Young Professional Seeking Much-Needed Advice (Tampa, Orlando: apartments, condo, homes)

[mikerowaves]

Hey everyone. I read a decent number of posts on here before joining because I haven't found an answer that's catered to what I'm looking for. I am a 23-yo male professional from west-central Pennsylvania. I went to Penn State for 4 years for my undergrad and another year for partial graduate work. Between those two sessions, I lived in the Orlando, FL area for the summer working at an internship in the Longwood, FL area. I liked living there, but being in the world's #1 vacation spot was a little too much to handle sometimes...mainly during rush hour traffic, which seemed to exist at every hour of the day. Having to use I-4 was one of the most horrific experiences of my life as far as 8:30 in the morning experiences go.

With that said, I do have some partial Florida living experience, and I have since been accepted into a Master's of Entrepreneurship graduate program at USF. I am a budding entrepreneur with my own web design business and I am looking to launch my "work for nobody" lifestyle if I so choose to accept this offer in Tampa.

I'm kindof torn about it after reading the posts on here. It seems like a lot of people on this forum are negative about the living conditions and job opportunities in the Tampa area. I also read the census reviews and Tampa ranks the lowest and third lowest for job growth and singles in my age range.

I visited USF, once, and the immediate area around it seemed a little less than desirable. My ex also used to live in the Spring Hill area, and we visited the Tampa Aquarium and the Channelside area about a year and a half ago, so I have a little experience in Tampa as well. The Channelside area seemed nice, especially that little place with all the restaurants and bars overlooking the bay. There was plank wood everywhere and escalators, that's about all I can remember.

That basically about sums up what I know about the Tampa area and Florida living. I enjoy partying on the weekends but I am ready to settle into schoolwork again if need be. I am also a heath nut and enjoy daily physical exercise, and enjoy being around people who relish in the same lifestyle. As I previously mentioned, I am a web designer, so I am into a heavy mix of creative arts and computer technology.

My question to all of you is, do you feel that I could do my thing in Tampa given this criteria? If so, what places would you recommend for someone given how I like to live? I would like to be in an area where people my age reside, young professionals I would say, and where college-aged kids like to frequent on the weekends (21+). I know one person in Tampa I think, so it would be nice if I had avenues to meet some new friends slash hot girls. I would also prefer to be able to stumble home if I am hammered drunk somewhere without being murdered, so that would be a plus if I were living in walking distance to a nightlife-ish area that is relatively safe.

Any suggestions? I appreciate any and all in advance!

[tampaguy03]

You speak of areas in South Tampa(namely Hyde Park and surrounding areas) as to what you are looking for to reside...

[TampaKaren]

You might want to research a little about Harbour Island as well.

[Aconite]

You could probably find some like-minded people around. Probably not in Spring Hill, which is mostly families and old folks. But yeah, Channelside, parts of South Tampa, some more urban areas.
Tampa's interesting areas are invariably city, so you're going to find a certain level of "not pretty"ness. But interesting can be better than pretty.

[Artisticangel]

Hmmm stumbling home drunk i wouldnt suggest in any city...however, I would suggest Hyde Park which has a few clubs and bars that are walking distance from residential homes and apartments. also you may want to check out ybor city. They have new apartment homes and condo near and even on the strip (but they are kind of expensive 1200-1500 for a studio or very small 1bdrm...but they are very nice, the newer ones anyway).

[Sunnydee]

mikerowaves, tampaguy03 gives great advice. Read his past posts and you will get a feel for what living in Tampa is really like for a young professional guy. I think you'll do great in Tampa. Best wishes.