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.

[GB-man]

You sure as heck won’t find anything quite like NYC in Florida but the weather might make it worth your while!

I don’t know the Tampa area so I’ll step aside. Love Miami though :)

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by GB-man

You sure as heck won’t find anything quite like NYC in Florida but the weather might make it worth your while!

I don’t know the Tampa area so I’ll step aside. Love Miami though :)

Let's see.
1. Warm weather
2. Low taxes
3. Low cost of living
4. Close proximity to beaches

Leaving N.Y.S. is a no brainer! Now while I don't live in Florida, I left upstate NY decades ago in search of a better life. Would never move back up there if you paid me! My2c

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by GB-man

You sure as heck won’t find anything quite like NYC in Florida but the weather might make it worth your while!

I don’t know the Tampa area so I’ll step aside. Love Miami though :)

You've never been to Boca Raton have you ?????

[Johndong888]

If the weather in NYC doesn’t bother you, I prefer to stay put. I’m 30. I moved back to NJ 7 years ago from Clearwater Beach area. Don’t get me wrong, the beach is one of my favorites. We still go back a few times a year. I just prefer a 4 season climate.

There are a few superb rest in FL but nothing like that of NY. And of course, need to drive anywhere and everywhere. You’ll save on tax tho, whether it be income (none on st) or property taxes (much cheaper than up here).

Sarasota is pretty nice. There’s a nice strip there that’s contained and very popular. Miami for me might be a little too popular.


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[Pw92676]

I grew up in Tampa and left a decade ago. Since I’ve been back to visit, my impression is that the city has grown tremendously and has a much more robust dining scene. Could be that all cities experience this growth or just that I now view it through adult eyes vs those of child/adolescent.

Nonetheless I think you would find less of a dining/entertainment scene, but agree the weather and quality of life are incredible.

Hope this helps. I believe there are other members more intimately acquainted with Tampa/St. Pete but if you ever need anything from me feel free to PM me :) Good luck!

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

I grew up in Tampa and left a decade ago. Since I’ve been back to visit, my impression is that the city has grown tremendously and has a much more robust dining scene. Could be that all cities experience this growth or just that I now view it through adult eyes vs those of child/adolescent.

Nonetheless I think you would find less of a dining/entertainment scene, but agree the weather and quality of life are incredible.

Hope this helps. I believe there are other members more intimately acquainted with Tampa/St. Pete but if you ever need anything from me feel free to PM me :) Good luck!

Thanks! I think the wife and I need to take longer vacations before we make a decision.

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

Thanks! I think the wife and I need to take longer vacations before we make a decision.

I would highly recommend this - or better yet - try to go for a month during August.

[rolexinfl]

Sorry Florida is full...no more new yorkers allowed.

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

Sorry Florida is full...no more new yorkers allowed.

I think half the people I used to work with are in Florida. It’s the 6th borough.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Let's see.
1. Warm weather
2. Low taxes
3. Low cost of living
4. Close proximity to beaches

Leaving N.Y.S. is a no brainer! Now while I don't live in Florida, I left upstate NY decades ago in search of a better life. Would never move back up there if you paid me! My2c

Believe me I get it. I just prefer to visit rather than reside in the south. Also for me, summer in the south is as bad as winter in the north.

Originally Posted by Etschell

You've never been to Boca Raton have you ?????

I have not! Surely it’s not Manhattan?!

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

I think half the people I used to work with are in Florida. It’s the 6th borough.

Myrtle Beach area is also full of retired northerners (mostly from NY)

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

Sorry Florida is full...no more new yorkers allowed.

Post of the thread so far!!

To the OP

Southern FL is all east coast snowbirds and retirees, Tampa St. Pete is a mix of natives and retirees from all over and the locals for the most part are hospitable but there is certainly some tension around all the NY and NE transplants, especially this time of year when all the tourists are flocking.

You won't find anything close to the NY restaurant scene in any part of FL but Miami Ft. Lauderdale Delray Beach Boca Raton, all a little more restaurant centric than Tampa St. Pete IMHO.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by 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.

Sarasota
Jupiter island
Marco island

All would be my choices above tampa for retiring.

[Naples09]

I lived in Tampa for 8 years - grew up in NE Ohio. So I will give it a shot. This is assuming when you say New Yorkers you mean NYC or very close.

