Anybody have info about Carlton Arms North apartments (Tampa, Lake Park: cul-de-sac, apartment complex)

[Snowless]

I was wondering if anyone had any info. about Carlton Arms North on Markstown Drive. What I am looking for is: Are they safe? Is the area around there safe? It seems close to USF (where I will be working) and I don't want to live in a student apartment.

I've read some reviews but some are old and things could be better/worse than the reviews. Any information would be appreciated.

[ferret111]

I don't know the complex, but that should be a pretty safe area. You'd be right across the street from Lettuce Lake Park, which is a pretty cool place.

[mdferrell]

My family and I moved into this complex in 2008 after relocating from CT. We lived in one of the townhouse units directly off of Fletcher Ave. near the Hillsborough River. The location was great since I soon began employment at USF. We also loved that our unit was very close to Lettuce Lake and USF Riverfront Parks.

As far as the townhouse goes, the windows were very thin which allowed heat and noise to enter the rooms. During the morning and evening rush hours we used a fan in our son’s room to drown the sounds. This complex was built in the mid 1970’s, as such the units weren’t built with washer/dryer connections. To do your laundry you either have to use the expensive laundromat onsite or the one down the street in a sketchy part town. On a positive note, the complex is very quiet and extremely safe compared to many complexes near the university. The management is extremely responsive to repairs that may be needed.

We untimely moved from the complex at the end of our first lease to be closer to family in Wesley Chapel. If asked would we move back to Carlton Arms North, I would definitely say YES!

[Snowless]

Originally Posted by mdferrell

My family and I moved into this complex in 2008 after relocating from CT. We lived in one of the townhouse units directly off of Fletcher Ave. near the Hillsborough River. The location was great since I soon began employment at USF. We also loved that our unit was very close to Lettuce Lake and USF Riverfront Parks.

As far as the townhouse goes, the windows were very thin which allowed heat and noise to enter the rooms. During the morning and evening rush hours we used a fan in our son’s room to drown the sounds. This complex was built in the mid 1970’s, as such the units weren’t built with washer/dryer connections. To do your laundry you either have to use the expensive laundromat onsite or the one down the street in a sketchy part town. On a positive note, the complex is very quiet and extremely safe compared to many complexes near the university. The management is extremely responsive to repairs that may be needed.

We untimely moved from the complex at the end of our first lease to be closer to family in Wesley Chapel. If asked would we move back to Carlton Arms North, I would definitely say YES!

Thanks for this information, it really helps. But where is the "sketchy" part of town? How far? Would I be driving through it on my way home from USF? I see that there is Publix, Walmart and Target close by - are they in a sketchy part of town? Sorry for so many questions, I know there is no such thing as "perfectly safe" but I would like to try to get as safe as possible.

[mdferrell]

Just beyond the western border of USF is what I referred to as the "sketchy" part of town. That area is affectionately known as “Suit Case City”, because of the transient nature of the residents. The Publix is not in this area, however Wal-Mart and Target are. If you were to move into Carlton Arms, you could definitely go weeks without entering this area. Keep in mind that the complex is gated with someone at the entrance 24/7, with another who patrols at night. My family felt completely safe living here and never worried about being harmed or robbed.

[Snowless]

Originally Posted by mdferrell

Just beyond the western border of USF is what I referred to as the "sketchy" part of town. That area is affectionately known as “Suit Case City”, because of the transient nature of the residents. The Publix is not in this area, however Wal-Mart and Target are. If you were to move into Carlton Arms, you could definitely go weeks without entering this area. Keep in mind that the complex is gated with someone at the entrance 24/7, with another who patrols at night. My family felt completely safe living here and never worried about being harmed or robbed.

Thanks, I am going to the complex to look at the apartments on Monday. Is there a Walmart or Target east of Carlton Arms?

[ferret111]

Originally Posted by Snowless

Thanks, I am going to the complex to look at the apartments on Monday. Is there a Walmart or Target east of Carlton Arms?

There's pretty much nothing east of the complex. There's a Target and Walmart just west of the Bruce B. Downs/Fletcher intersection (west of Carlton Arms).

[TampaFrank]

My girlfriend used to live at Carlton Arms North. The units are a bit older, but it's safe and secure there, and the rents are reasonable. Also close proximity to I-75 so it's easy to get to New Tampa for shopping, movies, etc. Also the management there throws a holiday party in December for all the residents, with buffet, beer, wine, and live music at the clubhouse - I've never heard of another apartment complex with such an event.

[Snowless]

Originally Posted by TampaFrank

My girlfriend used to live at Carlton Arms North. The units are a bit older, but it's safe and secure there, and the rents are reasonable. Also close proximity to I-75 so it's easy to get to New Tampa for shopping, movies, etc. Also the management there throws a holiday party in December for all the residents, with buffet, beer, wine, and live music at the clubhouse - I've never heard of another apartment complex with such an event.

Thanks, I like to hear that women feels safe there. Safety is my main concern of course and I like the proximity to USF.

This may sound dumb, but what area (streets) would be considered New Tampa? Also, what is considered suitcase city?

I love holiday parties, sounds like a good place.

[ferret111]

Originally Posted by Snowless

This may sound dumb, but what area (streets) would be considered New Tampa? Also, what is considered suitcase city?

New Tampa consists entirely of subdivisions, so there's no grid system whatsoever and tons of cul-de-sacs. Two of the major streets are Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (from Amberly Drive up to the Pasco line) and Cross Creek Boulevard.

Suitcase City is more or less area surrounded by Fowler Avenue, Bruce B. Downs (the part next to USF), 275, and Bearss Avenue.