Seriously considering move to Tampa... (St. Petersburg, Clearwater: best neighborhoods, 2013, apartment)

[shamieya]

...or St. Petersburg. What are the best neighborhoods? Just browsing on home and apartment sites, many of the properties don't appear to be in great areas. I' m thinking historic neigborhoods, for example, where home ownership is high and there is well maintained land-scaping, shops, etc. I'd prefer not to be in an area where there are lots of college students. I'm thinking downtown St. Petersburg is more in the budget, maybe even Clearwater. Any suggestions on nice areas in Tampa besides downtown Tampa?

[SarasotaBound1]

Originally Posted by shamieya

...or St. Petersburg. What are the best neighborhoods? Just browsing on home and apartment sites, many of the properties don't appear to be in great areas. I' m thinking historic neigborhoods, for example, where home ownership is high and there is well maintained land-scaping, shops, etc. I'd prefer not to be in an area where there are lots of college students. I'm thinking downtown St. Petersburg is more in the budget, maybe even Clearwater. Any suggestions on nice areas in Tampa besides downtown Tampa?

There is a sticky link on the tampa forum that provides guidance on what type of info you should provide to get a better response. Basically depends on your situation, single, family, schools, work, commute, city vs rural, etc..

Moving to Tampa Bay? Questions about Schools? Please read

[shamieya]

Originally Posted by SarasotaBound1

There is a sticky link on the tampa forum that provides guidance on what type of info you should provide to get a better response. Basically depends on your situation, single, family, schools, work, commute, city vs rural, etc..

Moving to Tampa Bay? Questions about Schools? Please read

ok, thanks.

I don't have a job lined up yet. I'm planning this move for later in the year. We plan to rent for a couple years- me and my husband- since I don't think I'll be able to sell my current home. No kids, don't care about schools. I can't imagine commuting more than 20 minutes because I just hate the way people drive although I imagine such a large city has various forms of public transportation. we've visited many times but just thought about actually moving. Of most importance is safety, living in a well-maintained neighborhood. We were looking for a "downtown" feel as we're both from smaller Florida cities.

[SarasotaBound1]

Originally Posted by shamieya

ok, thanks.

I don't have a job lined up yet. I'm planning this move for later in the year. We plan to rent for a couple years- me and my husband- since I don't think I'll be able to sell my current home. No kids, don't care about schools. I can't imagine commuting more than 20 minutes because I just hate the way people drive although I imagine such a large city has various forms of public transportation. we've visited many times but just thought about actually moving. Of most importance is safety, living in a well-maintained neighborhood. We were looking for a "downtown" feel as we're both from smaller Florida cities.

I'm probably the worst to give any advice as i dont live there now, planning on relocating in 2013, but just like in any other city a job lined up is a must. Good luck in your move.

[algia10]

I can't imagine commuting more than 20 minutes because I just hate the way people drive although I imagine such a large city has various forms of public transportation.

No such thing here. There are some bus routes around downtown, but they are not frequent and are useless to those who don't live there. I am not sure what you're imagining when you say: "downtown feel"? Tampa is a sprawl. Downtown is 90% business, and 10% condo buildings, and is deserted after 5pm. St Pete is the same except it is livelier. Clearwater is condo's, tourists, and no downtown to speak off. If you live in FL, visit.

South Tampa has "well manicured" areas but it is much more expensive. St Pete has neighborhoods the same way...the better maintained the more expensive.

Your commute will depend on where you'll work, because if there is nothing nice around where you'll be working, then your commute will increase for sure.