Young professional girl from Ohio 2 Tampa... Live in Tampa? Clearwater? St.Pete?

[C5Aprea]

looks into renting a garage apartment from families in south tampa. Ive lived in two. The one im in now is $500 a month, everything included and it's the size of a 2 car garage. Its very nice. Most of them were build as quest houses for family, but everyone seems to me renting them out

[Mrs. P]

Given the property problems in the US and especially in Florida, aren't the rents starting to come down a bit? With so many homes in foreclosure, one can almost buy a home cheaper than renting so it appears on the posts to this forum. Just curious. I live in the Charlotte metro area, and am planning on moving to the Gulf Coast within 3 years (retiring young but will have to work part time...if I can find something)

[Mrs. P]

Originally Posted by Bungalow

There are a lot of young people in St Pete these days. Especially in the downtown area and the Old Northeast and Crescent Lake. Check us out!

why do I keep reading "stay out of South St Pete?" is it crime infested or something? St Petersburg is the highest on my list when I move.
I am not looking for young style type communities or nightlife. I'm looking for quiet and peaceful, and winding down.

[KINGZ]

as clearwater go, I rent out my 600sq ft houses for more then that, and I still loose money on them.

[clevelandguy]

We just moved to Safety Harbor from Cleveland, OH in March. If I were your age I would definitely choose St. Petersburg over Tampa any day.

Pros: Closer to beaches, Many trendy shops and restaurants, better parks, Rays games, some areas are very walkable.

Cons: You will have to take a bridge across the bay to get to work.

$600 might be a little on the low side for rent. You might want to find a room mate.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, just ask.

[summergal]

Originally Posted by Mrs. P

why do I keep reading "stay out of South St Pete?" is it crime infested or something?

Umm... YES! LOL

[azazza]

question: everyone keeps talking about st pete and its crime. So, is the park where the homeless congregate considered "dangerous" or whatnot? This will help me realize what you guys gauge as dangerous bc I live in Spanish Harlem now in nyc and I still walk home at 4am after a night out and I'm fine. I mean, Im aware of my surroundings and stay on the streets (common sense) or I take a cab, but come on! How is there crime in a little city like St Pete and yet nyc is safe? I dont understand what DANGEROUS means? like robbery or just "scary looking" ppl walking around, or muggings, car theft. etc...

Thx

[Tampa87]

International Plaza is a really nice area. If your looking for a fun area to live in try Soho. Its not far from international (probably about a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic). There are lots of bars and it is a great area for young professionals. The only problem would be finding a safe apartment 600/month. There are a few places in SOHO that are fairly cheap(I believe). The area is pretty safe, but again it is a bar area and there are a lot of people around on weekends and nights. Maybe check into a roomate. Davis island is another fun area. There are small apartments there that are reasonably priced- that would also be a fairly short commute to international plaza. It is a fun little area- cute shop, resturaunts, small town feel, close to bayshore blvd and downtown. Good luck! Tampa is a great place to live

[fromoe]

$600 won't get you anywhere in south tampa. double it and you can find a decent, but nothing special, place

[hhighnote]

I was born and raised in St Pete and now live in Clearwater. I love it in Clearwater because it's close to beaches and also to Tampa. It just depends on what is important to you. I would agree St Pete/Clearwater is more laid back. Shorts and flip flops work for almost anything you're doing there. Tampa is more urban. South Tampa has a lot of young professionals. Westshore area, SoHo, Hyde Park, Channelside, Davis Island, Harbour Island. However, you aren't really going to find much in the $600 range. I rent a 2/2 condo in Clrwtr that is in a gated golf community and moderately updated for $825 which includes water and basic cable but I also lucked out too. Hope this helps!!!