San Diego to Tampa?!?! (insurance, crime, chapel)

[samsarah98]

Hello everyone. My husband and I currently live in San Diego (born and raised). We are looking at Tampa as a possible relocation. Currently we both work for the government (County of San Diego) in the animal services field. After reading some posts, I am concerned about the job market. It seems to not be doing so well there in Tampa?
I am also concerned about the crime--it seems to be a big topic. I can't imagine that it is any worse than San Diego. I would appreciate any info!
Anyone move to Tampa from Cali?
Thanks!
Sarah

[Keeper]

Crime in Tampa is concentrated in certain areas. Most ppl will tell you they have never had any problems. Of course, you have to be aware of your surroundings even in what is considered a 'safe' area. I lived in Tampa for 30 years and only had one incident where someone took a pkg out of my car which wasn't locked.

As stated elsewhere in this forum, it will be hard to get a job if you don't live in Tampa. If you want to stay in the same field, check out the city/county websites for jobs. You can also check out TBO.com classifieds.

[katleigh]

Jobs are very limited right now. Government/county jobs are being cut back. Personally, I would not make the move without dual job offers.

Also, having lived in San Diego for about a year (El Cajon to be exact), I can tell you that the weather here is very different. The humidity is high and last for several months.

As for crime, I think it is the same here as every larger city. There are good and bad areas, but I think mostly, it is good.

Oops...edited to add: In the three years I've had no personal problems with crime (knock on wood!), but in the year in San Diego, I did have my car window smashed in.

[2MuchDuctTape]

I'm sure the cost of living is lower in Tampa. My brother lived in San Diego for a little bit, and he would always tell me how much more expensive everything was!

And yes, the weather will be VERY different. Hello humidity!

[JSnFla]

ive lived in both places. san diego is way way more expensive to live but it has a real economy and real job market with major corporations headquarters, major venture capital goes into startups there, there is major bio tech scene and generally has a very educated, worldly population. Tampa does not have this but in small pockets here and there. Tampa has a very weak service based economy. No venture capital money comes here, its not a trendy intellectual cutting edge place, san diego is. the weather is slightly better in tampa in the winter and spring and much better in san diego in summer and fall. if u r an intellectual, cultured, career person then stay in san diego if not then maybe try tampa.

[maggiekate]

if you stick with new tampa, wesley chapel lutz and land o lakes you will be ok.

the major problem is insurance etc., also there are big cut in jobs, because of the economy, housing flop? If you find a job, it will be cheaper here. If you have money, you might check Boston. Tampa is not know for high paying jobs-however food and to live does cost money.

[bentlebee]

Except for the high prices....I would love to live in San Diego!!! I was there and had a great time, but for me the prices are killing the fun...grocery shopping, houses, gas, etc...everything is so expensive, but for the rest...San Diego beats Tampa on everything else.

[stpeteguy]

I lived in San Diego years ago. The crime here, is not worse than there. The humidity however, is much worse. The cost of housing, much lower. The water is not as blue. The winters here are much better. The jobs pay slightly less here.

[bentlebee]

Originally Posted by stpeteguy

I lived in San Diego years ago. The crime here, is not worse than there. The humidity however, is much worse. The cost of housing, much lower. The water is not as blue. The winters here are much better. The jobs pay slightly less here.

No bugs...love bugs, mosquitos in San Diego, I took a spray and they were laughing ...no bugs..

[InLuvWitFlo]

I would look elsewhere, florida is in some deep sh$t right now and who knows when it will end.