Three things I've notice about the Tampa area (Orlando, Brandon: insurance, condos)

[Sharon2226]

Originally Posted by mandyh

We moved here in Oct and I like living in the Tampa area. We came from a rural area in Maryland and these are some things I've noticed since moving here that are different. I dont know if these things are indicative to this area or if its like this in most large cities.

1. When the traffic light turns red, expect 3 or more cars to run it. I actually had somebody beep and swerve around me and go on through the red light.

2. If you are a pedestrian, watch out! They will run your a** over.

3. Nobody knows what the cart rack's are for in the grocery store parking lot's. I generally have to get out and move a cart so I can park. I must be one of the few people that unloads the groceries and pushes the cart into a cart rack.

Oh well. just thought I would share some of the odd ball things that I have noticed since living here. Has anybody else noticed things that are different, but not on the "questions to ask list" when moving to a new area?

I just got back from there...yes--they drive like nuts! ha! I told my husband that he'll fit right in! He drives like a nut too...but truly, I'm a bit scared. We move in June, and seriously...I'm in my 30's but drive like I'm 90.

[OREGONRAIN]

Its a shame that driving has to have such a effect on our lives, and I completely understand your apprehension. If ever I saw a state that needs to severely crack down on people running red lights its florida and texas. It is virtually everytime the light turns green people are flying thru the red light. I have never quite understood why driving in some states is so much worse than another, I think the auto dependent states with no other options for getting around seem to be the worse. The vehicle is just an extension of their already hurried personality.

[bnepler]

It's not a Florida thing, it's a generational thing. The retires only drive through the drug store front windows. Of course, our trained drivers come from New York and Jersey...

[alexander59]

I live near the Publix on Hillsborough and Armenia and hardly anyone takes the carts back, I actually try and remember to pick one out of the lot to take in with me. I often go to the Publix in Carrollwood and I seldom see carts all over the place, the people just take them back or put them in the cart parking place. Find the supermarkets in low income neighborhoods and for some reason more carts in the lot, go figure.
I never go thru a green light first unless I look both ways, I think Tampa is number one for running yellow and red lights.

[ksdimarco]

No matter where you go there are a a bit of crappy drivers. Im from Chicago and never had problems with people running red lights. Im sure it happens a lot in the city, but the suburbs had a bit more decent drivers. Red light running is more of a common thing I noticed here.

[Aripekan]

You're right about the shopping carts!!!!! Ha Ha I love it here, but I did notice that cars TAILGATE here. It's dangerous and rude. But, Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives. Angela

Originally Posted by mandyh

We moved here in Oct and I like living in the Tampa area. We came from a rural area in Maryland and these are some things I've noticed since moving here that are different. I dont know if these things are indicative to this area or if its like this in most large cities.

1. When the traffic light turns red, expect 3 or more cars to run it. I actually had somebody beep and swerve around me and go on through the red light.

2. If you are a pedestrian, watch out! They will run your a** over.

3. Nobody knows what the cart rack's are for in the grocery store parking lot's. I generally have to get out and move a cart so I can park. I must be one of the few people that unloads the groceries and pushes the cart into a cart rack.

Oh well. just thought I would share some of the odd ball things that I have noticed since living here. Has anybody else noticed things that are different, but not on the "questions to ask list" when moving to a new area?

[scorp200]

Originally Posted by tampaguy03

I know exactly what your talking about regarding the red lights, I always hesitate before going on green...

Haha...I was just going to post that down here people hesitate before green lights...do that in NYC or NJ and you've got a whole line of cars honking at you...


Also people in Tampa Bay don't use turning signals

But we do have left turn on red if it's a one way, and U turns in the middle of the road, which rocks.

[estelac76]

Originally Posted by mandyh

I like Tampa, its closer to the water and I think its less touristy. Plus my hubby got a job here. Can't beat that! As far as the people, they've all been pretty nice and most are very helpful. Even in the city. Welcome to the board, this is a good place to get info. let me know if I can help.

How are the jobs there. I visited Haines city and purchased a lot but I'm being told that I would have travel 25-35 minutes to find the closest shop.

I am also thinking of buying another lot or even a home in tampa. Any info would be appreciated.

I currently live in Philadelphia and I'm getting pretty tired of the winters and very small yards. Never mind all the trash around the streets.

Thanks,

[Floridasunshine]

That would depend on where you are at, My friend lives in Haines City , she goes to the Eagle Ridge Mall. She lives right off Lake Hatchnee she drives into Brandon to work each day. What kind of price did you get I would be interested in looking out there. I live about 30mins toward Tampa on I-4 exit 32 Lakeland.

[GreggB]

To the good people of Tampa...you think you have it bad there with "Red Light Runners"?? Come to Las Vegas...spend the day driving around. When you go back to Tampa..you will realize that that there is a place where the problem is worse!!! Out here it is "Out Of Control", NO other way to put it!!!