Miami vs Tampa

[Anonymous]

I live in the Austin, TX area with two daughters. My ex-husband recently received two job offers in Florida-one in Miami, one in Tampa. Both jobs come with a significant raise, but he doesn't want to move unless our daughters come with him.

I am fed up with extreme TX weather-the winters are getting colder, and the summers are getting hotter. This year alone we've had a snowstorm that caused trees to block our driveway, our AC broke during the hottest month of the year, our water heater is giving us problems, and we had a surprise hailstorm that damaged our roof. I am seriously considering taking up my ex's offer and moving our family to Florida.

The Miami job is higher paying but from my research Tampa has a much lower cost of living and has less hurricanes. If we move this summer, we will have a rising sophomore in high school and a seventh grader. They currently attend a Christian private school that costs 10k a year and I would like them to attend a Christian school. My daughters both do dance and are adamant about continuing if we moved.

What are your thoughts-would you recommend Miami or Tampa?

[Anonymous]

Do you like a really big city or a smaller city? I'd start from there.

[Anonymous]

Tampa 100% better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you like a really big city or a smaller city? I'd start from there.

We definitely would like a smaller city.

[Anonymous]

Tampa no question.

[Anonymous]

Any recommendations for Christian schools in the Tampa area? Are the public schools decent?

[Anonymous]

I live in the Tampa Bay area and enjoy it, but not sure about the 'less hurricanes' part LOL. I would not live on/near the coast for sure. I am about 15 miles inland, not in a flood zone, and a quick drive to the beach. Works for me.

You guys might like Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. Where would he be working, like in Tampa itself or elsewhere?

There are Christian schools here, IDK about dance but I'm certain there is.

[Anonymous]

Miami and Tampa are extremely different. Miami is huge, much more international and the region (S. Florida) has a lot more NY transplants. Tampa tends to attract Midwest transplants. It feels smaller and more laid back. Personally I’m partial to Tampa and not a fan of Miami.

I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding Christian schools and dance studios in either.

[Anonymous]

People who like Tampa hate Miami and vice versa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any recommendations for Christian schools in the Tampa area? Are the public schools decent?

Calvary Christian high school - Florida also pays a school voucher regardless of family income. The average amount for private or homeschooling is $7,800

[Anonymous]

Tampa and its surrounding regions are very similar to Texas. I grew up north of there and definitely recognized my life in Friday Night Lights.

I think Tampa is an easy answer for you, tons of Christian private schools, and milder weather

PP, yes way less hurricanes because the storm has to hook around

[Anonymous]

You probably will find this apropos.

https://www.npr.org/2023/11/13/1212589305/in-post-pandemic-south-florida-unconventional-education-is-thriving

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I live in the Austin, TX area with two daughters. My ex-husband recently received two job offers in Florida-one in Miami, one in Tampa. Both jobs come with a significant raise, but he doesn't want to move unless our daughters come with him.

I am fed up with extreme TX weather-the winters are getting colder, and the summers are getting hotter. This year alone we've had a snowstorm that caused trees to block our driveway, our AC broke during the hottest month of the year, our water heater is giving us problems, and we had a surprise hailstorm that damaged our roof. I am seriously considering taking up my ex's offer and moving our family to Florida.

The Miami job is higher paying but from my research Tampa has a much lower cost of living and has less hurricanes. If we move this summer, we will have a rising sophomore in high school and a seventh grader. They currently attend a Christian private school that costs 10k a year and I would like them to attend a Christian school. My daughters both do dance and are adamant about continuing if we moved.

What are your thoughts-would you recommend Miami or Tampa?

Both are great places, frankly. Like other have said Miami feels like a bigger city but there are plenty of "town-like" neighborhoods.

Could you afford to visit both, including some schools, and see what resonates better?