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Twinkletwinkle22, having lived in all those places in Florida, which do you prefer? We are north of Clearwater in the small town of Dunedin. We really like it's quaint charm. Have not been there in the summer months, yet,though. Just snowbirding
All depends on what is most important to you. I've heard Dunedin is nice. ALL of Florida is hot in summer and months before and after. East coast Florida has WAY more traffic than west coast and none of the cities can be described as quaint. If you like Dunedin you will not like Florida's east coast.
West coast FL people are less abrasive than east coast FL, both in person and driving. NJ and NY people on east coast may be salt of the earth but they come off as rude if you aren't used to that more aggressive style. I grew up in West Palm Beach and disliked it then and now to live, even visiting is a challenge, that's my dislike, plenty of people LOVE WPB.
The farther south on the west coast you travel the whiter and older the population is. This is due to few jobs available and retirees being the majority. The older an area is the less crime generally.
We live south of Sarasota in unincorporated Charlotte County, after living in Naples 10 years we moved after HOA problems, driving both coasts visiting multiple cities, husband wanted to be south of Tampa latitude.
There is no single personality for any Florida city. Anyone thinking of moving to Florida should drive to the cities they are considering and spend time. Pay no attention to "Best Places to Live" lists, they are meaningless.
Thank you, for taking the time to reply, very interesting! We are considering looking around at a few places in the Sarasota area. All the best to you!
I would be remiss to even begin to speak negatively of Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater. There is nothing that I particularly dislike about the Tampa area. On the contrary, I highly recommend this area for anyone wishing to move to Florida, but not having to deal with the harshness of southern fl. The main reason why I chose Tampa is since my work takes me pretty much anywhere, and both of my parents are now living a few hours south, I was thinking I could make Tampa my final stop. For now, it's just a waiting game until an opportunity to move.
However, allow me to initiate my defense for Tampa. It really bothers me when people bring up the heat, bugs, and traffic. Those are the first and mostly only things people bring up. Those personal feelings aside, I have never really seen a good reason to truly hate Florida. Now, it's not to say that these perceptions are not real. The heat/humidity and mosquitoes are brutal. I will go as far as saying that I prefer Tampa wet heat over Vegas' oppressive 114 degree dry heat. But, at the end of the day, it's mostly preference statements which are all too subjective. Moving to a state without employment however, is both counterintuitive and irresponsible. Likewise, "good schools" is overrated in my opinion. There are many brilliant/educated folks who came up through the Florida education system from cradle to crave.
In my opinion, Tampa has a great sense of class integration. You can be in the most dingy areas, while seeing those living there who you would never think. It always brings a smile to my face when driving through a perceived "hood" and you see some yuppy walking their poodle. That's when you know that you ain't in the hood, Cindy . Likewise, the most sketchy restaurants have a good mix of upper/low class patrons. In general, Tampa has some of the nicest people for a city its size, but they are somewhat protective in nature. Perhaps its that NE state of mind lingering. For an employed person, who is just looking for a mid-sized city with plenty to do, and places to eat, Tampa is absolutely perfect. On a random Sunday afternoon, the family and I drive 1.5 - 3hrs to Orlando/Ocala/Daytona to grab dinner, visit the downtown areas, and drive back home by 10PM. (Sadly the more I write, the worse I feel, but nonetheless...)
That said, my opinions surrounding a city do not revolve around employment, bugs, traffic, weather, "tons to do", rude people or any other low hanging fruit. I have no problem with any of those areas. Frankly, I actually enjoy Traffic, but Tampa doesn't really have a traffic issue. I sat in 1hrs worth of Traffic driving from Northern VA to DC daily- both ways. It was quite peaceful. For me, it's all about accepting a city's true identity and what it has to offer- however much or little that may be. Finally, although I will compare/contrast other cities with Tampa, it is not in any way to undermine Tampa. It's just for context to those who may need deeper perspectives. Again, I must say this again- I DON'T DISLIKE Tampa at all and not in any particular rush to leave tomorrow. I just know that it will not be my final stop.
Honestly, and with great internal debate, I have finally come to terms about my feelings for Tampa- although I have always felt it. However, this is such a sensitive subject for me that I would rather put it on "digital paper" than to speak out loud about it. I just need to get this off my chest. Believe me, I could never shut up about my discontent for the insufferable DC area, so this is how much respect I have for the Tampa region.
