Relocating to Tampa area in January (Clearwater, Bloomingdale: short sale, rent, condo)

[bonzo949]

Hello,

I will be working at USF in Tampa starting in January and relocating from Ohio with my wife and 3-year old son. I'm wondering what areas we should look at that would be a 25-35 minute commute and also have a good school system? Our son has been diagnosed with autism and is already in a preschool program here in Ohio, so this is especially important (our price range for a home would probably not exceed $160k).

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[jcal8]

Sorry to say but I don't think you will find a place with good schools in your price range. They may have a program at USF for your son as there is an elementary school on site there. There are some nice areas not to far, but well beyond your range. If there are homes in your price range, they are probably not in a good area. Maybe a condo?

[lavender]

I agree with the jcal18 posting. a home in that price range is not likely to be easy to find, in any good condition. In my neighborhood, and I see no reason why the better homes in good neighborhoods in Tampa will be any different, a decent 3/2 home with a garage is going to run you around $200K now. A really nice 2/2 about the same, and a lovely 3/2 with garage, probably $250K up. Housing is affordable compared to the heady days of the pre crash, but housing is not in the doldrums any longer. It is possible to get a home on a short sale,but if you plan to move in January then that could be tricky. I recommend you rent for about seven months - in a neighborhood you like the look of, and take your time. Don't be rushed into buying when you may end up not liking where you buy. Good luck with your move. Be careful of buying something that has 'history' chinese dry wall, sinkhole history etc. Find a good realtor who knows the areas you are looking at

[tampamynewhome]

Considering your work location, I would want to live within a reasonable commuting distance, Lol, Wesley Chapel, Lutz would all be feasible areas with good school systems and many medical facilities to choose from if that is also a requirement of yours. Price was, yes it is doable if you consider a home of appropriate size or alternatively a condo or townhome.

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[Keeper]

I agree you should rent before you buy. Sorry I would not recommend a condo or townhouse to buy especially if you have children. IMO they are harder to sell usually. You could also check into Carrollwood or Old Carrollwood. My son just bought an older home for $170K on a big lot.

Get to know the schools and the area before committing to buying. The area around USF has some very iffy areas.

[BrittMommy]

I'm also looking to move to the Tampa/Bloomingdale/Clearwater area within the next year. Our son is going to be 4 next month and is high functioning on the spectrum. I's be interested in how you do with locating a decent school district that is willing to provide support in a mainstream setting.