Is Tallahassee worth it post-grad?

The south side of Tallahassee by Oakland Ave. Photo Courtesy: Deju Johnson

When it comes to graduation, most students get their cap and gown and scramble for a job or to enter a position that will start their career. Some find jobs close to home, while others find jobs away from home; either way, it will be the start of something new.

In the city of Tallahassee, most students are here for higher education at one of the four institutions in the area. There is the number one public Historically Black College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and other large institutions, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Lively Technical College. Other than LTC, these schools carry 80 to 90 percent retention rates for their returning students.

Outside of pursuing higher education, Tallahassee is most known for being the capital of Florida and the city of politics. Even so, the likelihood of students staying here is very slim outside those majors. FAMU fourth-year educational major from Broward County, Malia Stone, stated, “Opportunities are very limited depending on what you want to do in Tallahassee with your career.”

Many students feel similar to Stone, especially in the entertainment industry, but many have found that the growth of Tallahassee has allowed for opportunities worth mentioning.

As a Tallahassee native, Susan Horton, a nurse practitioner who received her license from the FAMU nursing school, stated Tallahassee was “friendly” and “resourceful.” The updates within the airport, in particular, have brung in more flights and money to the area with reconstructions. Horton says, “It made Tallahassee look a lot better and the food spots in Tallahassee have gotten better too especially the ambiance within them.” Horton’s husband, Jewel Horton, says, “ I like that Tallahassee is bringing in more noted restaurants and the local restaurants are quite nice as well.”

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the new construction planning for the south side of Tallahassee is set at 315 million; this will include 114 miles of bike and pedestrian improvements, 23 miles of roadway, and the creation or improvement of 338 acres of parks and public spaces.

Following the construction improvements, the living costs in Tallahassee are considerably low for college students. Still, outside of that, Jewel Horton says, “The living costs are higher than other places considering the population.”

All in all, Tallahassee is looking to successfully improve in many areas to appeal to residents and visiting students. The job opportunities are growing along with the construction, and hopefully, in the near future, more students will feel as if they can excel career-wise.