Atlanta vs Tampa

#1
OldandStillaVol

OldandStillaVol

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#1
I got a job offer from USF in Tampa last week and hopefully will get an offer from Emory before the end of the year. So, I'll have to decide between the two cities. I definitely want to move further south from where I'm at now (Indianapolis). I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts on the following:

1. Housing costs (3/4 bedroom houses)
2. Schools (have 2 kids in private elementary schools now, I've heard good things about some of the Atlanta private schools
3. Quality of Life (crime, family things to do, etc.)

For those of you older folks job hunting, hang in there and keep on looking. It has taken me 18 months job hunting to land one offer.
 
#3
#3
Tampa has a lot of pros.

-No income tax.
-Property values in the Tampa area have taken a hit, you could probably get a better place for the price.
-Flights in and out of Tampa are cheap.
-Weather
-Close to the beach

I don't know anything about schools though.

However, it does rank in the Top 10 most miserable cities. Unemployment is high and like I mentioned before, home prices have tanked - 50% off their highs.
 
#4
#4
golfballs03 said:
Tampa has a lot of pros.

-No income tax.
-Property values in the Tampa area have taken a hit, you could probably get a better place for the price.
-Flights in and out of Tampa are cheap.
-Weather
-Close to the beach

I don't know anything about schools though.

However, it does rank in the Top 10 most miserable cities. Unemployment is high and like I mentioned before, home prices have tanked - 50% off their highs.
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Thanks. Those indeed are all +'s. The negative regarding location is the distance from Tampa to Knoxville where my folks live. As far as I can tell, no direct airflights between either Knoxville or Nashville and Tampa.
 
#5
#5
Does Southwest not fly directly from Tampa to Nashville?

That said, for all the pros of Tampa, I would still probably choose Atlanta. Especially if you get to work at Emory. Beautiful place.
 
#6
#6
I'm relocating to Tampa in January, living in the Westchase area. I like Tampa. It reminds me of a smaller atlanta.I was born in Atlanta, and have family there that I visit 3-4 times a year. Both cities have similarities and obvious differences. You can get a cheap flight from Tampa to Tyson McGee on allegiant air... Not the most ideal airline but it's direct. You can also get a good deal on a flight to Nashville from Tampa, and occasionally Chattanooga.

In my research you can stretch your dollar further in Tampa than you can in Atlanta in terms of living, and living expenses. The no state income tax is huge as well. Moving from Knoxville to little rock was a shock when I got my first paycheck (no income tax in Tennessee versus income tax in Arkansas).

Both cities have a great UT alumni base as well, which is a plus.
 
#8
#8
pantone151 said:
I'm relocating to Tampa in January, living in the Westchase area. I like Tampa. It reminds me of a smaller atlanta.I was born in Atlanta, and have family there that I visit 3-4 times a year. Both cities have similarities and obvious differences. You can get a cheap flight from Tampa to Tyson McGee on allegiant air... Not the most ideal airline but it's direct. You can also get a good deal on a flight to Nashville from Tampa, and occasionally Chattanooga.

In my research you can stretch your dollar further in Tampa than you can in Atlanta in terms of living, and living expenses. The no state income tax is huge as well. Moving from Knoxville to little rock was a shock when I got my first paycheck (no income tax in Tennessee versus income tax in Arkansas).

Both cities have a great UT alumni base as well, which is a plus.
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Thanks for the info regarding Allegiant Air. I've never heard of them. Where is Westchase area of Tampa?
 
#9
#9
What's traffic like in Tampa. I love ATL but commute times can be misery.
 
#10
#10
GAVol said:
What's traffic like in Tampa. I love ATL but commute times can be misery.
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Folks in Tampa said traffic no problem. Lots of USF employees live in Carrollwood area which is 15 minutes or so from campus.

Ideally, I'd like to live within 20-30 minutes of Emory. So, I definitely don't want to live out in the suburbs. Neighborhoods right around Emory are beautiful but may be out of my price range. I'd probably be looking North of Emory but inside the perimeter.
 
#11
#11
golfballs03 said:
Does Southwest not fly directly from Tampa to Nashville?

That said, for all the pros of Tampa, I would still probably choose Atlanta. Especially if you get to work at Emory. Beautiful place.
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Thanks - forgot that Southwest doesn't use Expedia. Yes, SW does have a couple of nonstops from Tampa to Nashville. Too bad Southwest doesn't service Knoxville as its still a 2.5 hr drive from Nashville airport to my folks house.
 
#14
#14
Westchase is between Tampa and clearwater. It's a nicer area that's close to pretty much everything. I will be working in largo, and my gf will be working in Tampa so Westchase is the best option for both of us. Ideally, id like to live in new Tampa/Wesley chapel area, but the commute to largo would be an hour. Westchase will be a 20-25min commute for both of us.

I'm not sure about the schools. I know there are some good schools in Tampa, just not sure what areas.

In terms of things to do around town, and the area, I'd say Florida/Tampa wins. Busch gardens, the beach, Disney etc. are better options than the surroundings of Atlanta, but that's just my opinion.

Even though my family lives in Atlanta, Tampa fits me better at this point in my life. Its seems like a better city to jump start my career and start a family.
 
#20
#20
Looking like Tampa. Still negotiating the final offer but we're close. Suggestions on neighborhoods suitable for kids welcome.
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#21
#21
awesome! congrats. I'll be moving down to Tampa at the end of the month myself. Will be living a couple blocks from channel side.
 
#22
#22
Tampa. I've never lived in either place but have visted both frequently. ATL has WAY more people. GA just plain sucks, I lived in Savannah for 7 years(loved Savannah, just not GA)
 
#23
#23
pantone151 said:
awesome! congrats. I'll be moving down to Tampa at the end of the month myself. Will be living a couple blocks from channel side.
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Congrats to you too. Am looking at schools in Carrollwood area. Likely will move down late March and live in short term housing until summer. Then, the rest of my family will move down and hopefully we'll be able to find a house shortly after that.

Let me know where Vol fans congregate for games.
 
#24
#24
Tampa has a great alumni chapter from what I understand. My buddy watched the bama game at the green iguana in Ybor with a big group. I plan on joining them this coming season since I'll only be able to make 1 or 2 home games this year.
 
#25
#25
pantone151 said:
Tampa has a great alumni chapter from what I understand. My buddy watched the bama game at the green iguana in Ybor with a big group. I plan on joining them this coming season since I'll only be able to make 1 or 2 home games this year.
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I'll vouch for that. Was there a few years back to see the Titans play the Bucs and the Vols were playing at Miss St so we hooked up with the alumni group and had a blast.

From what a friend told me, the summers can be brutal especially in July/August but about October all the humidity leaves and its fantastic. Everytime I've been there on Jan 1 for the Hall of Fame/Outback Bowl its great. My friend has a fireplace in his house so I asked him what the hell do you need a fireplace for in Florida. He said, "oh, there's time when it gets down to 50".

you can have Atl. Its takes you 1 hour to get anywhere in the city. Doesnt matter if its down the street or across town. 1 hour.
 
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