My wife and I have job offers in Tampa, and we currently live in Madison. I posted a thread on the FL region of beer advocate, and everyone there says its a no brainier, move to Tampa. I don't think they know how great Madison is, they only think of the cold weather(which, I have to agree with them on). Just seeing if it is a different story on the Great Lakes forum; I am assuming you guys realize that Madison brings a little something to the table, especially in the craft beer arena.
I've had a number of friends live in Tampa, all originally from the Madison area. They all liked the weather for the first couple years, but after about 3-4 years, they started to trickle back. All had left the area after 5 years or so. Most of them didn't like the people. Yes, it's a generalization, so could be unfair, but they found them to be rude and not friendly. There's something about that midwest personality. They also thought Tampa was kind of dirty. I can't speak from experience, only from my friends. Good luck either way!!
Midwest kindness is not found many other places. It is hard to get used to how unfriendly and rude everyone is in the warmer cities. Hopefully you do not have kids, because the public education system in FL is severely lacking. I personally would miss the seasons and the warm weather would become boring after a few years. There is some really good beer in Tampa, but it will be nothing like all the great beer you are used to in WI. If you end up loving your work, it may all be worth it. Good luck!
One way to do it would be to move there until Cigar City gets acquired by AB InBev and then scuttle back north. Free advice from a stranger on the internet. What's not to love?
as the name might suggest, I'm originally from Florida, but currently live in Chicago's NW Suburbs. I can say the general perception of Wisconsin to the average Floridian is basically that of a state that is stuck in a Laverne & Shirley episode. I figured Wisconsin was your typical midwestern state that hit it's heyday 50 years ago and was slowly rusting away into oblivion. But since having moved up and visiting Wisconsin repeatedly, I can say my perceptions were totally inaccurate. As for Florida, my wife is from Tampa and I've lived there on and off over the course of several years. It's not a bad place and is one of Florida's better cities to live in. You'll have quick access to Miami, Orlando, and the Keys. You won't have to plan three months in advance if you want to go to the beach (and no one will give a shit when you do). Good Food. Traffic's not bad. You can get tickets to a Bucs game without having to mortgage your house. And the girls generally wear less clothes. Sure the beer scene is smaller, but its also more accessible and its growing. Sitting on Peg's patio sipping a beer, enjoying the breeze off the Gulf while your kid runs down the street for ice cream is a quite enjoyabe way to spend an afternoon. That said, if I had to choose between Madison and Tampa, I'd choose Madison. If I wasn't tied to Chicago, I'd probably move up there myself, but I wouldn't let that stop you from trying out Tampa.