Coming from Vegas, by way of DC, before that Miami, before that overseas, but growing up in NY/NJ, I have a relatively good grasp of energies. I either love, hate, or am impartial to any given city. Unfortunately, Tampa fits squarely into the impartiality realm. From the very first day, I knew that I would have to settle in before I could give an honest review, despite me knowing my own truth. It was just hard to acknowledge. This was the opposite of Vegas as I immediately knew of her gift, or when I first stepped foot in DC, I knew it was going to be a rough time. In Vegas, it was even more pronounced during my weekend trips to either California, Utah, or Arizona- but I digress, now oblige me.. We would leave Vegas at 9AM, get to Santa Monica beach by 1:30PM, enjoy the beach, have dinner at 6pm, and be back in Vegas before 12AM.
Regarding energies, Florida is unique because most of its cities have what I call unilateral magnetic fields, which are isolated, whereas other major cities have multilateral magnetic fields which are dynamic. This especially creates an identity crisis for Tampa because there is a subconscious expectation of the Miami and Orlando influence but it isn't there. This isn't the same for a city such as Winter Haven because although close to Orlando, WH doesn't need to compete by throwing millions into its core downtown area. We accept WH for what she is. Someone online said it best when comparing Jacksonville to Tampa- "Jacksonville just feels more like a small southern town with skyscrapers that never cared to be a huge metropolis where Tampa prides itself on it’s nightlife and entertainment".
It's actually quite interesting. Similar to a state like Tennessee, not only do you understand what you are getting, the energies flow nicely across its neighboring states. This is why Jacksonville is often identified as the capital of Southern Georgia. Unfortunately, it seems that Tampa does such a terrific job at trying to create its own identity, that it inadvertently creates an imbalance of energies between the other surrounding major cities. Although there is much going on to the North East/South (Orlando/Miami), Tampa isolates itself into somewhat of a small local culture, creating confusion to some. This creates a subconscious perception for many that Tampa should be some major city. This is the small-big city feel that many experience. Orlando also has this common misconception of being a major city, while those who live there often deny it. It's quite fascinating, actually.
But, for the well travelled, certain people wear out their stay rather quickly because of its lack of geographical diversity. DC has a similar problem in that its neighboring cities such as Baltimore/Philly don't flow well into her. This is unlike the crossflow of cultural influences you may find between NY, NJ, CT, Philly, and Baltimore. Same as with how energies nicely flow between Atlanta, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Although Vegas being pretty much nothing but desert rocks, it has a dynamic field which draws you to exploring the visually stimulating surrounding states. For some reason, I do not get this magnetic draw here in Tampa. This is was similar to when in Meeyamee/West Pembroke Pines (Broward County), I never once drove to Orlando in the 9 years that I lived there. It was always the immediate counties and the keys. However, I drove the wheels off my car between all three Dade/WPB/Broward counties. Living here, I am exploring anywhere from 1-2 hours on a weekend, but with not much to be desired. Although day trips to Boyton Beach/Ft Lauderdale are nothing, hadn't it been for my parents, I have no real desire to take day trips to Miami. Driving 1.5 hrs to Utah just for dinner and mountain views (rocks) was simple, but stimulating. As a matter of fact, although my father, who lives in Ft Lauderdale, travels often to the Caribbean/South America for work, his trip to visit me in Tampa this year was his first. His reasoning was that there was simply no need for him and his wife to ever travel so far up north/west.
As you can see, it's is all really not about the bugs, traffic and rude people. I am a person who thrives on natural geographical stimulation. I am sensitive to energies, so I need to sense that there is a good flow surrounding me. Because Tampa has to somewhat compete with its peers, it has created an extraordinarily imbalanced field of energy. While it may not bother the majority, it does have an unsettling effect on me. Not to the point that it makes me want to move right away, but definitely doesn't allow me to truly embrace Florida for who she really is.
Ironically, I am not so into historic landmarks. I could care less about DC's museums and national parks. So, for anyone wishing to move to central/southern Florida, be mindful of the pre-conditioned blur. If you are like me, and need visual stimulation apart from bodies of water, Florida will literally have you feeling like you are stranded on a piece of island.
