We're a gay couple relocating in Tampa (Clearwater, Brandon: real estate market, to rent)

[Recarlos]

My partner and I are considering Brandon-Riverview since the housing is more affordable but we are not sure about the general attitude towards gay people in that area! We are not looking to hold hands or make out in public but we mostly get the advice to look in South Tampa but it's way more expensive.
Please let us know your experience
Thanks

[Keeper]

You should be fine in either place, however since you didn't mention work I have to ask where your employment is located. St. Pete would be another area to look into if you want to be in an older established neighborhood.

[Recarlos]

My work office is located in Brandon, therefore we're looking to buy a house in Brandon, Valrico, Seffner, Dover or Riverview, the real estate market in those areas is substantially more affordable than South Tampa. And we were a little concern about the friendliness to gay couples. As I said we are proffesionals in our early 50s, we have had no problem with our neighbours and we actively participate in our communities social live.
Another aspect is security, it's my understanding also that those areas are fairly safe.
Thank you very much for your feedback

[sinatras]

I dunno much about Brandon, but it seems less cosmopolitan (read: gay friendly) than where we live. (READ LAST GRAF ABOUT COMMUTES)

My partner and I live in Culbreath Bayou in South Tampa and we love it. Yes, it's pricey. But the levels of worldly people with college degrees are very high (educated + well-traveled = more likely to not care if you are gay), it's very private, very quiet and crime is low. People I am sure know that we are a couple (2 women living by themselves with a dog) and there are no other gay couples living on our street or in our neighborhood that we know of. But that is OK with us. We don't ask about other people's private lives, and we expect others to refrain from asking about ours.

We keep to ourselves, maintain an impeccable property and people love us because we are quiet, and keep our yard/house looking great.

While St. Pete is definitely the gay-friendly area, we were not interested in living "the gay life." We are interested in living a quiet life in the nicest neighborhood we could afford where everyone keeps to themselves.

You have to do your research and check places out and eventually, you will find your place.

By the way, South Tampa is the most centrally located area to live in. It's geographically located in the "center" of the Tampa Bay region, so it's convenient to most places at most times of the day. Also, if you work in North Tampa, Pasco, St. Pete, Clearwater or Brandon/Valrico, if you live in South Tampa you will mostly have a REVERSE commute. People many times overlook how important this is.

Of course, if you live in Brandon, you will have no commute.

[Recarlos]

Thanks very much Sinatras, we also have a dog and pretty much have and want to keep the kind of life you're describing, so definetely we'll take a look at South Tampa, specifically to the new developments around the airforce base I guess is The Landings, but my job will be in Brandon and there or Valrico you can get 30 to 40% more for the same price house.
So thank you very much for your feedback.

[Sunscape]

I have some gay friends living in Gulfport and Clearwater.
So that's two other areas for you to consider.

[Eastern Roamer]

Brandon/Riverview BLOWS...

Gay or straight, I would not suggest you live there. Then again, some people seem to like it...

Rent out there for a little while first, at the very least. Then check out Tampa and St. Pete and, if you haven't blown your brains out, you'll see what I mean.

At any rate, I think you'll find the TB area relatively tolerant of your orientation.

[Recarlos]

Thank you ER for your feedback, I will keep in mind your recomendation

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Recarlos

My work office is located in Brandon, therefore we're looking to buy a house in Brandon, Valrico, Seffner, Dover or Riverview, the real estate market in those areas is substantially more affordable than South Tampa. And we were a little concern about the friendliness to gay couples. As I said we are proffesionals in our early 50s, we have had no problem with our neighbours and we actively participate in our communities social live.
Another aspect is security, it's my understanding also that those areas are fairly safe.
Thank you very much for your feedback

If you really want to live in Brandon since you work there, and can "get more house for your money" I wouldn't think you would necessarily have any "issues" with the fact that you are gay. But are you familiar with those communities? It's a lot of congestion in Brandon and strip malls/plazas chain eateries. If you don't mind that then it's probably a good option. But I have to agree with sinatras post above - south Tampa is just SO much more interesting/beautiful with great neighborhoods, and everything that goes with it. It would seem like you would enjoy it there much more. Do yourselves a favor and at least check it out, or even try to rent there perhaps and see if it's for you. The commute will not be bad at all, maybe no worse than even living in Brandon itself.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope this helps.

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by Eastern Roamer

Brandon/Riverview BLOWS...

Gay or straight, I would not suggest you live there. Then again, some people seem to like it...

Rent out there for a little while first, at the very least. Then check out Tampa and St. Pete and, if you haven't blown your brains out, you'll see what I mean.

At any rate, I think you'll find the TB area relatively tolerant of your orientation.

My eyes hurt from eyerolling so much. Nothing about the brandon/riverview "blows".

Infact this place is quite lovely and I'm glad I live here. Hopefully you dont anymore!