Weather is great most of the year. Mid July through September/early October is very hot and humid. Yes, Tampa is hot and humid April'ish through October - but you really feel it kick in to gear around mid July. Hard to explain unless you lived it for a while. And my wife and I didn't mind the hot and humid weather. But it can wear on people.

Dining scene in Tampa is actually pretty good - but probably no where near NYC or near by area. I've never been to LI so I can't compare. Can just tell you that Tampa food scene is pretty decent - but I would say that Naples, FL food scene is better quality - just less options. All depends what you like - high end vs. medium end food. Much more medium options in Tampa then high end. But some of the high end is really good in Tampa.

Low taxes as stated above. Never lived in NY but read about the high taxes.

House values - housing has been through the roof. We sold in June of 2018. I think best decision we ever made. If you want to live in the hot spots - Harbour island, Davis Islands or South Tampa. House will be pricey to me - but I grew up in Ohio with very low housing values.....think $800K for a 3000 sq ft house with very little lot in South Tampa. Davis Islands would be move - Harbour Island would be higher per sq ft.

Tampa is an hour from the beach. St. Pete - obviously is near the beach, but much less to do if you ask me in St. Pete than in Tampa. Just my 2 cents. But I liked walking to NHL games and concerts vs. driving 30-60 mins from St. Pete to Tampa.

Traffic - traffic is bad. The general logic is you live on the side of the bay that you work. I know you said retiring - but something to think about is how often will you want to travel across the bay. The bridges get very congested during rush hour with accidents almost every day during rush hour. Some people claim a 90 min drive to cross the bay 30 miles during rush hour. It's really not fun and worse during the winter months due to the snow birds.

Sorry for the long winded post. feel free to ask anything else that is more relevant and I will try to respond...or send me a DM.

Jim

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by Naples09

I lived in Tampa for 8 years - grew up in NE Ohio. So I will give it a shot. This is assuming when you say New Yorkers you mean NYC or very close.

Weather is great most of the year. Mid July through September/early October is very hot and humid. Yes, Tampa is hot and humid April'ish through October - but you really feel it kick in to gear around mid July. Hard to explain unless you lived it for a while. And my wife and I didn't mind the hot and humid weather. But it can wear on people.

Dining scene in Tampa is actually pretty good - but probably no where near NYC or near by area. I've never been to LI so I can't compare. Can just tell you that Tampa food scene is pretty decent - but I would say that Naples, FL food scene is better quality - just less options. All depends what you like - high end vs. medium end food. Much more medium options in Tampa then high end. But some of the high end is really good in Tampa.

Low taxes as stated above. Never lived in NY but read about the high taxes.

House values - housing has been through the roof. We sold in June of 2018. I think best decision we ever made. If you want to live in the hot spots - Harbour island, Davis Islands or South Tampa. House will be pricey to me - but I grew up in Ohio with very low housing values.....think $800K for a 3000 sq ft house with very little lot in South Tampa. Davis Islands would be move - Harbour Island would be higher per sq ft.

Tampa is an hour from the beach. St. Pete - obviously is near the beach, but much less to do if you ask me in St. Pete than in Tampa. Just my 2 cents. But I liked walking to NHL games and concerts vs. driving 30-60 mins from St. Pete to Tampa.

Traffic - traffic is bad. The general logic is you live on the side of the bay that you work. I know you said retiring - but something to think about is how often will you want to travel across the bay. The bridges get very congested during rush hour with accidents almost every day during rush hour. Some people claim a 90 min drive to cross the bay 30 miles during rush hour. It's really not fun and worse during the winter months due to the snow birds.

Sorry for the long winded post. feel free to ask anything else that is more relevant and I will try to respond...or send me a DM.

Jim

Thanks for your input! The humid weather is something to consider as I can’t stand it. My favorite weather would be dry, desert weather

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

Thanks for your input! The humid weather is something to consider as I can’t stand it. My favorite weather would be dry, desert weather

No problem. I know a few people from the north who moved to Tampa and moved back north in a year - as they couldn't take the weather.

Just do your homework!

Good luck and congrats on the retirement!

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by Naples09

No problem. I know a few people from the north who moved to Tampa and moved back north in a year - as they couldn't take the weather.

Just do your homework!

Good luck and congrats on the retirement!

Thanks! I get bored easily so I’ll probably work part-time—for beer and watch money!

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

Thanks! I get bored easily so I’ll probably work part-time—for beer and watch money!