I don't have an opinion on Tampa but you really write well, I thoroughly enjoyed reading that!
I would be remiss to even begin to speak negatively of Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater. There is nothing that I particularly dislike about the Tampa area. On the contrary, I highly recommend this area for anyone wishing to move to Florida, but not having to deal with the harshness of southern fl. The main reason why I chose Tampa is since my work takes me pretty much anywhere, and both of my parents are now living a few hours south, I was thinking I could make Tampa my final stop. For now, it's just a waiting game until an opportunity to move.
However, allow me to initiate my defense for Tampa. It really bothers me when people bring up the heat, bugs, and traffic. Those are the first and mostly only things people bring up. Those personal feelings aside, I have never really seen a good reason to truly hate Florida. Now, it's not to say that these perceptions are not real. The heat/humidity and mosquitoes are brutal. I will go as far as saying that I prefer Tampa wet heat over Vegas' oppressive 114 degree dry heat. But, at the end of the day, it's mostly preference statements which are all too subjective. Moving to a state without employment however, is both counterintuitive and irresponsible. Likewise, "good schools" is overrated in my opinion. There are many brilliant/educated folks who came up through the Florida education system from cradle to crave.
In my opinion, Tampa has a great sense of class integration. You can be in the most dingy areas, while seeing those living there who you would never think. It always brings a smile to my face when driving through a perceived "hood" and you see some yuppy walking their poodle. That's when you know that you ain't in the hood, Cindy . Likewise, the most sketchy restaurants have a good mix of upper/low class patrons. In general, Tampa has some of the nicest people for a city its size, but they are somewhat protective in nature. Perhaps its that NE state of mind lingering. For an employed person, who is just looking for a mid-sized city with plenty to do, and places to eat, Tampa is absolutely perfect. On a random Sunday afternoon, the family and I drive 1.5 - 3hrs to Orlando/Ocala/Daytona to grab dinner, visit the downtown areas, and drive back home by 10PM. (Sadly the more I write, the worse I feel, but nonetheless...)
That said, my opinions surrounding a city do not revolve around employment, bugs, traffic, weather, "tons to do", rude people or any other low hanging fruit. I have no problem with any of those areas. Frankly, I actually enjoy Traffic, but Tampa doesn't really have a traffic issue. I sat in 1hrs worth of Traffic driving from Northern VA to DC daily- both ways. It was quite peaceful. For me, it's all about accepting a city's true identity and what it has to offer- however much or little that may be. Finally, although I will compare/contrast other cities with Tampa, it is not in any way to undermine Tampa. It's just for context to those who may need deeper perspectives. Again, I must say this again- I DON'T DISLIKE Tampa at all and not in any particular rush to leave tomorrow. I just know that it will not be my final stop.
Honestly, and with great internal debate, I have finally come to terms about my feelings for Tampa- although I have always felt it. However, this is such a sensitive subject for me that I would rather put it on "digital paper" than to speak out loud about it. I just need to get this off my chest. Believe me, I could never shut up about my discontent for the insufferable DC area, so this is how much respect I have for the Tampa region.
Coming from Vegas, by way of DC, before that Miami, before that overseas, but growing up in NY/NJ, I have a relatively good grasp of energies. I either love, hate, or am impartial to any given city. Unfortunately, Tampa fits squarely into the impartiality realm. From the very first day, I knew that I would have to settle in before I could give an honest review, despite me knowing my own truth. It was just hard to acknowledge. This was the opposite of Vegas as I immediately knew of her gift, or when I first stepped foot in DC, I knew it was going to be a rough time. In Vegas, it was even more pronounced during my weekend trips to either California, Utah, or Arizona- but I digress, now oblige me.. We would leave Vegas at 9AM, get to Santa Monica beach by 1:30PM, enjoy the beach, have dinner at 6pm, and be back in Vegas before 12AM.
Regarding energies, Florida is unique because most of its cities have what I call unilateral magnetic fields, which are isolated, whereas other major cities have multilateral magnetic fields which are dynamic. This especially creates an identity crisis for Tampa because there is a subconscious expectation of the Miami and Orlando influence but it isn't there. This isn't the same for a city such as Winter Haven because although close to Orlando, WH doesn't need to compete by throwing millions into its core downtown area. We accept WH for what she is. Someone online said it best when comparing Jacksonville to Tampa- "Jacksonville just feels more like a small southern town with skyscrapers that never cared to be a huge metropolis where Tampa prides itself on it’s nightlife and entertainment".
