Tampa good for early 30s single guy? High paying jobs? (Miami: middle-class, house)

[mightleavenyc]

Hello,

I am an early 30s single guy who currently lives in NYC and makes a little over $100k. I've gotten pretty fed up with the crowdedness and overall stress of the city and am strongly considering Tampa. I'd appreciate any advice you can give with my questions. Thanks.

1. I have a master's degree and work in finance so I'm hoping I can land a job that pays at least $85k in Tampa. I figure with no state taxes and lower cost of living, I'd make out okay compared to what I do now. It looks like there are some large financial firms down there. How is the job market?

2. How is the dating scene? I'd like to meet a girl from 25 to early 30s who is fit, down to earth, and educated.

3. Would you consider Tampa redneck? I'm not really into hunting or wrestling alligators or anything like that.

Thanks.

[CubsFan20]

1. No... such a job does not exist here for that salary. The job you make over 100k in NYC pays 40k here.

Mod edit

[Spring Hillian]

how do u figure 100k NYC equals 40k Tampa when u have no idea what the OP does for a living?

Bankrate.com shows $100k NYC would require $53,148 in Tampa.

CNN's cost of living calculator gives $54,400 as the equivlent to $100k in NYC.

I think the OP needs to check factual databases to determine the going rate for his skills in Tampa.

[Beacher23]

I do not agree with #1, Finance is pretty big down here, and depending on your position i would assume you should make at least 65-70k+.

[CubsFan20]

Originally Posted by Spring Hillian

how do u figure 100k NYC equals 40k Tampa when u have no idea what the OP does for a living?

Bankrate.com shows $100k NYC would require $53,148 in Tampa.

CNN's cost of living calculator gives $54,400 as the equivlent to $100k in NYC.

I think the OP needs to check factual databases to determine the going rate for his skills in Tampa.

If he's only making low 100's in NYC, I know for fact his skillset is going to translate to 40-60k here...

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by CubsFan20

1. No... such a job does not exist here for that salary. The job you make over 100k in NYC pays 40k here.

As has been stated, this simply isn't true. However, Tampa really doesn't (currently) have many high paying jobs. We're waiting to see what Channelside and the University area bring in the next few years.





If you're looking for redneck, I'd look in the suburbs. Brandon, Seffner, Valrico... Southern Hillsborough County, to be exact. Look no further than the giant confederate flag that greets you as you enter Brandon.

[EngGirl]

I know few people who moved from Tampa to NY and worked in finance. They got 95-105K in NY while were making $60-70K here in Tampa. Not sure how it works other way.

Dating - depends on the venue. If you would go to certain bars or even to Hard Rock Casino, you will see many good looking girls, but I wouldn't call them educated if you ask me.

Certain places will be full of rednecks. but I am sure you will sort things put quick.

[mightleavenyc]

So what about Citi and JPM? They would only pay $60k in Tampa and pay $100k in NYC? That doesn't seem likely.

[sportsterjohn]

As far as jobs / pay. From what I have seen, the wages for many jobs here are lower then the mid atlantic / north east, however if you connect with a large national company then your pay should be similar. For example when I worked in St. Pete for American express and for Goodyear, my pay was the same here as it would have been had I been in one of the offices in another state. Now, when I was job hunting down here, the local companies were offering about 20-25 percent lower then most of the companies in other areas. I ended up getting lucky by working for a NJ based company, but I work out of my house in St Pete. As far as the scene for people in their 30's. Well, I am 50 so I can't really tell you how the dating scene is here, I will say there is a lot of eye candy walking around where I live!!

[professional88]

NYC transient here who has lived in various parts of Tampa Bay for the last 5 years.

1) The jobs pay way less, but the cost of living is also far lower so it largely evens out. Even if you take a big paycut (which I suspect you will, though I can't comment on your particular industry) it will largely even out VS. NYC's cost of living unless you lived in the hood.

2) Being a woman I can't comment too deeply on dating women down here, but I can say that there is...definitely less intelligence around here than in NYC with both genders. The population is undeniably a bit thicker at the waist, too, because remember that Tampa IS technically a part of the Deep South and everyone drives around here instead of walking like in the city. Like I said I'm not dating women, but I've definitely seen a gold-digging/baby hungry vibe from some others around here. (A surprising amount of men in the dating pool are gold-diggers looking for a sugar-mama too!)

3) Although there are some areas that aren't, if you are used to NYC you're probably used to having a diverse amount of cultural things to do. Tampa is kind of a small city, and a few minutes in almost any direction outside of it and the other major nearby cities (Clearwater/St. Pete), you'll see trailers and hear cows mooing while the banjo from Deliverance starts playing. Mod edit

With all of that said, I'm not saying things are bad. I'm a transient who has lived in multiple states, and some of the coolest people I know are from Tampa. The nature is absolutely gorgeous, if that is your thing, and the laid-back vibe is a welcome change from NYC. The weather, if you like it hot, is absolutely perfect. Just be ready for a more Deep South vibe than what you would get in Miami, if that makes sense. The middle-class Tampa suburbs actually remind me most of central NJ.

If you're willing to trade some earnings and cultural excitement for peace and quiet, Tampa is great. If you're willing to accept the challenges of the dating pool down here, there are some awesome people to meet. If neither of those interest you, stay away.