Relocating- 3 possible states, 4 possible cities

Hi Everyone,

I will be moving in the next year and fortunate enough to choose where I land. Currently I’m on the west coast and my ideal place would have the following:

• an observant community (my observance could be classified as conservadox) where i could live in an Eruv and have access to kosher food. I’d be open to being more observant if the community is.
• access to Jewish preschools, k-8, and high schools.
• a family-friendly community where children are welcome.

I have the following states and cities as options:

Arizona – Scottsdale/scottsdale area

Texas – Dallas

Florida – Tampa or Miami

Is there anyone here who can share their experience with these areas? They all seem to have more active communities than where I live (more kosher restaurants, markets, and Eruvs). They have a broader mix of synagogues from a denominational perspective as well.

I’m reaching out to local synagogues in each area and trying to get connected with other transplants to hear their experience. I’m curious about the following:

• what are common family activities and recreation given the weather?
• how was it for anyone that grew up there?
• how is it being a parent in those states?
• what is your experience like participating at Jewish schools as a parent?
• how is the non-Jewish community in your area? Any safety concerns?
• what do you love about it and what do you hate?
• what are the mundane changes in your life that you didn’t realize until you lived there a while?
• are you able to build a community or is the city so big you never have time to see your neighbors?

I’ve never been to Tampa, what is that like compared to Miami?

I have about a year before my move and am visiting each of these areas.