lauren

Roy and Dianne are actually on faculty at Florida State (although people, including the discover channel, often confuse us with University of Florida) but will be on sabbatical at UCSB until August. And Congrats jhmoss1812. Can't wait to have you join the program. You might check out my posts in the Tallahassee forum (under the city guide) for apartment info!

It's been my experience that, even though we are all psychologists, we are actually kept quite separate. I can't recall anyone from your department being in any of my classes, nor have I taken any classes in your department. That certainly doesn't mean it's not possible though! Good luck with your move! Let me know if you need anything! Cheers, Lauren

Hi all! Welcome to Tallahassee! Over the last several years I've shared my opinions about where to live (and not live) in this thread but will happily reiterate. If you're looking for a place with a yard, check out the east side of town. There are plenty of small homes (3br) and town houses (2br) over there. I encourage you to look at the townhouses on Whetherbine Way. They are very reasonably priced and offer varying sized yards. I also had a police offer tell me once that Whetherbine Way is the safest neighborhood in Tallahassee. I don't know if this is still true but, in general, the east side is very family friendly and safe. If you're looking for an apartment, check out Arbor Properties - http://www.arborproperties.com/. They have several communities throughout Tallahassee and are wonderfully managed. I've lived with them for 5 years and have NEVER had a problem that management couldn't fix immediately! All of the communities have pools, work out facilities, and individual alarm systems. My community also has an off leash dog park! If you're looking to move into midtown, you'll likely pay a bit more but it'll be worth it. It's absolutely beautiful! There are plenty of small homes and town houses to rent or buy but, like I said, you'll pay more to be in that area. If you want to stay in mid-town but can't afford a house or townhouse, consider Ashford Club - http://www.ashfordatbetton.com/. They are conveniently located to EVERYTHING and the complex sits on an excellent bike/walking trail (something Tallahassee is known for)! This apartment complex is also pet friendly with doggie stations positioned throughout the complex! I've been in Tallahassee for 8 years now (4 as an undergrad, 4 as a grad student). I'm happy to answer any of your Tallahassee related questions @psych21: Is it safe to assume that you'll be accepting an offer from the psychology department? If so, which area? I'm in the social area!

Hi Fiddler! The Park/Franklin intersection is a great area for grad students. You should know that the area is prone to flooding. I've seen water up to the window of a small car in the heaviest downpours. I don't think the homes in that area flood but, if possible, ask for a second story unit. Also, it's worth getting flood insurance (if it isn't covered by your renters insurance). I have several friends that live within a block from that intersection and love it. The only complaint is that it can often be noisy. Many local Tallahassee youth move to that area after graduating high school and forget that some people have to get up in the morning. It's a pretty artsy area so there are lots of eclectic, welcoming people. I think it's a perfect place for a graduate student. Regarding public transportation, no one uses it. Okay, that's an understatement. Plenty of people use it but mostly locals. I do have one colleague who takes a combination of bus and bike to school each day. From his apartment, he bikes a few blocks to the bus stop. Takes the bus to the Duval street hub and bikes to campus. The whole trip takes an hour each way (and this is with the bike - it might take longer if you have to transfer buses). If you are really interested in using public transportation, try this. Walk through downtown to campus (about a 20-30 minute walk) and catch the FSU bus at Wescott (corner of Copeland and College). This will take you directly to the stadium. Of course, these buses also stop running at 7. Parking is a nightmare at FSU but they are making an effort to build more garages (and it's actually starting to help). In my humble opinion, I think FSU grad students need their own transportation. Public transport is unreliable and inefficient. I appreciate you not wanting to drive (and contribute to our parking dilemma) but you do need some way to get around. I think your best option is the scooter. They can park in motorcycle parking (FSU has LOTS of this) and get great gas mileage. A colleague of mine just bought one. He drove for 2 or 3 weeks before he filled up the tank for $5.15. If I didn't already own a car, I'd buy a scooter in heart beat. In sum, get the place at Park and Franklin, watch out for floods, and buy a scooter. Good luck and welcome to town! Cheers, Lauren

