Is Tampa Area Affordable???

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by LHBR702

What is the typical commute time from Riverview to Downtown Tampa in best and worst cases (i.e. rush hour AND non-rush hour?) It is realistic that someone would purchase a home in Riverview and commute to Downtown daily?

My Aunt and Uncle both work downtown Tampa and live in Riverview, it is very normal, and many do that commute. It is about a 20 min drive with no traffic, they leave around 7am, and get home around 430pm. The Crosstown/Selmon Expsy elevated portion was recently opened.

[LHBR702]

Thanks, Tampaguy. That sounds like a very do-able commute!

[skandcp]

Honestly, there are good deals depending on the areas you look. however, it is getting more and more expensive to live in the areas where you work and teach. As a 6 year home owner we bought a fixer upper in Pinellas County that was a great deal. Now, we cannot afford to stay here AND allow for our family to grow in size. If I was going to Oldsmar, or Valrico, or a smaller town, I might be able to swing it.. however, I work in education, and my husband works in mental health, and the pay in Florida is pathetic. Old people retire here, and claim they paid there taxes for those things up north, and vote for whoever benefits their medicare needs the most.
As we look to relocate I am finding that I can get much more house that what I would pay here. Just depends on what area.

[helix139]

Your commute wouldn't be a prob at all. I work with folks that live in Riverview and work on Davis Islands and they don't complain.

[yukon]

AFter the tax exemption passes in 2008 it will turn to a seller market again, driving prices back up!

Yeah, just like the insurance session fixed the insurance problems. Ha! My insurer immediately starting reducing its exposure in FL, and that's just not something USAA does on a regular basis. When they pull back or pull out, you know it's bad.

Consider renting and ride out the market for a bit. There are some very good rental deals out there, and you don't have to worry about insurance and taxes. It will also give you a chance to find the area you like best before you buy.

[Talos]

The Crosstown Expressway is probably the most effecient way to commute to downtown. During rush hour, there's an express lane that's actually a bridge that changes directions during the rush hour. Commute times to downtown is very short using the Expressway, about 10 - 20 minutes once you're on the expressway.

[mustgetoutofflorida]

If you have an option go elsewhere we have been here for two years and it has been a horrible experience. Now I know why people move here and then go elsewhere several years later....as I tell everyone who asks it is a mirage from the heat.....it's a nice play to visit (well you know the adage).
It has one of the worst housing markets, don't you think there is a reason people aren't staying or coming anymore??????

[Bezzled]

You can move down here if you make 100k a year. Then you won't have any worries. And you can give all your money to the Gov't and insurance companies.

I am middle class, Atleast I like to think I am... And I can't wait to sell my condo and MOVE OUT OF FLORIDA. It is too expensive to live here.