It isn't Colorado Springs, or most rural counties, it's the REST of the state, mainly Boulder, Denver and Pueblo -- they outnumber the opposition and so outvote them. So yeah, THOSE people have ruined CO...but don't they do it everywhere? CA, HI, IL, MA, CT, NJ, DC...and on. Even "red" state TX has its shame: its own capital Austin. Not to mention liberal "diverse" holes like Houston. -- BR
I sat and watched this with my cat sitting with me just like yours! I have lived here in Colorado Springs since 1978, and I have to say you summed things up very well. We share a lot of the same views. My wife and I are looking at leaving here shortly as soon as she retires due to the explosive uncontrolled growth creating traffic congestion on roads that are 5-10 years behind in improvements to accommodate all the growth. Another thing I have to point out is all the homeless that have infested what used to be beautiful trails and open space that used to exist here. Riding the trails it is saddening to see all the trash and junk spread out all over the area and some places you just don't feel safe unless you are with 4 or 5 other friends. And like you mentioned the cost of living here being so high, is another factor pushing us out. Colorado Springs used to be a great place to live. 😢 Nice job on the video by the way!
Thanks for watching, and appreciate the feedback for other people watching. Feel free to reach out once you guys are looking to sell your place! Happy to help however I can.
If you think the growth CS has experienced (typically around ~0.5%/year & ~1% metro) is explosive and uncontrolled, oh boy, most of the rest of the country is going to shock you. Having lived all over the country - it's a nightmare out there. Infrastructure more like 20-40 years behind. Even Denver (19th most populated city) is comparatively superfly chill.
Same for VA: Our old home in Fairfax VA (NEW in 1957) was what, maybe $20K (less?)...now it's well over $600K, but it's STILL a 1957-design home! Amazing... But even apts in NOVA (Northern Virginia) are pricey, I guess because it's so close to DC and the Pentagon (for commuters). -- BR
Where is it worth it? I sold my house in Orland for nearly $600k. It was a decent home, but just a box - certainly not worth that kind of money. Just glad someone was willing to pay it. LOL
Lived on the front Range for almost 7 years and can tell you that the people are a 7/10 on the nice scale, but nowhere near the south. I live in NW Arkansas now and it's way better.
Yeah, most of my friends in the Springs are actually transplants from the South. However, I've had no problems at social events or churches with friendly people.
Cos looked great on paper but cost of living and the fact that the roads are terrible even though their always fookng constructionon them, crime is sky rocketing, and it feels like the state isn't doing anything about. Makes me not want to stay here wich sucks because I love the view, the people, the outdoors activities and the car and off-roading communities.
I'm fully remote so I can live anywhere in the county as long as I have really good Internet service - no, satellite doesn't count. I want: * Not too hot, not too cold. Seasons would be nice. Swim in the summer, ski in the winter, actual fall colors. Atmosphere that doesn't body slam you when you walk outside. * Somewhat affordable housing - lets say around $200 s/f * Mountain views - preferred from the house, but willing to be in walking distance * As low as crime as possible. I know humans == crime, so there is no escape. Corn field? * Good schools without resorting to private or school choice options. * Access to skiable mountains. I want to ski at least 10+ times per season. Destination ski trips are $20k per 1-week trip. Need to be within 3 hours by car of ski resorts. * Great outdoor living year round, hiking trails, etc * Bike friendly or lots of multi-use/bike paths. Roads are a death trap, even with bike lanes. * Near a decent airport for fun and business travel (within 90 minutes) * Near a larger city (within 2 hours) for occasional big city fun (concert, play, fine dining, theme parks) * Traffic isn't too bad. I've lived in Atlanta - so that's your bar. * Driving distance to other fun places - airfare for a large family is expensive. * Cost of living isn't too high (besides housing) - gas, utilities, groceries, etc * Taxes aren't too crazy (overall low tax burden) * Access to decent churches and social events * Friendly people - people willing to wave back while on the trail * Balanced politics - prefer purple areas. Not interested in the blue or red bubble areas. * Local access to higher education for my kids Not important: * Beaches - while I enjoy them, my family thinks they aren't worth the effort (too much sand) I know my list is subjective. But, based on my research, there aren't a lot of places that check _all_ these boxes. Colorado Springs is about as close as I can find, even with all of its flaws. Plus, since I live on the north end of Colorado Springs (Powers and Woodmen), Denver is a possible short term commute or hybrid work possibility if something happens to my current work situation. It's nice to have a backup plan - just in case. Some cons that I've noticed: * Sometimes the cold can be occasionally intense (below zero). As long as it is also dry, this isn't too bad. However, sometimes there is a wind associated with it so the wind chill is really closer to -30F. * Wind. With few trees, there isn't much blocking the wind. Just this past year, we have seen 50-70 mph sustained with gusts over 90 mph. It is very infrequent it is that bad. Basically like a yearly tropical storm or low end hurricane. At least it isn't constant and relentless like in Wyoming. * Hail storms. I've seen hail before, but last year - it was happened a couple times per week for several weeks last year. Nothing massive, still surprising. * Dryness. If you aren't used to a dry climate, you will need to drink lots of water, have a humidifier in your home, and use lotion. * Related to above, static electricity in the winter is crazy bad if you have carpeted flooring. Even petting the cat - yikes! * Springs crime is slightly above average when compared to cities of similar size. * Summer feels just a little short. Things to really warm up until mid/late-June, then cool down early/mid-September. * I would have expected more fitness centers on the north side of town * Not many indoor swimming places * Altitude takes adjustment * Super short ramps from Woodmen to Academy. What a mess. Everyone likes to crap on Colorado, the Front Range and Colorado Springs. Considering my desires - I can't find anywhere else better. If you know of a place, let me know.
