moving to FL from SD (Tampa, St. Petersburg: rent, neighborhood, school)

[cellzone]

my wife and i are moving from SD to FL. (many reasons for moving and i know about the weather changes and i read through most of the florida threads about pros and cons)
First and most let me say I have never been in florida before, but deep down i feel close to its beauty.

there are 3 choices
Tampa
Palm beach
Orlando

I put Tampa first since i rather live in Tampa
Palm beach I heard about Boca Raton
Orlando i heard about windermere but that is the last choice
I was wondering if you guys can help us chose a place.
we have no kid so school or community doesn't matter. both are mid 30's, not much of a night lifer but somewhere in between. like a quiet area to live. don't like to be in a middle of noises.
we'll be renting and would like to know what is the proper rent budget for 1bdr. we are watching our budget and like to pay minimum in a good area that is safe and quiet.
what areas you guy suggest and any pointers would help
Thanks

[kmarc]

It depends on how hard you want to look. I think you can find a decent 1BR for $700 if you look hard enough. I recommend the Carrollwood area for safety and quiet. Also some parts of Brandon/Riverview. If you like funky, Seminole Heights, but it can be spotty in terms of safety.

Some folks are going to jump in and make fun of me for that $700.00 figure. It can be done, I've done it, but it takes a certain amount of researching to strike that balance between budget and safety.

[Lior Arel]

Check out St. Petersburg. Old North East is amazing and you can find 1 bedrooms around the $700 mark that are pretty good. I live in one, and it's all brand new. I can walk to the most lively downtown and waterfront area of Tampa Bay, gorgeous waterfront parks are steps away, and the neighborhood is gorgeous. Very walkable and laid back here. Lots to do, and the beaches are real close.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by cellzone

First and most let me say I have never been in florida before, but deep down i feel close to its beauty.

Nothing like living spontaneously or making spur of the moment decisions but in a move this major wouldnt a 2 week exploratory trip be in your best interest as even though most love their move to Fla many hate the place for whatever reason.
I concur with the St Pete area,old style Fla with all the beaches.

[the awesomee]

Originally Posted by jambo101

Nothing like living spontaneously or making spur of the moment decisions but in a move this major wouldnt a 2 week exploratory trip be in your best interest as even though most love their move to Fla many hate the place for whatever reason.
I concur with the St Pete area,old style Fla with all the beaches.

^this, we might see one of those "I hate this place threads" in about 8 months if not

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by the awesomee

^this, we might see one of those "I hate this place threads" in about 8 months if not

You wont get any hate threads coming from me..Florida is paradise,every one should move there.they have beaches and hot weather,what more could any one want....

[user8]

I strongly, strongly urge you to visit FL before committing to the move. The only thing in common with San Diego is water and palm trees.

[gypsychic]

Out of all the choices, Tampa Bay area is by far the best. I will second or third living in old NE in downtown St. Pete. It's a beautiful area with a lot to offer. You really need to come and explore the area before making such a big move. Reading the internet and getting opinions is NOT the same as seeing and experiencing with your own eyes.

[cfbs2691]

Definitely come visit for at least a few weeks.
That being said, the Tampa area will your best fit.
The other areas you're considering will be very fast paced.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by user8

I strongly, strongly urge you to visit FL before committing to the move. The only thing in common with San Diego is water and palm trees.

I am betting that "SD" refers to South Dakota, not San Diego.

Just a guess on my part, but...

RM