It's actually quite interesting. Similar to a state like Tennessee, not only do you understand what you are getting, the energies flow nicely across its neighboring states. This is why Jacksonville is often identified as the capital of Southern Georgia. Unfortunately, it seems that Tampa does such a terrific job at trying to create its own identity, that it inadvertently creates an imbalance of energies between the other surrounding major cities. Although there is much going on to the North East/South (Orlando/Miami), Tampa isolates itself into somewhat of a small local culture, creating confusion to some. This creates a subconscious perception for many that Tampa should be some major city. This is the small-big city feel that many experience. Orlando also has this common misconception of being a major city, while those who live there often deny it. It's quite fascinating, actually.
But, for the well travelled, certain people wear out their stay rather quickly because of its lack of geographical diversity. DC has a similar problem in that its neighboring cities such as Baltimore/Philly don't flow well into her. This is unlike the crossflow of cultural influences you may find between NY, NJ, CT, Philly, and Baltimore. Same as with how energies nicely flow between Atlanta, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Although Vegas being pretty much nothing but desert rocks, it has a dynamic field which draws you to exploring the visually stimulating surrounding states. For some reason, I do not get this magnetic draw here in Tampa. This is was similar to when in Meeyamee/West Pembroke Pines (Broward County), I never once drove to Orlando in the 9 years that I lived there. It was always the immediate counties and the keys. However, I drove the wheels off my car between all three Dade/WPB/Broward counties. Living here, I am exploring anywhere from 1-2 hours on a weekend, but with not much to be desired. Although day trips to Boyton Beach/Ft Lauderdale are nothing, hadn't it been for my parents, I have no real desire to take day trips to Miami. Driving 1.5 hrs to Utah just for dinner and mountain views (rocks) was simple, but stimulating. As a matter of fact, although my father, who lives in Ft Lauderdale, travels often to the Caribbean/South America for work, his trip to visit me in Tampa this year was his first. His reasoning was that there was simply no need for him and his wife to ever travel so far up north/west.
As you can see, it's is all really not about the bugs, traffic and rude people. I am a person who thrives on natural geographical stimulation. I am sensitive to energies, so I need to sense that there is a good flow surrounding me. Because Tampa has to somewhat compete with its peers, it has created an extraordinarily imbalanced field of energy. While it may not bother the majority, it does have an unsettling effect on me. Not to the point that it makes me want to move right away, but definitely doesn't allow me to truly embrace Florida for who she really is.
Ironically, I am not so into historic landmarks. I could care less about DC's museums and national parks. So, for anyone wishing to move to central/southern Florida, be mindful of the pre-conditioned blur. If you are like me, and need visual stimulation apart from bodies of water, Florida will literally have you feeling like you are stranded on a piece of island.
Enjoyed reading your personalized, lyrical perspective.
Read in it's entirety and well worth the read. Helpful to read varied viewpoints. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Last edited by Maddie104; 10-19-2019 at 10:34 AM..
Halfamazing spent too much time in DC Metro where belly button opinion pieces are very important to the swamps culture. As someone who has lived in many more places than him plus has been living in Washington suburbs for over a decade (!) I do appreciate his essay.
If i read it correctly, Tampa is a middlin place gifted by being located in Florida verses Minnesota. If it does have that pragmatic not-uptight attitude it sounds like a lovely place to live.
Good luck on your next state Half. Ya got around 4 more states to reside, coast to coast to catch up w me.
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. Likewise, the most sketchy restaurants have a good mix of upper/low class patrons. In general, Tampa has some of the nicest people for a city its size, but they are somewhat protective in nature. Perhaps its that NE state of mind lingering. For an employed person, who is just looking for a mid-sized city with plenty to do, and places to eat, Tampa is absolutely perfect. On a random Sunday afternoon, the family and I drive 1.5 - 3hrs to Orlando/Ocala/Daytona to grab dinner, visit the downtown areas, and drive back home by 10PM. (Sadly the more I write, the worse I feel, but nonetheless...) 
