to any othe major cities. Health care is pretty crappy.

Ugly
Very poor city due to the lack of a competitive economy. Only low paying government jobs and jobs at universities exist here. Standard of living is pretty low. Not really alot of potential for future growth. Downtown is pretty depressing since nothing really exist out there. Town caters to mostly college students who age 18 to 21. FSU is not an elite university (as someone who went there, its mostly a party college). Florida government is draconian and doesnt care at all about the people (more of a Florida problem but living in Tallahassee you notice it more).

For your situation Tallahassee sounds fine. If you have family in the area, you will be ok with it. I dont really have any ties to the city and plan on moving out by next year. Its not the greatest city but I been to much worse towns. Just find a safe neighborhood and you should be fine.