Tampa Bay Area.... What's Missing? (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale: crime rate, how much, house)

[FLABoyJ]

Is Tampa Bay (Pinellas,Hernando, Hillsborough, ) as bad as some people make it? IM serious about moving to the area from Orlando. I mean I have been to the area countless amount of times but I never until I browsed through threads today had a negative thought about the Bay area. Is crime there worse than here? I love the fact it has more public amenities, sports teams, beaches, and more diverse economy. I think it is a better place to raise a family than Orlando Metro, am I wrong? What am I missing?

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by FLABoyJ

Is Tampa Bay (Pinellas,Hernando, Hillsborough, ) as bad as some people make it? IM serious about moving to the area from Orlando. I mean I have been to the area countless amount of times but I never until I browsed through threads today had a negative thought about the Bay area. Is crime there worse than here? I love the fact it has more public amenities, sports teams, beaches, and more diverse economy. I think it is a better place to raise a family than Orlando Metro, am I wrong? What am I missing?

I'm not sure of your "sources" but the premise that crime is worse in Tampa versus Orlando is way off base.


FBI 2009 Violent Crime Rates By City


Orlando

Population Violent Crime Murder Rape Robbery Assault Property Crime
235,109 2,814 28 117 767 1,902 17,357


Tampa

Population Violent Crime Murder Rape Robbery Assault Property Crime
345,233 2,597 20 80 909 1,588 12,960


St Petersburg has a crime rate similar to Orlando's but also a slightly larger population.

244,933 3,334 11 112 907 2,304 17,198


In my opinion, the Tampa Bay has much more to offer in terms of culture, recreation and services, and is a great place to live regardless of socioeconomic status.

[ferret111]

It has its problems, yes, but I don't think it's as bad as everyone says at all.

[housingcrashsurvivor]

I don't know if it is true of other forums, probably so, but I've tried to start one or two positive-leaning threads here which got nearly zero responses. I've seen similar results when others try as well. Start a negative one though and it seems everyone pipes in. Even the positive threads that get going tend to turn negative, not that some criticism isn't often required.

Seems, for most people, it is easier to complain than to compliment. That might just be from so many mothers teaching children their first word: no. But also I think this economy has got people down. I would imagine that during the housing bubble, people were discussing less how much crime there was but how much money you could make flipping a home in what today they call a spotty area.

Interesting crime stats from Kyle. I had no idea there was 37% more violent crime per capita in Orlando. That must be a war zone, considering how terrible (kidding) it is here. City data stats seem to indicate likewise: National average overall score 320.9, Orlando in 2008 overall 887.5, Tampa in 2008 overall 478.4. By that, overall there's almost half or 46% less crime here (I don't mean to be negative on Orlando by saying that--wink).

Also, any city will have its crime. Would you not feel safe in Fort Lauderdale? City data shows their overal score at 559.5, so Tampa is even 14% "safer" (by these stats) than that.

[Ken E]

I think that the people who have a positive attitude are probablly out enjoying life. It seems like some people spend all day on this forum. I origionally found this forum while looking for some re-location info. It seems to be more of a chat type of thing now. There seems to be a lot of stuff that doesen't have anything to do with re-locating information at all. I always thought that was what City-Data was for. A lot of the stuff posted here does paint a pretty bleak picture.

[Kevin from Tampa]

To the OP....

Don't read the negative threads on this board and use that as your basis for forming an opinion. For some reason, the DC forums bring out the malcontents...go read boards from other cities and you'll see similar posts about "I hate ______ (fill in the city)."

I have lived all over this state and the bay area, in my opinion, is the best place to live in Florida.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Kevin from Tampa

To the OP....

Don't read the negative threads on this board and use that as your basis for forming an opinion. For some reason, the DC forums bring out the malcontents...go read boards from other cities and you'll see similar posts about "I hate ______ (fill in the city)."

I have lived all over this state and the bay area, in my opinion, is the best place to live in Florida.

I am a Florida native, and have lived all over the bay area and I 100% agree.

[kbrkr]

I'm here 5 months and the Tampa area has exceeded all my expectations. It's just a great area with something for everyone!!!

[Sunnydee]

My parents have lived in the area since 1997 and absolutely love it. They have had zero issues. I'm in the Tampa Bay area whenever I can break away and can truly say it's a great place. After years of research, and exploratory trips to cities all over the U.S., my DH and I have purchased a house in the area and plan to make it our full time home in June. There are naysayers everywhere, but if you do your research you will discover that the Tampa area offers an outstanding quality of life.

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

What is it missing?


ME of course.