Living in Tampa, Florida

[Micro]

Hmmmmm.  My job may be taking me to Tampa in the not too distant future.  I've been to Florida several times, and been to Tampa a couple of times (been stuck in traffic on the causeway  :).

What's living in Tampa like?  Cost of living is about the same as it is where I am.  Traffic?  Pros, cons?  Whatever?  Are there decent public fishing bass fishing lakes/rivers in or around Tampa?  

Not looking forward to possibly having to leave my beloved Virginia.  

[ww2farmer]

I lived in Tampa back in 1991, and then again in 1994 and 1995, not my cup of tea. The traffic was bad in the mid-90's I can't imagine how it's any better now with 15 years of growth. My mother still lives there, but I have not been there since 95. I lived in Brandon, a large suburb to the west of the city, if you like strip mall after strip mall, and a Walmart/Publix/McDonalds on every street corner it's a nice place. People are freindly enough, seemed like every one I met was from some where else.........mostly northeast/midwestern transplants. In Tampa itself I never found much bass fishing I cared for,I always traveled east to the Kissimee area, which is about 90 miles or so away, and you took your life into your own hands on I-4...... Lake Tarpon is close, to the west, but it was tough for me, and I never liked going there. I didn't care for eating my thanksgiving dinner in shorts by the pool. Every day I was there I thought of home. Makes for a tough go of it. Unless your job is so important to you that you HAVE to go and couldn't find another job at home you might hate it. IMHO it's better to have a little less $$$ in the bank and be happy/comfortable where you like to live. Sorry, just my veiw, a some one who's been in your shoes before.

[Micro]

That's my thought, too.  The potential switch wouldn't be for more than a year.  But I can strongly see being asked to go.  I really don't want to move.  I may start a job hunt here.  

[basslovr]

I live across the bay from Tampa in Clearwater....been here for 25 years. Yes, the "traffic is terrific"...yes, there are strip centers all over...yes, it gets really hot in the summertime...YES, it is warm in the wintertime ;D....and yes, there are a lot of "transplants" here. There are also some MONSTER bass and they can be found in just about any pond you find. There are also several hundred if not a thousand lakes within a coupla hour drive....

It aint all bad....just like any place its' got its' ups and downs. The bass fishin is like it is anywhere......some good days, some not so good, some bad. But you can find lots of places to go and you can go in shorts and a t shirt just about year round!! ;D

[CaptTodd]

I live in Lakeland which is between Orlando and Tampa and I can tell you that there are endless bass fishing opportunities around!  Traffic can be bad but it is all about where you live and how you travel.  Not only do we have access to some of the best bass fishing in the world but the salwater end isn't too shabby either.  Having the best of both worlds fishing all year long, well you can't beat that.  I travel everyday on I-4 and I-75 with a boat and very rarely do i get stuck in traffic.  I wouldn't live anywhere else unless it was more tropical! ;D

[Brute]

I live in Clearwater also and these guys pretty much nailed it.

Brute

[surfer]

You will hate the traffic.  But after about 5 years you learn the patterns and just avoid it. I have lived in Orlando for 33 years and I never get stuck in traffic anymore.

fishing's great.  salt and fresh.  8-)

[FD.]

I live in Plant City which is between Tampa and Lakeland.  I have lived here since 1987 and would never live anywhere else.  I live within 2 hours of about 600 lakes.

[Micro]

I hate traffic.  I live 25 minutes from my job (with no traffic) but most days it is a 1.5 hour one-way trip.   >

I don't know what's going to happen.  My company is saying I'm staying put where I am, but they have a track record of changing their minds in an instant.

[central_fl_fishin]

Tampa is a great area.  I live in Orlando, between Tampa and Orlando you have some of the best bass fishing in the world.  Avoid the traffic by learning alternate routes.  I love Florida.

[maurice]

you guys must know something i dont know, been living in tampa all my life give me some good lakes, because most of the good lakes are private.

[BassinDave]

Another Clearwater resident here. Been here too long. Traffic sucks (especially this time of year). Weather sucks (except this time of year). Everywhere you go there's too many people (any time of year). Fishing is decent on some lakes and the best places ARE private (probably because there are too many people). Can't wait 'til the housing market improves so I can move to a better place like Virginia (actually thinking more like Carolinas). But it is nice to be able to fish year round. Good luck

[Bassn Blvd]

All strippers in Florida originate from Tampa.