moving to st.pete (Tampa, Largo: rent, crime rates, house)

[sunshine here I come]

Hi everyone,
I am moving to st.pete soon and I was wondering if anyone can give me some info about the neighborhoods there. I have a 7 yr old, so I would want to be in a neighborhood with other kids, but not with a lot of crime. Please help if you have any information

[Edvard]

Anywhere South of Central is a no-no. The Police just watch them murder and sell crack to one another because they have a non-enforcement ploicy as a result of the 1996, 1997, 2000 riots. The SPPD is manned at about 45% of what was considered full manpower (in 1989). Fire Dept, same way. They lose about 6-15 good cops a month and generally replace them with about 1 or less. Mayor and City manager are like something off the "Sopranos"

Good shopping, decent things to do for all ages ...

Anywhere North side will be $400K plus, plus plus (and usually worth it).
Try Gulfport or another non-St Pete suburb if you're dead set on Pinellas. Largo depends a lot on the area. If you can afford it, Northeast SP would be to your liking.

[firemed]

Tampa - St pete area is a booming area. Edvard is right look north there are some nice areas to be found.

[winterer]

Originally Posted by firemed

Tampa - St pete area is a booming area. Edvard is right look north there are some nice areas to be found.

Is Pinellas Point south of 54th and near the freeway all that bad? According to the Pinellas Point community newsletter, crime rates there are lower than St. Pete overall

[Edvard]

Again, it's your money...... research carefully.
St pete just made 323 out of 371 most dangerous cities to live in (higher number ranking is the higher crime). Fox News and CNN reported this but rules prevent linking to these.
Take into consideration that the city rigs it's violent crime stats, "loses" homicide numbers, or classifies homicides as "undetermined" to the tune of dozens a year, so that ranking would actually be much higher if they reported facts the way they are expected to.

I know I'm about to be griped at big time, but I'm responding to questions by future residents regarding public safety. If I were about to dump some Riyals on property in your neck of the woods, I would appreciate and hope for the same, and could handle it without threatening you or name calling.

The upside, like in many other cities, the violent crimes are mostly occuring in a few specific small areas (Midtown), and are often criminals shooting each other. The Uhurus have the law enforcement pretty much hog-tied, but the few cops they still have, as well as Pinellas Sheriff Coates WILL play ball north of Central. Segments of the population whom don't frequent the bad areas often see much lower crime. And I would like to think you're looking at one of THOSE areas, vice Suitcase City.

North is nice. The way the city handles law enforcement is something to research.

Get a good look at that, then decide. Also, If you're just that unsure, rent for a year, get a good look around and go from there.

Those that consider Sarasota expensive would find nearly anything in Pinellas expensive, or more so. Many also will find better employment opportunities or higher pay, a tiny bit more anyway.

Also, investment hint: Zolfo Springs! People who moved East to get away are looking to go further. Zolfo is about to begin the next boom, and the east Coast is heading THIS way.

I wish you luck, and admire that you are willing to do the homework and make educated choices.

[sunshine here I come]

Thank you so much for everyone's help. I know that St.pete has a lot of crime. I am going from living in the #2 safest city to a city who's almost at the bottom of that list. I would appreciate any info that anyone has to offer.

Thanks

[willbo1]

Originally Posted by sunshine here I come

Thank you so much for everyone's help. I know that St.pete has a lot of crime. I am going from living in the #2 safest city to a city who's almost at the bottom of that list. I would appreciate any info that anyone has to offer.

Thanks

I live in an area just north of downtown that is close to but not in the Old NorthEast so we get the benefits of being near but not the costs of being in the ritziest of areas. Safety is monitored here very well and there is very easy access to all that is going on downtown at Vinoy and Straub Parks and the restaurants of Downtown St. Pete. There is also a park/lake that we are steps away from (not uncommon here as there are several in the area) that makes for even nicer living and interaction with other parents/kids.

I will need to relocate (need to be closer to a sick parent) out of the area fairly soon so my house will be on the market. PM me if you want more details.