Tallahassee Family Friendly? (affordable apartment, rental, townhouse)

[michiganmom75]

Hello everyone! I am a single mom to an eight year old daughter and am currently in the process of interviewing with the state of FL for a job in Tallahassee. If I'm lucky enough to get a job offer, I'll need to quickly find an affordable apartment (up to $700) in a safe area. My foremost concern is that the area is safe for my daughter and has decent public schools. I'm open to commuting up to an hour one way if needed. I've read through these forums and can't believe how helpful you all are! Thanks so much in advance. Moving across the country, especially with a child, can be a scary proposition, so any advice will truly be appreciated.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by michiganmom75

Hello everyone! I am a single mom to an eight year old daughter and am currently in the process of interviewing with the state of FL for a job in Tallahassee. If I'm lucky enough to get a job offer, I'll need to quickly find an affordable apartment (up to $700) in a safe area. My foremost concern is that the area is safe for my daughter and has decent public schools. I'm open to commuting up to an hour one way if needed. I've read through these forums and can't believe how helpful you all are! Thanks so much in advance. Moving across the country, especially with a child, can be a scary proposition, so any advice will truly be appreciated.

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS, because it is damn hard to get a job with the state right now with the budget like it is.

I don't want you to post personal information, but can you tell us what agency hired you? It could make a difference on where you want to live. IOW, if you are working out of Southwood, you might not want to live in northern Tallahassee, or you might really have an hour commute.

One of the decent public schools in Leon County is literally two blocks from my house: DeSoto Trail Elementary. Nice facility, it has won several awards, etc. This school is situated in an area that is relatively safe...but not known for affordable housing. There are some smaller townhouse communites w/n walking distance (like Mint Hill), and some apartments farther up Thomasville Road which are new, but I am not sure they are all that affordable.

A good place to find affordable rental housing is here: Florida Housing Search - Socialserve.com
(A state-sponsored site).

I am in the affordable housing business, so you if want to send me a private message I could probably help you more specifically.

[RChrisJ]

Originally Posted by michiganmom75

Hello everyone! I am a single mom to an eight year old daughter and am currently in the process of interviewing with the state of FL for a job in Tallahassee. If I'm lucky enough to get a job offer, I'll need to quickly find an affordable apartment (up to $700) in a safe area. My foremost concern is that the area is safe for my daughter and has decent public schools. I'm open to commuting up to an hour one way if needed. I've read through these forums and can't believe how helpful you all are! Thanks so much in advance. Moving across the country, especially with a child, can be a scary proposition, so any advice will truly be appreciated.

I work for the state as well. Which agency are you interviewing with? You do know we don't get raises again this year, right? Another taxed out the ass bonus check. But enough bitterness.

Don't let anyone tell you that you need to commute for an hour. You can find what you need in the city and this coming from someone who loathes Tallahassee.

Most of the apartments around $700 are in good areas. Not great areas (Killearn would be considered a "great area") but in good areas. I could give you some ideas, but instead of droning on and on about it, find some places you're thinking about living and then post them in the thread. I'll be glad to tell you which places are good and which places aren't.

Hope this helps.

[Cougar31]

Originally Posted by RChrisJ

I work for the state as well. Which agency are you interviewing with? You do know we don't get raises again this year, right? Another taxed out the ass bonus check. But enough bitterness.

Don't let anyone tell you that you need to commute for an hour. You can find what you need in the city and this coming from someone who loathes Tallahassee.

Most of the apartments around $700 are in good areas. Not great areas (Killearn would be considered a "great area") but in good areas. I could give you some ideas, but instead of droning on and on about it, find some places you're thinking about living and then post them in the thread. I'll be glad to tell you which places are good and which places aren't.

Hope this helps.

Are those $700 apartment income restricted?
I have been seracing online and came arcoss much higher rate in Tallahassee!
Thanks.

[TD*]

YEs its very family Friendly.... great place to raise kids.

[coastalgal]

Hey Cougar, check your spelling before you head to that interview chances are you will be standing in line with a gazillion others hoping for that same job that has crossed every T and dotted every I. I do wish you luck even though I admit I am jealous since my husband was laid off and can't even get passed HR with the State with his master’s degree and years of experience!! Take care and best of luck.

[EscAlaMike]

Honestly, for $700, you might have a hard time finding something nice and in a desirable location. My wife and I just moved back up here in November and we had a hard time finding a place that was within our budget. Finally though, we did find a great place through Arbor Properties which we're very happy with, and I would recommend looking into their properties. I would recommend the NE side of Tallahassee because of schools.

[TD*]

Yes Tallahassee is VERY family friendly one of the best places to raise a kid with great parks and always top rated in quality of life.!