Single Family (300k-500k) with 30min commute to Downtown

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by BigblueHI

Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful.

Sounds like Seminole Heights has the flavour but may not be quite gentrified enough for us (I could probably handle it, but my fiancé.. Not so much). Don't want her to feel trapped at home. oh well, I probably sound like a hipster now.

I definitely think South Tampa is probably the best choice for us, especially if we can find the right property (since a smaller, more expensive home works for us). Is the Palma Ceia area pretty good? I have the impression that South Tampa overall is pretty good, but that the more central/eastern ish areas are best. How different are the areas of South Tampa?

Thoughts on Carrollwood? Saw a lot of homes in the area that appealed but figure there must be some downside.

As for St Pete, it initially appealed but it looked like crime was bad and I'm worried about backups on the bridge. Unfounded?

Appreciate all the input!

Palma Ceia is excellent, great community, lots of young families and great schools. In general if you look inside of Plant's High school boundaries you are in a good neighborhood, the nicest parts of South Tampa to me is probably Historic Hyde Park, then the neighborhoods immediately south of them New suburb beautiful, Palma Ceia, Bayshore Beautiful, Golfview. On the West side Beach Park is really nice, its all a matter of preference and budget but overall is all nice, some parts you will have to deal with some flooding during the rainy season but you will figure out what roads to avoid.
I also think NE St pete will work you will have to a toll to get to downtown but most of the times it would be under 30 min.

[BigblueHI]

Thanks everyone! I think if the new job works out we will go with South Tampa as it seems best fit for us.

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by BigblueHI

Thanks everyone! I think if the new job works out we will go with South Tampa as it seems best fit for us.

Just be aware of the flooding there. It is always in the news as one of the easiest places to flood. I am sure there must be better or worse areas in ST for flooding, but just look into it.

[bentlebee]

Maybe good advise to drive around shortly after a lot of rain has come down to see if the area has flooding or not.

Stay safe and don't drive through deep water but it is a good time to search for a home and get to know things you often won't know unless times like this come around.

Many recent home buyers or in the process of buying got to find out if roofs were leaking which is a benefit of all this rain, so there is a positive side for real estate when it rains more than average BUT I feel horrible for the people who have to deal with flooded streets and properties.

[KPB]

S.Tampa streets sometimes flood during a heavy storm but I can't remember last time any houses flood.
The streets usually drain within an hour or two.

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by bentlebee

Maybe good advise to drive around shortly after a lot of rain has come down to see if the area has flooding or not.

Stay safe and don't drive through deep water but it is a good time to search for a home and get to know things you often won't know unless times like this come around.

Many recent home buyers or in the process of buying got to find out if roofs were leaking which is a benefit of all this rain, so there is a positive side for real estate when it rains more than average BUT I feel horrible for the people who have to deal with flooded streets and properties.

^ This. We have eliminated a few areas in a search of a house for my parents this exact way. Not that the house flooded, but if the roads and yards were flooded and others were not....well, then we are staying away from the areas which do not drain well.

Also, make sure the home you pick is elevated some from the road, in case it is just a road drainage issue.

[zmanfarlee]

I've lived in S. Tampa near T. Joe's for a year. Best decision. We paid $400k for a partially worked on home but from 1950.

If you have questions let me know, we looked for a year so i know a lot.

No I will not sell you anything, lol. It's just tough getting a place down here but it's worth it.