Some great beer in Tampa. Especially Cigar City in Tampa. If you go down check them out.

[Knappo 1307]

When I went to U of Miami, typically the east coast of Florida was New Yorkers, and the gulf coast was Midwesterners. Not sure if it still is, but something to consider.

[crew]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

When I went to U of Miami, typically the east coast of Florida was New Yorkers, and the gulf coast was Midwesterners. Not sure if it still is, but something to consider.

In general I think this is still the case.
I winter in Naples and, although I have several friends here that are fron Upstate NY, there are many more that are from the mid-west.
My cousin winters in Boca and the NYC/NJ area is highly represented there.
Traffic in both towns is bad, at least in season.
Restaurants in Naples, as well as the greater Boca area, are plentiful and very good, but certainly not as many as NYC.
As stated by others, property taxes are much lower here but my condo association fee more than makes up for any savings.
I’m retired so state taxes in NY are no longer a concern. I still own a home in Rochester and have no plans to ever live in FL full time. Too hot.

[Art 1]

I love Tampa. But I love Sarasota even more. We visit there several times a year. Left today and am freezing in Canada now.

[Ballzzz]

We just enjoyed Sarasota a lot. Lido Key & st Armand’s are great. Naples was nice also. I hate miami but Boca is nice.

We are far from retirement but don’t think we could ever leave ny unless it’s Sicily.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Ballzzz

We just enjoyed Sarasota a lot. Lido Key & st Armand’s are great. Naples was nice also. I hate miami but Boca is nice.

We are far from retirement but don’t think we could ever leave ny unless it’s Sicily.

Trust me. You will change your mind in time. People continue to leave NY in a mass exodus for lower taxes, nicer weather and a slew of other reasons. The tax burden on the few left living in the state will be enormous. The amount of ex-NYers down where my mom lives in the greater Myrtle beach area is staggering.

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Trust me. You will change your mind in time. People continue to leave NY in a mass exodus for lower taxes, nicer weather and a slew of other reasons. The tax burden on the few left living in the state will be enormous. The amount of ex-NYers down where my mom lives in the greater Myrtle beach area is staggering.

Time will tell but I would bet on getting a Daytona not on any list before that happens.

FL is not my pace, hate the drivers, need seasons & most importantly family even though I have a lot there I’m making my family here.

[kneedeep]

Can't do summers in FL - too much heat, humidity and rain. Winters yes. Anywhere from mid state down on or near the water. From your favorite weather comment, I would check out NV, AZ and Palm Springs for winters.

[77T]

Ask yourself what your daily routine will be after retirement and whether the pace of the place will keep you happy.

As for dining, maybe take up a culinary education plan so you can learn to cook and keep your palette interested. There are some talented chefs down there but far fewer top notch restaurants than your current area. So you could begin to feel like you’re on a dining treadmill.

Financially, you’ll get a 10+% raise as there is no income tax, either state or local.

The weather is nice in Winter but you will miss the 4 seasons.


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[Beo3]

My in-laws have been in Florida, Melbourne to be specific, for about twenty years. Coming from NYC where the both made a very decent wage, they found it hard to find something compatible. Yes housing is cheaper, but salaries are lower too. Now that they are elderly they are finding that it has become more difficult to secure doctors who accept their insurance.

On the plus side there are some beautiful beaches available 3/4's of the way around the state.

And I'm too young to be sitting around talking about how "It's really not that hot".......

[FrankNYC]

State tax will no longer be an issue since I’ll be drawing a pension that’s state-tax exempt.
Property taxes, however is still pretty hefty compared to Florida. One area where we would save would be on cars/transportation. We walk everywhere in NYC, so no need for a car, really. We had one nice car in the past—a Range Rover—but we traded it in for a RAV4. It’s hard to drive anything nice in the City. Your car will get dinged and bumped.

[Ferdelious]

Tampa's food scene is up coming and the downtown is undergoing a massive overhaul spearheaded by the Lightning's owner Jefferey Vinik. Downtown St Pete is also making great changes to it's food scene and amenities. That said, the food quality is not on the same level of what you will find in NYC. Ingredients are just better in NYC because of higher demand.

Weather is a different story, if you don't like humidity it will be tough. But you'll never have to worry about being cold, ever.

I love Tampa, grew up here and will probably die here. Cost of living if fairly low and real estate is affordable. We always have some of the highest rated beaches in the country.