Need help on Westchase schools/housing (Tampa, St. Petersburg: hair salon, coupons, hotel)

[Blondechick32]

We are possibly relocating to Tampa in September from the St. Louis area. We will be flying down there at the end of August and would like to visit some schools/neighborhoods. I have been doing extensive research online about Tampa schools/neighborhoods, but would like some help and input. My child be will entering kindergarten. An outstanding private school is of utmost concern to us/good family neighborhood. I am shocked at the prices for Tampa private schools. We have excellent schools in St. Louis at half the price! I am worried that we aren't going to find the caliber of school in Tampa without spending $18,000 a year, which I do not wish to do. So far I really like the Westchase area for location. My husband would be working at Tampa General. I would love to find new construction starting in the $400,000 and up range or a newer home no higher than low 5's. Does this exist in this area? I loved the Fish Hawk neighborhood, but not the location. Also loved Waterchase. I love being close to malls, grocery stores, etc. Also really would like to have a community pool, etc. I hear that Westchase Elem. is a good school. I have looked at Independent Day, Tampa Prep and Berkeley. I am very open to a Catholic School as well if anyone knows of an outstanding one. I really appreciate your help on great neighborhoods, schools and hair salons, too! Thanks so much in advance!!

[beachy1009]

Wow, I can't believe I found your post. My family is from St. Louis (well actually O'Fallon, MO) and are POSSIBLY relocating to Tampa. I'm extremely nervous about all this, because I keep hearing how terrible the schools are. I'm fairly certain we can't afford a private school, especially after seeing $18K/yr in your post. I hadn't even looked into the prices yet. I'm just getting into the research on all this, so I have no idea what area of Tampa we want to focus on. I'd like to find a township similar to O'Fallon. We love our neighborhood and schools! Good luck to you all!

[Kcates]

We moved to Tampa from a suburb of Kansas City three years ago and LOVE IT here. I will say the housing market is quite different. You'll find that the South Tampa area near downtown is very trendy and sought-after, but since space is at a minimum, the cost per square foot are HIGH. We live just north of Westchase and I work downtown. The commute isn't too bad and living in that area is well worth it. The people are great and the community and park areas are really nice and well maintained. You have several housing options within Westchase and then there are a few just outside, like Waterchase, Westchester and the Eagles (AKA Nine Eagles--it's listed in the city of Odessa, but is just a few minutes north of Westchase).

As for the public school system, it is pretty bad. However, there are a few areas where the elementary schools are pretty high rated. Two I know of are Westchase and a few in the Palm Harbor area (Palm Harbor is really far from downtown though).

I don't know about the schools in St. Petersburg, but that would be an easy commute to Tampa General, as would the Carrollwood area.

The private schools in the area are superb, but yes, they are expensive. Many offer financial assistance to those who qualify and may be worth looking into once your children get into Middle School and High School.

I know of a great Realtor in the area who is familiar with all the ins and outs. Let me know if you'd like a referral! Reach me (Kim) at kcfit4@gmail.com.

[cfischer69]

Westchase is excellent with very good schools. Not sure you'll find new construction.... but you will find homes from $250 - $600 many with pools. Two parks, two community pools, a tennis center and a shopping village plus two anchor strip malls round out Westchase. There's lots of dining options and a major mall very close by. Many professionals including my dentist and orthodontist live here.

[MortonR]

I have worked closely with Independent Day School and can assure you that you will find it to be a very accomplished private school.

Westchase Elementary is also a very good public school, too.

RM

[choralsociety]

Independent Day School is EXCELLENT (my kids go there). I live near the Upper Tampa library and love W-chase. I recommend it highly, especially since you are coming from St. Louis. W-chase will be more in keeping with the civilized, manicured, family-friendly atmosphere that you are coming from.

[Blondechick32]

Thanks so much for your posts!! We are in Tampa right now, and I am going to several schools on Monday. It is so gorgeous here!!! My hotel is overlooking the Bay, which I have to say is way more beautiful than our muddy Mississippi in downtown STL. We are meeting with a realtor tomorrow. She's really pushing South Tampa, but we'll see. She's not married, doesn't have kids, and her office is in S. Tampa. Interested in seeing as much of the area and then making our determination from there. I really feel like Westchase or even New Tampa area might be a better fit since we are used to living in suburbia and having a larger home, but we'll see! I'm keeping an open mind. Thanks again!!!

[Stewabby]

We're in South Tampa but we are seriously considering Westchase when we buy a home in a few years. Large homes, good schools, close to lots of stuff. I don't think you can really go wrong.

[ResearcherMom]

Hi! Just found this post... we are moving to Waterchase at the beginning of October and I have been very pleased with what I have seen of the school (Bryant Elementary). We also visited Westchase Elementary and I found it to be equally impressive. My oldest son is also starting Kindergarten this year and a good school was our top priority- this narrowed our choices considerably. He is currently in an excellent Catholic school in Illinois, so I wanted to ensure that we were in a great school district. In my research thus far, I have not found a Catholic school that is convenient to this area.
We looked at South Tampa, but really wanted a more consistent family neighborhood so we ended up focusing our home search in Waterchase and Westchase. We also wanted new construction, but it just isn't available in these neighborhoods anymore! FishHawk Ranch was definitely appealing, but I did not want to be that far out... The development was beautiful but seemed to be quite a drive to civilization outside of the basic community. We settled for a smaller lot in Waterchase- we are used to a little more personal space, but with all of the amenities- pool, tennis, walking paths, etc., I think it will be a nice fit for a family like ours with three young children. I hope this helps!

[workingmomintampa]

Independent Day School is a bit more affordable than a lot of the other schools (at about $11k) and it is amazing! We are going to cut coupons and eat spaghetti to afford sending our 2 children there!