Great reply Jason, I'm in the same boat (remote) and looking at C Springs. If a person didnt care about traveling to Denver, would you still recommend northside of CS?
@@richardsullivan7439 It depends. If you have kids, then consider a highly rated school district. I'm in D20, which was a compelling reason for us. Colorado does have public school choice but there needs to be room. Beyond that, if you don't care about Denver, schooling, or price isn't a huge factor - most of the city/area is a viable option. If I needed that mountain vibe, perhaps Woodland Park. The main gripe with the north and east is that it feels very suburban, however charm costs money. We visited for several weeks and we looked at several areas along the Front Range before choosing the north side of the Springs (Woodmen and Powers). We also stayed in an apartment while waiting on our house to be built for 6 months. Ideally, you should rent for a few months while you are house hunting so you _know_ the Springs will work - not everyone can deal with the winter cold/wind. Even if Denver as a commute destination isn't a factor, having easy access to Denver for events/activities and the airport is a huge plus. I prefer COS, but there aren't many direct flights. No place is perfect, but we really like it here so far.
@JasonTaylor-po5xc thanks Jason, really appreciate the reply. I'm in a fortunate situation where I'm looking for a summer home. Maybe condo/townhome situation. So kids won't be in school and won't be there for winters. I'll for sure visit and get the different vibes, but I think a place closer to the Academy might rent well when we are out of town.
@@richardsullivan7439 There are several places that would rent well in town - near the Academy or any military installation, near the Olympic training center, near college campuses like UCCS, Manitou Springs and Woodland Park for tourists. Old Colorado City for walkability and old Colorado charm. Avoid anywhere with an HOA that would restrict your ability to do short term rentals. However, if I were looking for a summer home, I would try for Summit County if I could afford it. It would rent like crazy in the winters (ski country) and the weather is nice in the summers.
I love living in the Springs. It's unfortunate that this state has fallen to the zombie horde of Democrat 'progress' and it's only a matter of time before we fall into total decay and ruin like California. I haven't thought much about the cost of living increase, because I think it's a nationwide thing instead of a Colorado Springs thing, and it will go back down eventually once this corrupt, incompetent regime is out of the White House. That said, taxes etc will remain higher to a degree and get worse over time, but that's not because of COS. It's because of the corrupt Dems controlling the state up in Denver.
