When you think of Florida, your first image is most likely that of palm trees and sun-swept beaches. There is however, another side of Florida. Here in the Big Bend area of the Florida Panhandle, we have our share of beaches, but we also have rolling hills and lush forests. Magnolia trees, azaleas and dogwoods are more plentiful than palms and antebellum mansions speak of a history deeply rooted in the American South.
What truly sets this area apart is our exceptional quality of life. Parks, libraries, and cultural opportunities abound. And maintaining this exceptional quality of life that exists here is the goal of all of its citizens. In 2007, Tallahassee was ranked number 2 by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine as one of the "Top Ten College Towns for Grownups." And was awarded "Best In America" Parks and Recreation by the National Recreation and Park Association in 2006.
In recent years, Tallahassee has seen an uptick in growth, mainly in government and research services associated with the state, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University.
Education
Tallahassee residents are served by the Leon County School District. In 2006 Newsweek Magazine listed 4 of Leon County's 5 public high schools in the top 200 of its "Top 1000 Schools in the United States." Leon County students continue to score higher than students statewide do and nationally on both the verbal and mathematical sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The average SAT score of Leon County students is 1,052 compared to the Florida average of 997 and national average of 1,020. Leon County Schools rank among the top districts in the state for student success as measured by the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test). Of the 67 school districts in Florida, Leon County ranks among the top 7 districts in every subject at every grade level (in all but four areas, ranks in top 5 districts). 84% of Leon County students continue post-secondary pursuits.
Tallahassee is home to more than seven higher learning institutions such as Florida A&M University and Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, and the Lively Technical Center--one of ten centers for electronic excellence in the state offering entry-level training in disciplines such as electronics, drafting, aircraft maintenance and computer service. Keiser University provides accelerated degree programs in areas such as computers, business, allied health and culinary arts. In partnership with Tallahassee Community College (TCC), St. Augustine-based Flagler College offers four-year degrees in elementary education and business administration on TCC’s campus.
Economy
The city is also a regional center for trade and agriculture, served by the Tallahassee Regional Airport. With one of the fastest growing manufacturing and high tech economies in Florida, its major private employers include a General Dynamics Land Systems manufacturing facility (military and combat applications), the headquarters of Talla-Comm (a communications manufacturing firm owned by Tadiran Communications, Ltd., in Israel) and the manufacturing headquarters for Danfoss Turbocor (a manufacturer of oil-free high efficiency compressors).
Art & Culture
Rich in cultural diversity, Tallahassee boasts more than 31 community established performing arts groups. Local cultural attractions include Springtime Tallahassee, the Winter Festival of Lights, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Tallahassee Ballet, LeMoyne Art Foundation, The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science and Shakespeare in the Park.
The Tallahassee area offers numerous events throughout the year. The Downtown Market Place, open Saturdays from 8:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. March through November, features fine arts, crafts, authors, writers/poets, live jazz, chefs, children’s storytelling and a farmer’s market. Whether festivals, dances, music, golf tournaments, costume balls, carnivals, parades or fairs, there is always an event for everybody.
Sports & Recreation
Collegiate sports are a tradition in Tallahassee, with the FAMU Rattlers and FSU Seminoles competing against top-ranked teams from around the nation. These two fine schools have produced nationally known athletes such as Phil Boggs (1972 Olympic gold medalist in diving), Deion Sanders (former NFL & MLB superstar), Charlie Ward (Heisman recipient, New York Knicks), Chris Weinke (Heisman recipient, Carolina Panthers) and Andre Dawson "The Hawk" (baseball's 1987 National League Most Valuable Player).
In 2007, Tallahassee welcomed two new sport teams to the city, The Tallahassee Tigers, with theAmerican Basketball Association and the Tallahassee Titans, an American Indoor Football Association team.
An undisturbed natural environment allows Tallahassee residents to enjoy the many recreational resources in the area. The popular Tallahassee/St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is a 16-mile long trail, stretching from Tallahassee to the Gulf of Mexico, offering bicyclists, skaters, hikers, joggers and equestrians scenic beauty at its best. The Florida Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest is a 68.7 mile trail that offers some of the most remote hiking areas available in Florida. A 5.5 mile Leon Sinks Trail, part of the Apalachicola National Forest, offers the tranquility and beauty of several sinkholes. Many other parks in the Tallahassee area offer hundreds of miles of off-road bike and scenic trails and other recreational outlets for those who love the outdoors.
Tallahassee is the home of over eighty lakes, with sixteen accessible to the public. The largest lakes in Tallahassee are Lake Iamonia, Lake Jackson, Lake Miccosukee, and Lake Talquin. Man-made Lake Talquin is the largest lake at 8,850 acres. These natural areas offer a variety of recreational activities and great opportunities for fishing, paddling, boating, birding, hiking, horse trails and provides a example of the original Florida.
Source: wikipedia.org, talgov.com and visittallahassee.com
Find homes for sale in Tallahassee Florida
