Moving from PA to Tampa (Palm Harbor, Winter Park: to rent, insurance, chapel)

[dhugPARN]

I will be moving from PA to Tampa to take a job at the VA Hospital and was looking for some advice regarding areas to live and cost of living. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[HWTechGuy]

I moved down from PA last year. This past Wednesday marks one year for me. In terms of where to live - it depends what you are looking for. Are you single/married? Have kids? Want to buy/rent? Any specific needs/wants?

[jsun556]

VA hospitals are terrible places. Pick a private hospital to work at.

We need more information about your situation to provide an adequate living suggestions.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by jsun556

VA hospitals are terrible places. Pick a private hospital to work at.

That's a pretty broad stereotype about VA hospitals since there are over 1700 of them. I've trained at and had a family member cared at by a couple of them and the care that I witnessed was as good as the civilian hospitals that I've worked.

As for the OP, there are a couple of VA Hospitals in our area. Which one are you going to work for? If the VA Haley, there are several areas around USF that you'd probably want to consider. Again, do you have children, other interests or other criteria for housing?

[gulfer]

Congratulations! I can think of nothing more honorable than taking care of our Nations Veterans. Ignore the people that just don't understand that. I get all of my medical care there and have nothing but very good things to say about the place.

You working at James Haley or Bay Pines. You had mentioned Tampa so I assume James Haley. Right up Bruce B Downs you run into New Tampa. It is the 33647 Zip Code and a very nice place to live. A little further North is Wesley Chapel, West of that is Land O Lakes and Lutz. All easy commutes and nice areas. As you get into Wesley Chapel and Land O Lakes, it has a more rural feel. You even get that in part of Lutz, but not all.

[jsun556]

Originally Posted by BucFan

That's a pretty broad stereotype about VA hospitals since there are over 1700 of them. I've trained at and had a family member cared at by a couple of them and the care that I witnessed was as good as the civilian hospitals that I've worked.

Yeah, VA hospitals are great if you like pills pushed on you.

VA = government
Government = in bed with Big Pharm

[dhugPARN]

I am single and plan to rent for a while until I get acclimated to the area. James Haley is also the place I will be working. I am looking forward to a change of scenery and climate and am excited. I have done some research about the Tampa area (never been there though) but am also looking for input from people who live in the area. I have friends that live in Winter Park and Pilot Country Estates. I will be working in the ER, which is different from community hospital ERs, so I know what I am getting into and am ok with that.

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by dhugPARN

I am looking forward to a change of scenery and climate and am excited. I have done some research about the Tampa area (never been there though) but am also looking for input from people who live in the area.

Welcome to the area soon.

We moved her last year, but were already extremely familiar with the area. Here is our take on things (We live in Palm Harbor, which is just northwest of Tampa).

We absolutely love the climate here. This past summer was the best we have ever experienced. A very steady 90 degrees +/- 2 degrees for the most part. No extremes. Awesome almost daily thunderstorms. Very comfortable with the almost constant seabreeze. The best Spring and Fall imaginable. Winters very good, outside of a dozen or so cold days.

Tons to do here. People are out and about all year long, walking, biking, beaching etc. Many great parks to visit. A tremendous restaurant variety to choose from. If you like food, this is the place for that.

Drivers here are crazy. Outside of NY/NJ, I have never seen such insane driving. Traffic much worse toward the cities and far better in most of the 'burbs.

Hosuing market has really taken off over the last couple of years. Investors bought up a lot of homes, helping the market recover. Now that prices have risen, investors are slowing the pace of their buying. However this has now allowed regular buyers and sellers to start doing their thing. Getting closer and closer to a balanced market. Banks still holding many distressed homes, so that should help keep a lid on prices to some degree.

Economy has really picked up here. More and more companies are moving here or expanding here. The RNC really highlighted how many great things are here and people have taken notice. Pay is more, less, or the same as other places, depending on where those other places are and what field. We have greatly benefited from the economy stucture here. We moved from NC and our auto and home insurance are more, but are greatly over compensated for by not paying income tax. Our property taxes are relatively close.

We have lived all over the country, coast to coast, and this is without a doubt the best place we have ever lived. Of course everyone is different and so are their experiences.

I hope you enjoy it here as well.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by jsun556

Yeah, VA hospitals are great if you like pills pushed on you.

VA = government
Government = in bed with Big Pharm

You think the vets would get a better deal from Private hospitals and insurance companies?

To the op move as close to your VA hospital as you can as commuting can be a pain in the butt.

[Spring Hillian]

Are you a veteran? Have you ever experienced medical care at a VA facility?

Originally Posted by jsun556

VA hospitals are terrible places. Pick a private hospital to work at.

We need more information about your situation to provide an adequate living suggestions.