My thoughts about Tampa have me so sad. Anyone else feeling this way (Clearwater: appointed, condo)

[Hugebillsfan1]

My family and I moved from Tampa to Charlotte six years ago as the housing market started to fall apart. I have lived in Charlotte feeling incredibly sad and missing our former life. After six long years, my wife finally agreed to relocate our family back to Tampa. The problem is the area has changed so much since we left. We have two small children (ages7 and 3). As we house hunted, i had a sick feeling of guilt and worry that I can not bring my children back to this area. When I look at the area, I see far too much poverty and despair. I see tired neighborhoods ( even west chase) I see awful, violent schools and too many uneducated, under employed desperate people. We are very fortunate financially the last few years. We make are 190k a year. If we move to Tampa our income would drop to about 110k. The problem is I miss living in the area but am so torn. I miss friends, beaches and the relaxed lifestyle. The bible thumpers here in nc are awful to be around and my work environment is terribly urban and depressing. Some insight here would be greatly appreciated.

[BucFan]

I'm happy here.

[floridagirl777]

Originally Posted by Hugebillsfan1

My family and I moved from Tampa to Charlotte six years ago as the housing market started to fall apart. I have lived in Charlotte feeling incredibly sad and missing our former life. After six long years, my wife finally agreed to relocate our family back to Tampa. The problem is the area has changed so much since we left. We have two small children (ages7 and 3). As we house hunted, i had a sick feeling of guilt and worry that I can not bring my children back to this area. When I look at the area, I see far too much poverty and despair. I see tired neighborhoods ( even west chase) I see awful, violent schools and too many uneducated, under employed desperate people. We are very fortunate financially the last few years. We make are 190k a year. If we move to Tampa our income would drop to about 110k. The problem is I miss living in the area but am so torn. I miss friends, beaches and the relaxed lifestyle. The bible thumpers here in nc are awful to be around and my work environment is terribly urban and depressing. Some insight here would be greatly appreciated.

I kind of know what you mean. We moved back to the area from Spring Hill and have been staying in Clearwater with my mother-in-law while the house we are buying is being renovated. Clearwater has changed drastically in the last decade. There are a lot more homeless people on the corners and I see gang markings all over the place. Town and Country is another area that was nice way back when but has now gone way down hill.

But I don't think Tampa is really all that bad. There are pockets you need to avoid, and you will just have to be more selective about the area you want to live in. My sister lives in Westchase (West Park Village) and it is beautiful there … I'm not sure "tired" is how I'd describe it. She has wonderful neighbors and her particular block is very well-educated and friendly. My family and I decided on Safety Harbor. It's one of the most well-educated, wealthier areas in Pinellas County without being pretentious. It's also got a good amount of diversity. We're moving in to a great neighborhood there.

I'm not sure all the schools are violent. There are some that are. My sister taught at Blake for a few years, and boy … she has some stories to tell about that place! The kids there are AWFUL! But Palm Harbor University High School is a GREAT school. Safety Harbor has good schools. Westchase Elementary is a good school, too. Countryside and East Lake aren't bad, either. Like I said, you just need to be selective about where you want to live … or send your children to private school if you can afford it.

You could certainly get into a decent neighborhood on the income you mentioned. We're not that much different income-wise from you, and we were able to find a nice little neighborhood that didn't kill our budget. We are also able send our kids to private schools, but were willing to sacrifice a nicer lifestyle in order to do so. (Our vehicles are laughable in the pick up line at these schools!)

Tampa is a great place to live. Yes, it has changed a bit … but the changes aren't bad enough to keep me away from it.

[vaughanwilliams]

Tampa hasn't changed that much in six years-the poverty and despair has always been here, the under educated have always been here, the crappy neighborhoods and tough schools have always been here. Just like all metro areas. You're just disappointed that Tampa isn't EXACTLY like you remember it or you're just recalling the good things and blocking out the grit and the grime. Could be you're actually seeing Tampa for what it is, warts and all.

If you're miserable in NC and willing to take an 80k hit, move back. You'll find it hasn't changed that much. Beaches are still here, your friends are (presumably) still here and the lifestyle (for what it's worth) is still the same.

[BucFan]

Willing to take a $80k pay cut to get away from "Bible thumpers" ---I'm really curious what lifestyle you have that's causing them to be so invasive.

[Pragmaticus]

Nay, in six years I have seen no change that is just about Tampa. I still get the ocean smell driving in the causeway, lol. With 80K more I would even live in Alaska, just take a vacation twice or more a year to get the energy back.

But if I could wear my counseling hat, most people feel the same way about places that they spent much of their time (and had some life changing experiences) and when they want to go back they see things differently. If I could go back, that would be to some small European university town that I spent quite a bit of time and we always want to go back but I know I am going to feel exactly like you. What you need is a well planed vacation, that all !

[Sunscape]

Originally Posted by BucFan

I'm happy here.

Yes, the beaches are still here.

[jambo101]

For an $80K hit i'd try moving to a different locale where you are and just add an extra vacation to Tampa,whats that old saying you cant go home again.
i have a similar nostalgia for the St Pete of the mid 60's, my whole scene is now gone and replaced by highrise beachfront hotels and condo's and the downtown area is just not the same without Webb City..

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by MeInDenudinFL

What you need is a well planed vacation, that all !

Agreed!

[chi_tino]

I don't see the despair that the rest of you do -- maybe it's because I'm either too positive or frankly, just don't let other people's situations bother me.

Either way, you probably shouldn't move here. In your mental state, you may try to take advantage of one of our beautiful, tall bridges.