I'm done with winter!

[sinatras]

Originally Posted by ServoMiff

This is some sensible advice. I just moved to the Tampa area for the short-term, and we're paying $1300/mo for a 2/2 condo in a neighborhood that is basically a small step above acceptable. The rent does include all utilities (since it's a short term rental) but you could buy one of these condos for under $100k. (north Pinellas)

Chattanooga is a much better start - I feel like Tampa would be rough on $30k/year especially if you don't have a decent amount of savings. The cost of living is higher here than Wisconsin, and that includes insurance and everything else mentioned above.

Also, the traffic in Tampa is the worst I've ever experienced outside of the major US cities during rush hour, and I've either lived or spent a lot of time in Chicago, NY, SF and LA. DC I've heard is worse, but we work from home as well, and we still end up stuck in a lot of traffic if we go out anytime between 2-7pm.

That said, I understand why there's so much traffic here - I lived in Orlando for 5 years and spent a lot of time down by West Palm on the other side of the state, and it is just so much nicer on this side of the state, from the beaches to the activities to the economic opportunity (which isn't super great anywhere in FL but seemingly still better in Tampa than Miami, Orlando or JAX).

I will never understand why people complain about traffic.
It is very easy to avoid traffic in Tampa and everywhere else.
Either A, work from home, or B, live near your job.
In Tampa Bay there is even a third option. It's called living in South Tampa.
If you live in South Tampa, and commute to the burbs, you will have a reverse commute.

It's not rocket science.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by sinatras

I will never understand why people complain about traffic.
It is very easy to avoid traffic in Tampa and everywhere else.
Either A, work from home, or B, live near your job.
In Tampa Bay there is even a third option. It's called living in South Tampa.
If you live in South Tampa, and commute to the burbs, you will have a reverse commute.

It's not rocket science.

Another alternative that I use is to work non-traditional hours. I start early and end early, thereby missing nearly all of the rush hour traffic.

RM

[mrviking]

Originally Posted by sinatras

I will never understand why people complain about traffic.
It is very easy to avoid traffic in Tampa and everywhere else.
Either A, work from home, or B, live near your job.
In Tampa Bay there is even a third option. It's called living in South Tampa.
If you live in South Tampa, and commute to the burbs, you will have a reverse commute.

It's not rocket science.

Because the norm is to "blindly" buy a house in a new subdivision because its new with lots of glitter. Then go to work Monday and see the sea of red tail lights and complain of traffic.

[mrviking]

Originally Posted by MortonR

Another alternative that I use is to work non-traditional hours. I start early and end early, thereby missing nearly all of the rush hour traffic.

RM

I find driving the major roads at 3 am, delightful. I can see the drunks and cops miles away.

[BuddyPilgrim]

Thanks, I've decided on Vegas. I hated the humidity in New England and hated it here. Thanks for all the advice.

[sinatras]

Originally Posted by BuddyPilgrim

Thanks, I've decided on Vegas. I hated the humidity in New England and hated it here. Thanks for all the advice.

Good choice. I always notice I have a lot fewer aches and pains when I'm in Vegas b/c it's so nice and dry.

Also Vegas has such amazing restaurants!!!!!!!!!!!!