Moving to Sarasota, FL or Tupelo, MS: Need Info!

[dixiedevil]

I have just graduated from UAB and I am 23 and will be moving to begin my career.I plan to begin training June 15 in one city or the other for the next year. My income will be 32k + bonus/benefit for the next year or so.

I have the options of Tupelo, MS(1 year then Memphis) or Sarasota, FL(1 year then on to Cocoa Beach)


Im really like the option of Sarasota, but would like any info about either.

My prefrences:
dont mind driving 30mins to work(more important for sarasota)
would like "backyard" access to trails(more of a perk, so spoiled right now)


I have lived in Birmingham, AL all of life and cant wait to leave. I am looking to rent a house w/ fenced yard either place I go because I NEED a garage and have dogs.

So:
What are the best, cleanest areas to live in. What are cheaper/safer areas also?
what are the bad traffic areas that i should be aware of.
what is the cost of living like(I know Tupelo will pay me to live there )
Pet friendly areas?

My potential office, Raybro/CED in Sarasota is 4 blocks from Ed Smith Stadium on 12th street

In Tupelo the office is south of Ballard Park

I have been lookin on Craigslist at rental houses and Sarasot has a lot goin on, just dont know what areas i should be lookin at.


Any info you can provide me is great!

 

[dead bound]

Florida shouldn't have income tax.

 

[pidaster]

I lived in Tupelo for three years. Not too bad of a town but I'm not really that fond of it. Traffic isn't bad at all compared to B'ham and most of the place is nice. You can easily spot the bad neighborhoods and the police do a good job of keeping stuff under control. However, it's real easy to get traffic violation tickets.

 

[bradwsm]

I have lived outside of sarasota my entire life ( besides the college days). Best beaches, anything west of us 41 is nice but pricey depending were you will be working there is tons of opions, for good housing close to I 75. Sararsota is very nice with good bike scene.