Working in Feather Sound (northeast St Pete), where to live on the Tampa side? (Clearwater: to rent)

[bjameslewis]

I have a potential job offer in Feather Sound (north St Pete) and am looking for a place to live with a realistic commute, that's family oriented, and outside the hurricane evac zone (I know, it's a lot to ask!). Love the sound of Dunedin and Seminole but they're smack dab in the evac zone so that's a no go. I've looked into Town and Country, Westchase, and Carrollwood and there are big differences between the three. Any thoughts?

[Mike Peterson]

Why not look right in Feather Sound?

There are some very nice neighborhoods. Then you have no commute.

[cariad]

There are parts of Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and Palm Harbor that are non-evacuation zone areas.

[yukon]

Living in Feather Sound would be worth the chance of evacuating. That's one of the nicest areas to rent in - and one of the few areas where you can walk to grocery stores and shopping. Most years, you won't have to evacuate. And if you do, and have a pet, Pinellas is the best place to be as they have more pet-friendly shelters than any other area county. Heck, my stupid county (Pasco) doesn't even have have a pet friendly shelter yet.

[yukon]

Pinellas County has a site where you can type in an address and find out what (if any) evacuation zone it's in:

Local Disaster Preparedness

[susan vaughn]

Of the three Tampa communities you mentioned, Westchase is by far the most family-friendly, newest community. It boasts its own "downtown" area of sorts, has great schools and is generally conveniently located. There is also a higher concentration of new construction in that area than the other communities. Feather Sound is also a great area. It is very convenient to St. Pete and Clearwater (if you like the beaches!). If you ever did have to evacuate, you would be at the furthest area east in Pinellas County! You also need to know that the coastal areas tend to have better weather! Tampa generally has more afternoon storms east of the bay than on the Pinellas side....a general summer weather pattern!

[Bezzled]

I agree why not just live in Feather Sound?? It's very pricy though.

[kmadewell]

Town and country is a breed of its own, Westchase a relatively newer community VERY family friendly, also a little more pricey than Carrollwood (old $), nice homes great areas and family friendly communities.

OLDSMAR was other area that might be a good place for consideration, but it really depends on what some of your biggest desires, goals,and dreams are around the home buying process... price is another factor, but you have a big advantage right now on price, and the ability to negotiate a great deal WITH closing costs too!

I hope this helps you. Any more questions (on area or anything)?
Katrina

[Keeper]

IMO.. I would try to be as close to work as possible. If you live in any of the areas you mentioned the commute is going to be at least 45 min during rush hour. If there is a wreck on the bridge you could be stuck for an hour or more.
A lot of TNC would have to evacuate if there was a cat1 or2 storm, Westchase is a cat 3 or 4. I lived in Tpa for 30 years and only had to leave once when I lived in S. Tpa on the bay.. so you just never know. Check out this map.. it will show the areas of Tampa are evacuation areas
http://www.socom.mil/Hurricane/Maps/hur-map-hills.pdf