Restarting life in Florida, heavily debating areas, want easy access to snorkeling/diving.
I know I know, another post about moving. I’ve been lurking the sub for months, I know it’s expensive, I know it’s crowded, I know there are downsides.
Context: 38 years old, divorced in 2021, no kids, bartender, sober.
Live in and grew up in Iowa, city kid not a farmer, lived in Seattle in my early 20s. Currently living downtown in my city.
The plan is to spend this summmer saving money, I intend to move sometime in September/October, based on what I’ve read this seems like the best time to move and find a serving or bartending job, I’m not terribly concerned about finding work and I am not above working at a chain until I get myself established and get to know the area. I will have a few months worth of expenses saved before I move, I’m also aware that whatever I may have saved may not go as far as I expect.
I want to be in or near a decent sized city and based on my research St. Petersburg seems like the best balance of cost and job opportunities. The Tampa area in general. However I have also considered Pensacola for the more relaxed pace. I have also considered the West Palm beach area or somewhere on the east coast further north of Miami, however I think I am pretty set on the gulf side. I looked at tarpon springs and while charming I would worry that it is too small and I could be setting myself up for a nightmare commute unless I scored a job locally.
The dream would be to live within walking distance of both work and a beach where I could snorkel or dive. Obviously the reality will likely be very different. I don’t expect the first apartment or job I land at to be the long term, I just need to get myself to the area and start building the life I want. Even if for example I start in St. Pete I am not opposed to moving to Pensacola if I can find the opportunities I want.
My question is mostly for people who spend time in the water as a hobby, what area offers the best balance of recreation and job opportunities, is it easy to find people to pursue snorkeling and diving activities with? I also want to be able to meet both friends and potential romantic partners so I don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere.
Dunedin has appeal, Clearwater as well, I loved Indian Rocks Beach when I visited last summer, I can’t do another winter in Iowa, there’s nothing to do but drink and I am trying to remove myself from that lifestyle, I know it’s prevalent no matter where you live however I would like to have more options for outdoor activities. I’ve researched other states and even for all of its flaws Florida still tops my list.
So hit me with your experiences, your recommendations, your words of warning. I have nothing to lose and I haven’t been diving in 20 years but it’s truly all I want.