Florida TFRers (especially former New Yorkers) question re: St Pete/Tampa area

[FrankNYC]

Mrs and I have been down there a few times (a few days each time) and we are discussing retiring down there. It seems like the area has a nice feel/size to it. Ie not too small with plenty of things to do. Thing is, we’re both New Yorkers and are afraid we might miss our restaurants and all the activities we can do here. Have any of you moved from a big city to a smaller city and missed the big city life?

If there are other areas in Florida (I know Miami is one) that’s similar in size and feel to St Pete/Tampa would love to hear your opinion as well.