Hi All, Rising_Star, I think you're doing a GREAT job moderating this thread! I think, however, that the Tallahassee climate has changed a bit since you've lived here. I've been in Tallahassee for the past 6 years (four as an undergrad, two as a PhD student in Social Psychology department) and absolutely love it. Here are my opinions on some of the topics which have recently been discussed. 1. Avoid NW Tallahassee. It's populated by undergrads which means that, likely, you're friends and colleagues won't be living there. 2. If you want to live on campus, live in Ragan's Hall. I lived there for two years and LOVED it. Many colleagues have lived there. Some had undergrad roommates, other lived with grad students. It's all random. 3. Don't unless you're using the campus bus line, don't plan on taking the city bus. A colleague lives about 5 miles from campus and it takes him over an hour by bus. 4. $650 for a single is about average in Tallahassee. You can get a nice two bedroom for $850 (cheaper if you're willing to sacrifice certain amenities). 5.Unless you feel capable of defending yourself, don't live in Frenchtown. Most guys are fine. Confident women will be okay too but I strongly encourage you to look for other options first. 6. Ask the people in your department where they live and live on that side of town. As long as your friends are nearby you'll be fine (and you'll save gas too). Please don't hesitate to email me questions. I am a grad student so it may take me a day or two to respond but I'd love to help out. Cheers, Lauren brewer@psy.fsu.edu

Sorry for all the typos. I should have proof read it first.

I know a few people who live over that way and love it. It's a very scenic side of town. I will caution you about undergrads though. FSU is known as a party school and that side of town (although maybe not where you are looking) is densely populated by undergrads. The Publix (grocery store) located near Mission Road was voted the number one place in America to meet singles. People tend to get quite dressed up to so there. Of course I am sure that you can find times when it's not as crowded, you might was to at least consider those things before signing. If you are looking for a duplex away from the younger partying population, I would suggest looking on Monroe St. North of I-10. I have several friends who have bought (and also rent) duplexes up that way. It would put your husband close to the interstate in the event he does get a job in another county. Regarding potential schools for your husband, many of the faculty's children are districted to go to Chiles High School. It's a wealthy area and the parking lot is filled with brand new luxury SUVs. The students there are quite spoiled (not all but most) and have access to more money than most of the teachers make. I don't know how much money you two have to begin with, but it can be a challenge teaching to students who are better of than you. Rickards HS has the IB program but is districted for kids with lower SES (on average). This, of course, come with its own set of problems. There are several private and parochial schools too that he may want to consider. Also, last I heard, Florida ranks 49th in average teacher pay. I don't know where Georgia ranks but it's only about 20 minutes north of town. The distance driven may be made up in the salary increase. That's all I can think of for now. I'll post again if I think of anything else.

Anyone else coming to FSU?

Although I can't speak for Leon county specifically, I have heard that the state of Florida in general has to hire 20,000 teachers through out the state. I am sure a qualified math teacher will be picked up quickly. I'm not sure what prices are like outside the city. I live on the east side away from undergrads and love it. Franklin county isn't far to the east and Wakula county is south of campus and not a bad drive either. Good luck with your search. I think you'll be satisfied where ever you end up in North Florida. Cheers and congrats!

I'll be in the Social PhD program at Florida State University!

How is your apartment hunt going? Have you had any luck?

I have been in Tallahassee for four years (as an undergrad) and will start at FSU as a grad student in May. I agree I have several friends (all graduate students) that live at London Towne. It's a great apartment complex. If you don't want to buy a second car, I suggest a bike. Nothing in Tallahassee is too far from campus that you can't bike in. Regarding Alumni Village, one of the guys in my program lived there is first year. He said it was the worst thing he ever experienced. I would stay away from there if at all possible. Like I said, invest in a bike. I also have friends living at Franklin Point. It's a family oriented complex and about a mile from down town, two miles from campus. A one bedroom starting at $325. It's a very quiet residential area. More info on Franklin Point can be found here http://tallahassee.collegerentals.com/d ... linPointe/ Cheers, Lauren

I interviewed at University of Illinois Chicago during the last weekend in February. I know they already had their interview weekend with all of the potential students. Cheers!

I've accepted an offer from FSU for their Social Psychology PhD. program. Anyone else accepting offers from FSU? Cheers, Lauren

Hi All - I've accepted an offer to FSU's Social Psychology program. Anyone else accepting offers at FSU? Cheers, Lauren