University of Tampa? (Brandon, Lutz, Riverview: best neighborhoods, neighborhoods, schools)

[holmesbulldog]

Anyone ever work there? go to school there?

My wife has an interview there in the next couple weeks, and if she gets the job we will be moving to Tampa.
What are some of the better areas to live in in close proximity to the university? say 25 or 30 minute drive, thanks!

[roadtrip75]

Actually, near the U of T are the best neighborhoods in the Bay area: Hyde Park, Davis Islands, Palma Ceia, etc.

[phonelady61]

hyde park would get my vote as well and then palma ceia .lived in hyde park for years .

[Noodlenoggin]

Yes, Hyde Park and Palma Ceia are very nice -- if you can afford them, as they're higher-end neighborhoods. If that's a bit out of reach, and you don't have school-age kids, you can find some places within a half-hour drive in the Brandon & Riverview area along US-301. If you need decent schools for your kids, you'll have to range farther out.

I work across the street from UT, and we have kids, so I have a 45min-to-1hr drive -- to go about 20 miles.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by holmesbulldog

Anyone ever work there? go to school there?

My wife has an interview there in the next couple weeks, and if she gets the job we will be moving to Tampa.
What are some of the better areas to live in in close proximity to the university? say 25 or 30 minute drive, thanks!

Brandon is an easy commute. I'd try to find something near Ballast Point, Hyde Park area - but those areas as steep (high price). Not sure what the school system is like if you have children. I really like U of Tampa's campus with the turrets and along the Hillsborough River. Usually get a good view from the Straz. I understand it is a good university to attend. I'd prefer it over USF just because of the student body size (much smaller).

[holmesbulldog]

Originally Posted by roadtrip75

OP conspicuously omitted any info about budget, so we have to assume cost is no object.

you are correct, i did! sorry, we are looking in the 200 to 300,000 range. our kids are grown, so for now it is just her and I.

[Mom2M&J]

I work at U of T and live in Lutz. The commute sometimes takes 25 min., sometimes it takes an hour. For most days, if there are no accidents on 41 or 275, I make it in in 30 min.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by holmesbulldog

you are correct, i did! sorry, we are looking in the 200 to 300,000 range. our kids are grown, so for now it is just her and I.

Unless you want to live in a hovel, South Tampa is out of your price range.

The Brandon area is an easy commute with the Crosstown. I work in downtown Tampa just a few blocks from UT and live in the very southern part of Valrico, and my daily commute is under 30 minutes. If you go north to Lutz or New Tampa you're going to have a longer commute that is a direct result of traffic conditions, as a previous poster mentioned.

If you go south to Riverview you'll have a longer commute (30-45 minutes) but it's not bad since you're using the Crosstown for part of it. You'll also get a lot more value for your housing dollar, too.

RM

[holmesbulldog]

Originally Posted by Mom2M&J

I work at U of T and live in Lutz. The commute sometimes takes 25 min., sometimes it takes an hour. For most days, if there are no accidents on 41 or 275, I make it in in 30 min.

thanks for the reply! how do you like working there?

[Mom2M&J]

Originally Posted by holmesbulldog

thanks for the reply! how do you like working there?

Love it for the most part: Nice campus, great benefits, fun stuff (like Fridays off in the summer). I have a lovely view of the river from my desk. The only bad thing is the salary is a bit low, but the benefits make it worth it. Some of it is fun stuff, like gift cards for the cafeteria and lunch bags, and the health benefits are good

This is a view from my desk: