What would my best choice be? (Jacksonville, Miami: apartment, rentals, how much) - Tampa Bay - Florida (FL) -Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - City-Data Forum

jessemh431 · 08-12-2007, 07:31 PM

I know that all of FL has a lot of humidity, but I was wondering if there are areas that have less than others.

Someday I would like to move to FL, maybe start a family there. I'm not that interested in night life, but i don't want the downtown area to seem like a suburb. I realize that not many cities can match LA in FL besides Miami.

I was thinking maybe Jacksonville, Tampa, Pensacola, or Panama City areas. Home prices aren't really a big deal for me since I'm used to LA prices. How much do you think it would be to rent maybe a 1 bed apartment for about a year to see how I like each city. I would do about 1500 for a 1 bed since that is the normal in LA. Oh, and if I decide to live there, which one has better publics schools. Are there much needs for the dental or any other sciences businesses in any of those cities?

How would Sarasota or Cape Coral be?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

SRQ_Sioux · 08-12-2007, 07:51 PM

Not a party life in Sarasota or Cape Coral, better bet is St Petersburg or Tampa for that. Jacksonville has a military base as well as Pensacola, you'll find a different demographic there. Have you visited? Read the local on-line newspapers? That will help you out too. If you're into sports you'll enjoy Tampa. (I didn't say they had recent winning seasons) Lightning games are fun as well as the Bucs and Devil Rays the stadiums/domes are awesome!

yukon · 08-12-2007, 10:27 PM

Can't comment on Jacksonville as I've never lived there. I'm in Tampa and the humidity seems higher this summer than normal. The most humid months (to me) are from about mid-June to early September. If we have our usual pattern of afternoon thunderstorms, then the humidity eases off later in the day. Lately, however, we've had the clouds & humidity build up, but no rain to relieve it. Bleah! I do think it's more bearable here than it was in Destin/Ft Walton Beach (midway between Panama City & Pensacola). It was pretty hot & humid when I lived there, but without the breeze we often get here in Tampa/St Pete. The job market up in Pensacola/Panama City isn't as good as it is here either. You can check the rents on apartmentguide.com, forrent.com, etc. for all 4 areas, and on craigslist for private rentals (not sure if Panama City has a cl site).

jessemh431 · 08-13-2007, 10:19 AM

So what are some upscale neighborhoods you would recommend

I found one for 1600 in downtown Tampa. Is that a good area?

Lior Arel · 08-13-2007, 11:56 AM

I live in Hyde Park. Great area! Downtown is up and coming, with some great highrises going in, but there still isn't much life there after 5pm. Palm Ceia is more of a family neighborhood and many of Tampa's established well-to-do families live there. Beach Park is one of the highest end areas. Channelside is nice, too.

tampaguy03 · 08-13-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessemh431

So what are some upscale neighborhoods you would recommend

I found one for 1600 in downtown Tampa. Is that a good area?

Upscale neighborhoods around downtown Tampa would include Hyde Park, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Golfview, Bayshore Gardens, Bayshore Beautiful.

Over near Westshore district of Tampa, upscale neighborhoods are Beach Park, Culbreath Bayou/Isles, Sunset Park.

Here is more info on Tampa's downtown: TDP Intro

jessemh431 · 08-13-2007, 05:12 PM

Is there much to do in St. Petersburg?

I'm mostly attracted to the Jacksonville, Tampa, and now Miami areas. Should I just head straight to Miami since I'm so used to LA.

tampaguy03 · 08-13-2007, 05:46 PM

If your used to LA, and you like that scene, then yes, Miami/South Beach will get you as close to LA as you find than anywhere else in the State of Florida.

jessemh431 · 08-13-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tampaguy03

If your used to LA, and you like that scene, then yes, Miami/South Beach will get you as close to LA as you find than anywhere else in the State of Florida.

Well i was reading on Miami threads and everyone says the people are very rude there and someone from LA said some bad stuff. Maybe people from Tampa could give some input on what you guys think of Miamians. Also, many people said in Miami that it's too hot to do anything outside in the summer...at all. Is that true for all of Florida or just Miami?

parasol · 08-13-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Also, many people said in Miami that it's too hot to do anything outside in the summer...at all. Is that true for all of Florida or just Miami?

I'm in the Tampa area and I believe this to be true. It really is unpleasant with the humidty; you'd know the feeling if you've ever lived a summer in the south. Someone once mentioned here that you walk twenty steps to your car and you instantly feel like a wet, used teabag. The sun's intensity is overwelming when there is no cloud cover. I suppose when it's overcast I feel much more comfortable wandering around outside longer, but even if the sun's not shining that doesn't mean you still won't feel 'icky'.