Tarpon Springs, Florida is a beautiful coastal town located on the Gulf Coast, about an hour north of Tampa. The city is known for its Greek heritage and its picturesque sponge docks. It’s a great place to visit, but there are some important things to consider before you move to Tarpon Springs.
1. Expensive Housing Market
Tarpon Springs has a very expensive housing market, with the median home value currently at $228,700, which is much higher than the national average. The cost of living is also higher than the national average, so if you’re looking to save money on housing, you may want to look elsewhere.
2. Lack of Jobs
Tarpon Springs has a very low unemployment rate, but the job market is not very strong. There are not many high-paying jobs available, so if you’re looking for a good career opportunity, you may want to look elsewhere.
3. High Crime Rate
Tarpon Springs has a higher than average crime rate, with a violent crime rate that is more than double the national average. The city also has a high property crime rate, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings if you decide to move to Tarpon Springs.
4. Poor Public Transportation
Tarpon Springs does not have a good public transportation system, and the closest airport is located in Tampa, which is an hour away. If you rely on public transportation to get around, you may want to look for a city with better options.
5. Limited Shopping and Dining Options
Tarpon Springs does not have a lot of shopping and dining options, so if you’re looking for a wide variety of places to eat and shop, you may want to look elsewhere. The city does have some great Greek restaurants, though.
6. Hot and Humid Summers
Tarpon Springs has hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching over 90 degrees. If you don’t like the heat, you may want to look for a city with a milder climate.
7. Limited Entertainment Options
Tarpon Springs does not have a lot of entertainment options, so if you’re looking for nightlife or cultural attractions, you may want to look elsewhere. The city does have some great outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating.
8. Poor School System
Tarpon Springs has a very poor school system, with a graduation rate that is below the state average. The city also has a high dropout rate, so if you have children, you may want to look for a city with better educational opportunities.
9. Low Walkability Score
Tarpon Springs has a low walkability score, so if you’re looking for a city where you can easily walk to stores and restaurants, you may want to look elsewhere.
10. High Cost of Living
Tarpon Springs has a high cost of living, with the cost of groceries, transportation, and healthcare all above the national average. If you’re looking for a city where you can save money, you may want to look elsewhere.
11. Poor Air Quality
Tarpon Springs has a poor air quality, with air pollution levels that are higher than the national average. The city also has a high number of days with unhealthy air quality, so if you’re looking for a city with clean air, you may want to look elsewhere.
12. High Tax Rate
Tarpon Springs has a high tax rate, with the average effective tax rate at 7.68%. If you’re looking for a city with lower taxes, you may want to look elsewhere.
13. Poor Road Quality
Tarpon Springs has a poor road quality, with many roads in disrepair and a high number of potholes. If you’re looking for a city with better roads, you may want to look elsewhere.
14. Limited Healthcare Options
Tarpon Springs has a limited number of healthcare options, with only one hospital and a few doctors’ offices. If you’re looking for a city with more healthcare options, you may want to look elsewhere.
15. High Number of Mosquitoes
Tarpon Springs has a high number of mosquitoes, so if you’re looking for a city with fewer bugs, you may want to look elsewhere.
16. Poor Cell Phone Service
Tarpon Springs has poor cell phone service, with many areas having weak signals or no service at all. If you rely on your cell phone for work or personal use, you may want to look for a city with better coverage.
17. Not Very Pet-Friendly
Tarpon Springs is not very pet-friendly, with few parks or pet-friendly restaurants. If you have pets, you may want to look for a city with more pet-friendly amenities.
18. Limited Cultural Opportunities
Tarpon Springs does not have many cultural opportunities, so if you’re looking for a city with more museums, galleries, and theater, you may want to look elsewhere.
19. Poor Internet Service
Tarpon Springs has poor internet service, with many areas having slow speeds or no service at all. If you rely on the internet for work or personal use, you may want to look for a city with better coverage.
Overall, Tarpon Springs is a beautiful city with a lot of potential, but there are some important things to consider before you move there. From the expensive housing market to the poor public transportation and limited cultural opportunities, there are many reasons why you may want to look for a city with better amenities.