Moving from Michigan to Tampa- Sarasota (Orlando, Brandon: house, neighborhoods, school)

[Tristin1987]

When I last posted on this thread my Wife and I were toying with the idea of going to San Antonio. We've changed gears and decided to go with the Tampa- Sarasota route. We don't have kids so school isn't an issue at the moment, our budget is 200K. I've been to Orlando plenty of times and it seems Tampa is less crowded, which is what I want.

Any thoughts on what neighborhoods would be decent? I've heard Brandon, South Tampa and North Port are decent places. I want a Suburban feel. I've also heard that Tampa and St Pete are gang ridden but what town in what state isn't nowadays. Any insight would be helpful .

[cjrudy]

Originally Posted by Tristin1987

I've also heard that Tampa and St Pete are gang ridden but what town in what state isn't nowadays.

Gang ridden may be a bit of an overstatement, Tampa's is not even in the top 25 most dangerous cities.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by Tristin1987

When I last posted on this thread my Wife and I were toying with the idea of going to San Antonio. We've changed gears and decided to go with the Tampa- Sarasota route. We don't have kids so school isn't an issue at the moment, our budget is 200K. I've been to Orlando plenty of times and it seems Tampa is less crowded, which is what I want.

Any thoughts on what neighborhoods would be decent? I've heard Brandon, South Tampa and North Port are decent places. I want a Suburban feel. I've also heard that Tampa and St Pete are gang ridden but what town in what state isn't nowadays. Any insight would be helpful .

I retired to the area, but San Antonio was second on my list - since I did a lot of time there (Univ Health Sci Center as well as Fort Sam Houston). Really enjoyed that city.

You'll find our area has very similar feel- even climate. I do miss the Hispanic culture and people that San Antonio has. Do look at areas in Bradenton and Sarasota - both have nice areas to live. Would probably stay away from Brandon - although River Hills and Bloomingdale aren't bad neighborhoods to live in - established.

[steve dunedin]

Why don't you try Dunedin while you do your search. We are near all beaches, bike trails, restaurants, and the airports are both near. The city of St Pete and Tampa are 45 minutes away, so give it a whirl we have a great working town. On youtube you can watch our town in action funedin.lipdub. Enjoy but it gets so hot inland, that why we are on the coast it always stays 5+ degrees cooler.

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by Tristin1987

I've also heard that Tampa and St Pete are gang ridden but what town in what state isn't nowadays.

LOL. I'm amazed I leave my house sometimes. It's terrible out here.

Avoid Nebraska Ave south of Bearss and north of 7th and you'll be fine.

[JayGatsby]

For the Tampa Bay area I'd suggest northern Pinellas county (Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar). That area is nice and a lot quieter than Tampa and St. Pete. Brandon is suburban, but a little congested for my taste.

Alternatively, Sarasota county has plenty of good options too. It is pretty quite everywhere down there and a little cleaner imo. Personally I'd take Sarasota over the Tampa Bay area but that is just personal preference.