Need Inexpensive, Safe Apt (Tampa: real estate, crime, neighborhoods)

[Lisaatric]

Hi,

My son (just graduated from college) has just been offered a job in Tampa and needs to move quickly (in a couple of weeks). We need guidance on areas to look for an inexpensive 2 bedroom apt in a decent area. He had an internship in another city (in another state) last summer and lived in a TERRIBLE neighborhood in a cockroach ridden apt. He would rather not repeat that experience. He can probably afford $600-$900/month and will be splitting the cost with another kid - so $1200-$1800/month? Any ideas or guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Tim Tim Tim]

where will he be working? that budget can get a pretty nice place so that shouldnt be an issue, just need to know what part of town hes working in.

[Lisaatric]

Hi,

Thanks. He will be working on West Shore Boulevard. On a map, that is west of the city and south of the airport. We would like to know where the young professionals live and what areas to avoid. I spoke with a very nice, helpful realtor but she said she could not tell me what areas to avoid.

Thank you again. We have a week.

[chi_tino]

It doesn't sound like that realtor was helpful at all.

Just north and northeast of downtown are areas to avoid. But just north of the airport is the Town & Country neighborhood, and has a number of very nice properties that you could find in that price range, many of them waterfront.

[Lisaatric]

Thank you. That was helpful. South of the airport is OK? He has read that the Hyde Park area is good for the kids? : )

[Pragmaticus]

Originally Posted by chi_tino

It doesn't sound like that realtor was helpful at all.

Just north and northeast of downtown are areas to avoid. But just north of the airport is the Town & Country neighborhood, and has a number of very nice properties that you could find in that price range, many of them waterfront.

I don't think realtors can tell "officially" which areas people should avoid. I believe you have a realtor license. What does your license requirement say regarding this?

[Irishiis49]

Originally Posted by Pragmaticus

I don't think realtors can tell "officially" which areas people should avoid. I believe you have a realtor license. What does your license requirement say regarding this?

Of course they can't comment on racial make-up of an area but the OP is talking about safety as in crime rate why couldn't a realtor disclose crime stats of an area

[chi_tino]

Originally Posted by Pragmaticus

I don't think realtors can tell "officially" which areas people should avoid. I believe you have a realtor license. What does your license requirement say regarding this?

What is a realtor license? I have never paid the National Association of Realtors one cent, so I guess I don't have that.

Since I don't know Lisaatric's race, I am not sure how myself or an unhelpful realtor on the phone could have violated the Civil Rights Act of 1968. A licensed real estate salesperson, which I am, can certainly provide a client who is a potential buyer/renter with information regarding crime in different neighborhoods.

Furthermore, since Lisaatric isn't my client, I can also say whatever I want.

[Stewabby]

Originally Posted by Lisaatric

Thank you. That was helpful. South of the airport is OK? He has read that the Hyde Park area is good for the kids? : )

He wants to be in South Tampa. Lots of young professionals. Hyde Park is great.

[Lisaatric]

When I asked the realtor which areas to avoid, I was only thinking about safety. Race did not enter my mind. If anyone else has other comments on good areas for young people, I would appreciate it.