I'm not able to watch the whole video right now but wanted to respond to the title. I just recently lived in Colorado Springs (COS, 5 years there total) but as a renter (upscale "luxury" apts, like Talon Hill and The Resort at University park) -- nice complexes in nice parts of town. Left in late 2022 as my rent was going up way more than expected, I wasn't able to find a suitable property to buy due (mainly) to the high mortgage interest rates, and also somewhat inflated/over-valued home prices. So I moved back to West TX (ELP) to "regroup" and am preparing (for the mortgage pre-qualification process & my DTI Ratio) to move back to COS in 2 years and hopefully, find an affordable home (small town-home/carriage-home) probably in the new/newer communities going up in Banning-Lewis Ranch (out towards Falcon!) or slightly older Wolf Ranch (except for the new homes being built around Wolf Lake). Close-by Monument is a possibility, too. Whatever, I hope COS hasn't gone downhill THAT much since I left -- it was just 2 years ago! But then I mostly frequented the NE (nicer) part of the city, Falcon/Meridian Ranch and Black Forest...very nice experience and I don't see anything really negative as in other parts (even though few). Didn't go to Fountain much, or SE COS ( airport/Murry/Chelton/Hancock Expy area), nor downtown, and only to SW COS (Broadmoor Bluffs/Star Ranch/Kissing Camels areas -- pricey!) occasionally. Old Colorado City is more touristy, but being pretty old not sure of the demographics, as lots of homeless people/transients around the Safeway on western end of Colorado Ave. Sure, rush-hour traffic on the major roads -- like Academy, Woodmen & the Powers Corridor -- was an issue but I simply avoided being there at those times. But overall I found COS a very nice place to live... Would only visit Denver if I HAD to (VA medical facility for appointments) but I did like Littleton, Ken Caryl Ranch especially. Castle Rock was nice too, but still very pricey homes there. Also, I liked that COS leans conservative/Republican. The other 3 major cities -- Boulder, Denver and Pueblo -- didn't (although I've heard Pueblo may be changing). Plus, being a veteran (twice, Army & Coast Guard) I liked COS having 5 military bases and lots of active-duty/military retirees & veterans. And I liked going to the Air Force Academy base Commissary occasionally -- the whole base is located in a very scenic area (Front Range foothills)! So for me, COS is the ONLY major city in CO I 'd move to...and as said, plan to do exactly that in 2 years...unless the housing market there (and mortgage interest rates) are STILL too high for my liking. But even if they are, I could always move back anyway and just stay a renter as COS has MANY "upscale/luxury" apt complexes to choose from...even more built since I left in 2022. But I'd like something larger and not worry about how much the rent is goign up each 12-month lease renewal, which you have no control over being a renter. Plan B is move to a 55+ community in Central FL, probably The Villages. Plan C is just stay here in West TX (ELP). Only time will tell so can't decide now, but again I'd prefer CO. If I go to FL, will miss not having 4-seasons, but then I also get to purchase a golf-car (!) and use it almost exclusively everywhere I need to go -- so that's something! West TX doesn't have 4-seasons, either (it USED to), so it's at least tolerable, even if not ideal. -- BR
Hey Bill! Thanks for stopping by the channel and letting other people have an insight as to your thoughts! Super helpful! Feel free to give me a call in a couple years if you'd like help in relocating back to the area!
Yes, Nevada (aka: Hwy 115) STILL has a few "hole in the wall" motels/hotels and apts, even the northern part of Nevada (between Fillmore and Austin Bluffs). -- BR
@@LivingInCOSpringsColorado I really wasn't sure what you were referring. Colorado (and the Springs) gets more days of sunshine than Florida. Even in winter, it is normally sunny the day after a snowstorm - which is why the snow doesn't typically stick around more than a few days. The gray days tend to be in the Spring or early Summer - at least the last couple years.
Good call out! Ya for me I think it’s more of a how many days I get outside type of thing, in Florida vs Colorado. Because you’re 100% right, technically Colorado has more sunshine than Florida.
@@LivingInCOSpringsColorado That's fair. For me, it was the opposite. I lived in Orlando and would rarely go outside. Too hot, too many bugs, and too humid. At least with Tampa, you had an Ocean breeze to help mitigate things a bit.
I feel like the people complaining about cost of living are primarily locals who are just comparing it with what it used to cost. As someone who has lived in four different westerns states in the last 6 years, and spent a lot of time looking around the country, COS seems to be pretty well priced for the mountain access you get. 7% above national average is pretty good for a mid sized metro with immediate outdoor access and world class destinations within a couple hour drive. Tons of people are moving here from all over the country cause it’s a nice place to be, thus the rising costs. If you want to live some place desirable and cheap… well guess your gonna be needing a Time Machine.
It ain't just Colorado Springs.. It's the whole Front Range. Lived here my whole life, 42 years, it's sad what Colorado has become.
It isn't Colorado Springs, or most rural counties, it's the REST of the state, mainly Boulder, Denver and Pueblo -- they outnumber the opposition and so outvote them. So yeah, THOSE people have ruined CO...but don't they do it everywhere? CA, HI, IL, MA, CT, NJ, DC...and on. Even "red" state TX has its shame: its own capital Austin. Not to mention liberal "diverse" holes like Houston.
