Lots of interesting comments,here. The bitter ones I can’t relate to, but to each his own. First, Tarpon is much more than just the little downtown area near the former Pappas Restaurant. Tarpon includes some very nice areas east of US 19. As has been said, there are other cities nearby along the gulf coast, as well.
I have lived in Sarasota, New Port Richey, and now in central FL in a small town about 30 miles west of Orlando. There is no question that the traffic on the west coast is awful; but if you like living on the Gulf, as we did, it’s wonderful. If you like sailing, even better.
We live now on a large lake in central FL and have managed even here to meet several people w/ IQs above 80(ahem). FL is filled with monied people, much of the money imported from up north; but the home-grown small-business and professional “class” is also large, which is why a non-big-city area can support three local theatre companies, tons of restaurants,and law, dental,and physicians’ offices on every block. Some of those dentists and MDs even graduated from high school!
My son lives in Tampa and loves it. Lots to do there and in nearby locales such as Clearwater, St Pete, and Sarasota. Much depends on how you like to live. But I would definitely take a long vacation in a target area and scout around to see what you think suits you best vis a vis your interests and lifestyle.
Thanks Laur very much!