Impressed with Tampa (Clearwater, Treasure Island, Cleveland: schools, tax, living)

[ma5cmpb]

Just got back from visiting Tampa from Ohio last week and the place is awesome. Beautiful scenery plus there were tons of stuff to do. Stayed in Ybor City at the Hampton Inn. Have friends that live down there so they showed me around. Went to St Pete, Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island as well.

PROS
Friendly, laid back and cool people.
Impressive scenery, palm trees, beach, causeway bridges , Gulf of Mexico etc
Good restaurants and bars, (downtown St Pete is awesome)
Tons of outdoor activities, biking, boating, walking
Uniqueness of Ybor
Not too pricey

CONS
Homeless people in Ybor City.
Chickens running around in Ybor
Thunder and lightning storms.

I loved the place and i will be coming back soon. You guys are lucky to live in a place like this.

[Pragmaticus]

Great!

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by ma5cmpb

CONS

Chickens running around in Ybor

Seriously?

[bobandsherry]

No, you got it all wrong. From those who have lived here for many years, and those who are lifers, this area is so bad that they continue to live here and complain on how bad the weather, economy, traffic, politics, schools and everything else under the sun is ----- {sarcasm off}

I've been here for going on 3 years, still really like the area. It's not perfect, but no place is. Ybor is a really special place. Just wait, it will soon change.

[MortonR]

Chickens in Ybor are part of the ambience. I'm surprised your friends didn't point that out.

Homeless people are unfortunately a part of life down here. Part of this is due to our climate, as it's a lot easier living outside when there's no snow or low temperatures.

Thunder and lighting are some of the best parts of living here! I love a good thunderstorm!

Sure, it's hot in the summer and the traffic stinks, the schools are lousy, but it's a pretty good place to live and work overall. Just about any place else (Akron, Cleveland, etc.) will have a similarly long list of detractions, too. It's all about compromise....

RM

[ma5cmpb]

Originally Posted by MAniacTHW

Seriously?

I guess its something that I"m not use to seeing unless i'm on a farm somewhere.

[ma5cmpb]

Originally Posted by bobandsherry

No, you got it all wrong. From those who have lived here for many years, and those who are lifers, this area is so bad that they continue to live here and complain on how bad the weather, economy, traffic, politics, schools and everything else under the sun is ----- {sarcasm off}

I've been here for going on 3 years, still really like the area. It's not perfect, but no place is. Ybor is a really special place. Just wait, it will soon change.

Yeah I saw signs that the Rays will be moving in that area.

[ma5cmpb]

Originally Posted by MortonR

Chickens in Ybor are part of the ambience. I'm surprised your friends didn't point that out.

Homeless people are unfortunately a part of life down here. Part of this is due to our climate, as it's a lot easier living outside when there's no snow or low temperatures.

Thunder and lighting are some of the best parts of living here! I love a good thunderstorm!

Sure, it's hot in the summer and the traffic stinks, the schools are lousy, but it's a pretty good place to live and work overall. Just about any place else (Akron, Cleveland, etc.) will have a similarly long list of detractions, too. It's all about compromise....

RM

They pointed it out after I mentioned it. It was pretty funny. I'm in Akron and Tampa area blows Akron as well as Cleveland out of the water for things to do. The people I met down there are all originally from here.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by ma5cmpb

They pointed it out after I mentioned it. It was pretty funny. I'm in Akron and Tampa area blows Akron as well as Cleveland out of the water for things to do. The people I met down there are all originally from here.

If we could count the number of people who just visit here and think it's wonderful and the perfect place to live, the number would be staggering. Life is much the same here as it is in the Midwest, only the summer is longer and the big water is salty, not fresh. I'm not saying it's bad, but the contrast between being here on holiday and living here are very, very different.

And there's no guarantee the Rays will be moving - yet. The owner would like that but the politicians are treading softly, as many of the locals aren't likely to vote for any tax related means of funding them.

RM

[KPB]

Originally Posted by ma5cmpb

Just got back from visiting Tampa from Ohio last week and the place is awesome. Beautiful scenery plus there were tons of stuff to do. Stayed in Ybor City at the Hampton Inn. Have friends that live down there so they showed me around. Went to St Pete, Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island as well.

PROS
Friendly, laid back and cool people.
Impressive scenery, palm trees, beach, causeway bridges , Gulf of Mexico etc
Good restaurants and bars, (downtown St Pete is awesome)
Tons of outdoor activities, biking, boating, walking
Uniqueness of Ybor
Not too pricey

CONS
Homeless people in Ybor City.
Chickens running around in Ybor
Thunder and lightning storms.

I loved the place and i will be coming back soon. You guys are lucky to live in a place like this.

Now you weren't thinkin about..... nevermind.