-- BR
I sat and watched this with my cat sitting with me just like yours! I have lived here in Colorado Springs since 1978, and I have to say you summed things up very well. We share a lot of the same views. My wife and I are looking at leaving here shortly as soon as she retires due to the explosive uncontrolled growth creating traffic congestion on roads that are 5-10 years behind in improvements to accommodate all the growth. Another thing I have to point out is all the homeless that have infested what used to be beautiful trails and open space that used to exist here. Riding the trails it is saddening to see all the trash and junk spread out all over the area and some places you just don't feel safe unless you are with 4 or 5 other friends. And like you mentioned the cost of living here being so high, is another factor pushing us out. Colorado Springs used to be a great place to live. 😢
Nice job on the video by the way!
Thanks for watching, and appreciate the feedback for other people watching.
Feel free to reach out once you guys are looking to sell your place! Happy to help however I can.
If you think the growth CS has experienced (typically around ~0.5%/year & ~1% metro) is explosive and uncontrolled, oh boy, most of the rest of the country is going to shock you.
Having lived all over the country - it's a nightmare out there. Infrastructure more like 20-40 years behind. Even Denver (19th most populated city) is comparatively superfly chill.
Also the cost is not worth it. Our old 1987 home in broomfield is now worth over $620K which is just stupid.
Same for VA: Our old home in Fairfax VA (NEW in 1957) was what, maybe $20K (less?)...now it's well over $600K, but it's STILL a 1957-design home! Amazing...
But even apts in NOVA (Northern Virginia) are pricey, I guess because it's so close to DC and the Pentagon (for commuters).
-- BR
Where is it worth it? I sold my house in Orland for nearly $600k. It was a decent home, but just a box - certainly not worth that kind of money. Just glad someone was willing to pay it. LOL
Lived on the front Range for almost 7 years and can tell you that the people are a 7/10 on the nice scale, but nowhere near the south. I live in NW Arkansas now and it's way better.
Yeah, most of my friends in the Springs are actually transplants from the South. However, I've had no problems at social events or churches with friendly people.
Cos looked great on paper but cost of living and the fact that the roads are terrible even though their always fookng constructionon them, crime is sky rocketing, and it feels like the state isn't doing anything about. Makes me not want to stay here wich sucks because I love the view, the people, the outdoors activities and the car and off-roading communities.
I'm fully remote so I can live anywhere in the county as long as I have really good Internet service - no, satellite doesn't count.
I want:
* Not too hot, not too cold. Seasons would be nice. Swim in the summer, ski in the winter, actual fall colors. Atmosphere that doesn't body slam you when you walk outside.
* Somewhat affordable housing - lets say around $200 s/f
* Mountain views - preferred from the house, but willing to be in walking distance
* As low as crime as possible. I know humans == crime, so there is no escape. Corn field?
* Good schools without resorting to private or school choice options.
* Access to skiable mountains. I want to ski at least 10+ times per season. Destination ski trips are $20k per 1-week trip. Need to be within 3 hours by car of ski resorts.
* Great outdoor living year round, hiking trails, etc
* Bike friendly or lots of multi-use/bike paths. Roads are a death trap, even with bike lanes.
* Near a decent airport for fun and business travel (within 90 minutes)
* Near a larger city (within 2 hours) for occasional big city fun (concert, play, fine dining, theme parks)
* Traffic isn't too bad. I've lived in Atlanta - so that's your bar.
* Driving distance to other fun places - airfare for a large family is expensive.
* Cost of living isn't too high (besides housing) - gas, utilities, groceries, etc
* Taxes aren't too crazy (overall low tax burden)
* Access to decent churches and social events
* Friendly people - people willing to wave back while on the trail
* Balanced politics - prefer purple areas. Not interested in the blue or red bubble areas.
* Local access to higher education for my kids
Not important:
* Beaches - while I enjoy them, my family thinks they aren't worth the effort (too much sand)
I know my list is subjective. But, based on my research, there aren't a lot of places that check _all_ these boxes. Colorado Springs is about as close as I can find, even with all of its flaws. Plus, since I live on the north end of Colorado Springs (Powers and Woodmen), Denver is a possible short term commute or hybrid work possibility if something happens to my current work situation. It's nice to have a backup plan - just in case.
Some cons that I've noticed:
* Sometimes the cold can be occasionally intense (below zero). As long as it is also dry, this isn't too bad. However, sometimes there is a wind associated with it so the wind chill is really closer to -30F.
