Quote:
Originally Posted by smoke
Florida has diversity in culture but not activities.
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I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment.
I currently live in the Tampa Bay area, and while I do find it lacks some things that I miss about living on the west coast or in a bigger city, it's pretty decent. If I stayed here the rest of my life I wouldn't be dissapointed.
The good things about FL are the taxes are low and the cost of living is fair. Real Estate might be over priced by some standards, but it's WAY below Cali.
I like the Tampa Bay area best in FL because the beaches are beautiful and we do have some decent metro culture with Tampa and St. Petersburg. We don't get as many shows as Atlanta or Austin, but we do get a decent amount, the crowds can be a little lack luster but I can't complain about the venues. Ybor city also has a decent club scene if that is something you are into.
I live in Clearwater- Dunedin to be exact. CNN Money magazine just named it the best place to retire. It's very suburban, low crime, and has a cute little downtown area with a few choice bars and restaurants. I don't know if I'll stay here forever, but the schools and the neighborhoods are good, a really great place to raise a fam.
The downside is you pretty much need a car. There are very few places you would want to live that have alot of things within walking distance and the public transportation blows. I know that's a bit of a trip for people who are used to living in larger cities. Things are pretty spread out.
But what I love most about down here is that it seems like no matter where I am I'm no more than 10 to 15 mins away from a beach. The powder white sand and super calm gulf costal waters are something to behold.