Orlando Or Tampa Area? (Clearwater, Winter Park: amusement parks, transfer to, living)

[John9181]

Ok so me and my gf are considering a move to Florida around March/April time frame. We are considering between Orland area or Tampa area (more so St Pete or Clearwater). She has a job where she can transfer to either area and I will be working at the airport so I am flexible on this decision as well. My question is what are some positives and negatives in the differences between the two areas when comparing? We will be coming from Northern VA right outside of DC so the traffic jams and winter's will not be missed at all. Any and all info helps and is greatly appreciated, thank you.

[SunsetBeachFL]

Have lived in both, grew up in Clearwater. A job opportunity that I couldn't pass up had me in Orlando - but only for a year. They both have their good and bad features. I prefer being close to the Gulf, but that's just me. Both have good airports and good flight connections. Personally, I loved shopping in Winter Park and enjoyed some great restaurants in Orlando but again, I'm more of a beach/fishing person.

So, it really comes down to finding what feels good to you. You can't do that without making several trips. And if you picked one and didn't like it, it sounds like you'd have the ability to transfer to the other area.

I vote beach! I am not amused by amusement parks but some people are.

[John9181]

Well we live not far outside of DC in Virginia so i think the biggest appeal to Florida is the weather. Plus the cost of living. Were tired of the cold and snow. So our first preference right now would be in the Tampa area closer to the beaches and fishing. But we figured if we broaden our area for work the better chance we have to make that transfer and we chose Orlando as a second option. We just feel that Tampa is a better fit for us overall for us but willing to sacrifice a year in Orlando (Oh how terrible it is to have to catch some Florida sunshine somewhere else in the state lol) to get to Tampa if need be. We were just curious of the pro's and con's of both, outside the obvious with Orlando (heavy tourism).

[Miserable Midwest]

I find the heat in the summer to be far worse in Orlando (no sea breezes) than in the Bay area and the winters are a little colder.

Orlando is a nice city, but it's the one large city in Florida that isn't on the water.

[90sman]

I personally like Tampa better as Tampa seems more established and less "cookie cutter" than Orlando. Orlando is only Orlando because of Disney World, if something were to happen to DW, Orlando would fall apart. So Tampa has more of a diverse economy.

Another plus with Tampa for me is the city is closer to the ocean.