For those of us you who live in Florida- would you recommend it????

[Ethan]

Alright, I'm sure some of you all know about my love of the beach and all things Florida. I have begun looking at universities in Florida to attend in the future for graduate school and in turn, potentially living in Florida. I was wondering if those of you who lived in the Sunshine state, had anything to say about it- positive or negative.

Right now the two schools I'm looking at are UCF and USF- preferably USF because it is in Tampa which is closer to the water!

Anyway, I look forward to hearing what you all have to say!!

Thanks in Advance!

[Spideyman]

USF- great university.One of the best in the area. Tampa is a growing city and with it pros and cons. I'm rural and about 50 miles northwest. Been in the area over 40 plus years and have seen many changes. The beaches are awesome- to the south and right there in Tampa. Lots of attractions in Tampa and within a few hours drive. And yes, on a students budget, there are many things to do.

Weather is another story. winters are wonderful and yes it does freeze and get cold in FL- at least the Tampa and north areas. So don't throw away the long shirts and jackets just yet! We really don't have a Fall ( no changing leaves like New England). But things continue to bloom and stay green all winter. No snow shoveling either. Spring is like Fall- about a week or two.
Summers are hot and humid. Rainy season- wide variety of rain plans- early morning storms from the gulf/ afternoon inland storms/ and sometimes the ones that make it to the east coast come back at night. Tampa is the lightning capital of the world Rains are not the typical northern rains- they come in downpours with massive lightning and thunder. Read Duma Key ! Driving is an art. Biggest drawback is hurricane season- but if you prepare and watch( excellent local forecaster) all is OK.

Hope that helps a little.

[Terry B]

Are you looking to buy a house 3 miles from the beach?????

[Ubasti]

Between the to universities, I would look at the one that has more classes in the major that you're interested in. UCF, for example, is pretty good as far as film and entertainment. It's a growing school too. A friend of mine is going there in the fall for film.

The west coast beaches are nicer since the water of the Gulf is warmer.

[Jake Featherston]

I used to live in the Tampa area (Temple Terrace). I would not recommend it. Florida is like the Mos Icely of North America ie., "you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." I believe the Congress should devolve Florida to Territorial status, and only let it rejoin the Union after its gotten its house in order. Louisiana too, for that matter.

[Ethan]

I used to live in the Tampa area (Temple Terrace). I would not recommend it. Florida is like the Mos Icely of North America ie., "you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." I believe the Congress should devolve Florida to Territorial status, and only let it rejoin the Union after its gotten its house in order. Louisiana too, for that matter.

ooooh goodness- why do you say that?

[Nutty Bavarian]

I lived in West Palm Beach 2001-2005 and hated it. I'm from rural NC metro areas are too big for me lol. Driving is "definately an art form" be prepared for road rage. Way too many people in such a small area. The beaches are nice and there's plenty to do. Rent is kind of ridiculous, but that's anywhere nowadays. I lived in Melbourne/Palm Bay 2005-2008. Closer to UCF than Palm Beach. Only 30mins from Cape Canviral. I loved watching the space shuttle launches. Again too many people and ridiculous traffic. The Hurricanes in 2004 were pretty tough, but if you prepare and listen to the news you should be fine. Don't expect the governments help with food and water! Can't emphasize this enough! Store dry goods and water as much as possible. Traffic gets worse during this time as well. Imagine 8 lanes of traffic at a four way intersection with no stop lights! Madness I say! All in all not a bad place, traffic aside. If I had the $$ I'd still be down there lol

[phidgt]

All I have to say about Florida is bugs - huge, enormous, mutant sized bugs. Then there's the heat and humidity. The only reason why this state is even populated is due to the invention of air conditioning.

The only way I could live there is if my house were directly on the beach. Naples is quite nice.

[rose key]

I used to live in the Tampa area (Temple Terrace). I would not recommend it. Florida is like the Mos Icely of North America ie., "you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." I believe the Congress should devolve Florida to Territorial status, and only let it rejoin the Union after its gotten its house in order. Louisiana too, for that matter.

Wow, that's pretty harsh. You must be talking about a bad neighborhood (which most if not all states have).

I live in Fort Lauderdale, but because I moved here from NYC, I have a slightly jaded view of it. Mostly I miss the food in NY. But I also miss the fall, the snow, and the interesting people. People move more slowly down here probably because of the heat. It takes getting used to (the slow pace and the heat). The beaches are nice, though. The skies most of the time are a brilliant blue with a few white puffy clouds, and the sunsets are tremendous. I actually enjoy the thunderstorms; it's like living in a tropical rainforest when it rains down here. It literally comes down in buckets, but it doesn't last all day.
Hope this helps.

[Jake Featherston]

ooooh goodness- why do you say that?

Florida (and Louisiana, as well as Arkansas, to a somewhat lesser extent) are extremely corrupt states, like something out of Latin America. For some strange reason, I'm one of the few Americans actually bothered by this, it seems.

During the two years or so I spent in the Tampa Bay area, I came away with the impression there was no such thing as "a nice neighbourhood." No matter where you lived, crime would come to you. Obviously, there were "bad neighbourhoods" where things were substantially worse, but the "nice neighbourhoods" were about as dangerous as the "bad neighbourhoods" here in San Jose.