[redwitch]

Carl, here's my take on your wife's objections:

I came from the SF Bay Area. I had season tickets to the symphony and the ballet. I went to many rock concerts and, of course, several sporting events.

I agree with her on the burb feeling -- especially south of 466. This is one of the reasons I could never live there. I love the historic section -- it has true personality (albeit not always my taste, but at least it is different).

I miss the symphony and the ballet even more so. There are some cultural events at Savannah Center. If I get really desparate, Gainesville has a decent ballet company. Orlando has a very symphony. Haven't checked out Tampa yet. These are all within an easy drive.

You'll get no argument from me about the quality jobs. Unless you're willing to commute to Okala, the decent jobs here are few and far between. That's why I decided to try to start my own business.

She's wrong about the diversity. It is here. There are many ethnicities living in TV. There are several ethnic restaurants. It does not have ethnicity of a large city. Nor does it have ethnic groups divided into their own sections (there's no "Little Italy," "Japantown", Harlem, etc.). There are clubs for almost any ethnicity and race here.

Can't argue that this is a "manufactured" city but the reality is that that's true of any city. Most cities begin as focal points for transportation and grow from there. That doesn't make them any less of a city. TV is a small city in the middle of nowhere. It is a strange feeling at first but one I've come to enjoy.

As some have said, she may discover that TV is not the right fit for her. However, if she comes with an open mind and gives it an honest chance, she may be pleasantly surprised and learn to love it as much as most of us do.