* Wind. With few trees, there isn't much blocking the wind. Just this past year, we have seen 50-70 mph sustained with gusts over 90 mph. It is very infrequent it is that bad. Basically like a yearly tropical storm or low end hurricane. At least it isn't constant and relentless like in Wyoming.
* Hail storms. I've seen hail before, but last year - it was happened a couple times per week for several weeks last year. Nothing massive, still surprising.
* Dryness. If you aren't used to a dry climate, you will need to drink lots of water, have a humidifier in your home, and use lotion.
* Related to above, static electricity in the winter is crazy bad if you have carpeted flooring. Even petting the cat - yikes!
* Springs crime is slightly above average when compared to cities of similar size.
* Summer feels just a little short. Things to really warm up until mid/late-June, then cool down early/mid-September.
* I would have expected more fitness centers on the north side of town
* Not many indoor swimming places
* Altitude takes adjustment
* Super short ramps from Woodmen to Academy. What a mess.
Everyone likes to crap on Colorado, the Front Range and Colorado Springs. Considering my desires - I can't find anywhere else better. If you know of a place, let me know.
Thanks for the comment Jason! Super helpful for other people to get extra insight on what others locals think!
Great reply Jason, I'm in the same boat (remote) and looking at C Springs. If a person didnt care about traveling to Denver, would you still recommend northside of CS?
@@richardsullivan7439 It depends. If you have kids, then consider a highly rated school district. I'm in D20, which was a compelling reason for us. Colorado does have public school choice but there needs to be room. Beyond that, if you don't care about Denver, schooling, or price isn't a huge factor - most of the city/area is a viable option. If I needed that mountain vibe, perhaps Woodland Park. The main gripe with the north and east is that it feels very suburban, however charm costs money. We visited for several weeks and we looked at several areas along the Front Range before choosing the north side of the Springs (Woodmen and Powers). We also stayed in an apartment while waiting on our house to be built for 6 months. Ideally, you should rent for a few months while you are house hunting so you _know_ the Springs will work - not everyone can deal with the winter cold/wind. Even if Denver as a commute destination isn't a factor, having easy access to Denver for events/activities and the airport is a huge plus. I prefer COS, but there aren't many direct flights. No place is perfect, but we really like it here so far.
@JasonTaylor-po5xc thanks Jason, really appreciate the reply. I'm in a fortunate situation where I'm looking for a summer home. Maybe condo/townhome situation. So kids won't be in school and won't be there for winters. I'll for sure visit and get the different vibes, but I think a place closer to the Academy might rent well when we are out of town.
@@richardsullivan7439 There are several places that would rent well in town - near the Academy or any military installation, near the Olympic training center, near college campuses like UCCS, Manitou Springs and Woodland Park for tourists. Old Colorado City for walkability and old Colorado charm. Avoid anywhere with an HOA that would restrict your ability to do short term rentals. However, if I were looking for a summer home, I would try for Summit County if I could afford it. It would rent like crazy in the winters (ski country) and the weather is nice in the summers.
I love living in the Springs. It's unfortunate that this state has fallen to the zombie horde of Democrat 'progress' and it's only a matter of time before we fall into total decay and ruin like California.
I haven't thought much about the cost of living increase, because I think it's a nationwide thing instead of a Colorado Springs thing, and it will go back down eventually once this corrupt, incompetent regime is out of the White House. That said, taxes etc will remain higher to a degree and get worse over time, but that's not because of COS. It's because of the corrupt Dems controlling the state up in Denver.
I'm so interested to see what color El Paso county ends up being Blue or Red.. 🤨
I'm not able to watch the whole video right now but wanted to respond to the title.
I just recently lived in Colorado Springs (COS, 5 years there total) but as a renter (upscale "luxury" apts, like Talon Hill and The Resort at University park) -- nice complexes in nice parts of town. Left in late 2022 as my rent was going up way more than expected, I wasn't able to find a suitable property to buy due (mainly) to the high mortgage interest rates, and also somewhat inflated/over-valued home prices. So I moved back to West TX (ELP) to "regroup" and am preparing (for the mortgage pre-qualification process & my DTI Ratio) to move back to COS in 2 years and hopefully, find an affordable home (small town-home/carriage-home) probably in the new/newer communities going up in Banning-Lewis Ranch (out towards Falcon!) or slightly older Wolf Ranch (except for the new homes being built around Wolf Lake). Close-by Monument is a possibility, too.
Whatever, I hope COS hasn't gone downhill THAT much since I left -- it was just 2 years ago!
But then I mostly frequented the NE (nicer) part of the city, Falcon/Meridian Ranch and Black Forest...very nice experience and I don't see anything really negative as in other parts (even though few).
Didn't go to Fountain much, or SE COS ( airport/Murry/Chelton/Hancock Expy area), nor downtown, and only to SW COS (Broadmoor Bluffs/Star Ranch/Kissing Camels areas -- pricey!) occasionally. Old Colorado City is more touristy, but being pretty old not sure of the demographics, as lots of homeless people/transients around the Safeway on western end of Colorado Ave.
Sure, rush-hour traffic on the major roads -- like Academy, Woodmen & the Powers Corridor -- was an issue but I simply avoided being there at those times.
But overall I found COS a very nice place to live...
Would only visit Denver if I HAD to (VA medical facility for appointments) but I did like Littleton, Ken Caryl Ranch especially. Castle Rock was nice too, but still very pricey homes there.
Also, I liked that COS leans conservative/Republican. The other 3 major cities -- Boulder, Denver and Pueblo -- didn't (although I've heard Pueblo may be changing).
Plus, being a veteran (twice, Army & Coast Guard) I liked COS having 5 military bases and lots of active-duty/military retirees & veterans. And I liked going to the Air Force Academy base Commissary occasionally -- the whole base is located in a very scenic area (Front Range foothills)!
So for me, COS is the ONLY major city in CO I 'd move to...and as said, plan to do exactly that in 2 years...unless the housing market there (and mortgage interest rates) are STILL too high for my liking.
But even if they are, I could always move back anyway and just stay a renter as COS has MANY "upscale/luxury" apt complexes to choose from...even more built since I left in 2022. But I'd like something larger and not worry about how much the rent is goign up each 12-month lease renewal, which you have no control over being a renter.
Plan B is move to a 55+ community in Central FL, probably The Villages.
Plan C is just stay here in West TX (ELP).
Only time will tell so can't decide now, but again I'd prefer CO. If I go to FL, will miss not having 4-seasons, but then I also get to purchase a golf-car (!) and use it almost exclusively everywhere I need to go -- so that's something! West TX doesn't have 4-seasons, either (it USED to), so it's at least tolerable, even if not ideal.
-- BR
Hey Bill! Thanks for stopping by the channel and letting other people have an insight as to your thoughts! Super helpful! Feel free to give me a call in a couple years if you'd like help in relocating back to the area!
@@LivingInCOSpringsColorado Thanks (FWIW)!
I was at Fort Carson for 2 years in the 80's lived off base at a hole in the wall motel called Chateau on Nevada Ave.wondering if it is still there ?
It is still there. 1201 S Nevada.
Yes, Nevada (aka: Hwy 115) STILL has a few "hole in the wall" motels/hotels and apts, even the northern part of Nevada (between Fillmore and Austin Bluffs).
-- BR
There's too many people here
Seasonal depression in the winter??? We barely even have a winter, it’s 50 degrees in January!
this might be more of a me thing, I admit
@@LivingInCOSpringsColorado I really wasn't sure what you were referring. Colorado (and the Springs) gets more days of sunshine than Florida. Even in winter, it is normally sunny the day after a snowstorm - which is why the snow doesn't typically stick around more than a few days. The gray days tend to be in the Spring or early Summer - at least the last couple years.
Good call out! Ya for me I think it’s more of a how many days I get outside type of thing, in Florida vs Colorado. Because you’re 100% right, technically Colorado has more sunshine than Florida.
@@LivingInCOSpringsColorado That's fair. For me, it was the opposite. I lived in Orlando and would rarely go outside. Too hot, too many bugs, and too humid. At least with Tampa, you had an Ocean breeze to help mitigate things a bit.
Ya, we were right on the coast in tarpon springs, so the ocean breeze definitely helped!
I feel like the people complaining about cost of living are primarily locals who are just comparing it with what it used to cost. As someone who has lived in four different westerns states in the last 6 years, and spent a lot of time looking around the country, COS seems to be pretty well priced for the mountain access you get. 7% above national average is pretty good for a mid sized metro with immediate outdoor access and world class destinations within a couple hour drive. Tons of people are moving here from all over the country cause it’s a nice place to be, thus the rising costs. If you want to live some place desirable and cheap… well guess your gonna be needing a Time Machine.
Lol definitely not worse than the crime in FL. Do miss water though 😢