Young professional girl from Ohio 2 Tampa... Live in Tampa? Clearwater? St.Pete? (Temple Terrace: transplants, apartments)

[Ohio 2 Tampa!]

Hi all! I am in the process of starting my search to look for places to live. I have been constantly looking at a map of the Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater area.
I will be working around International Plaza area.
I am looking for a safe, cheap ( $600 would probably be the highest I go), fun, and an active lifestyle. I am in my upper 20's and enjoy doing many different things! I enjoy getting out, meeting new people, beach and boating, I do enjoy the bar scene from time to time, but It's not my life.
Since I will be reloacting for a job, I don't really know anyone in the Tampa area?

Just looking for great advice that anyone could give a girl from OHIO! lol...

Thanks everyone!

[MarketingGuy]

Go Blue! Sorry, had to.

You'll enjoy Florida by your description. THOUSANDS of Ohio transplants here.

$600 a month won't find you much in the International Plaza area. Have you spent any time on apartmentfinder.com or rent.com? $600 will land you closer to USF campus/Temple Terrace. At least from my experience..

Unless you'd want to find a roommate..

[jessiesma]

will be nasty. We lived in a pretty ramshackle place in that area and it cost 750. The places that run 600 tops in the USF TT area won't be safe for a girl alone. I think you need to get a roomie if that's the best you can do and without a job it will be tough. If you put 500 in with one other person, you'll greatly increase you quality of life and can live anyplace pretty much. You could find a 2 br in Hyde park which is just a little south and east (just so. of Univ Tampa) from Int'l Plaza. it might be a bit older place but HP is the place to be for young profs. in Tampa. I think you'll like it.
You could live in Downtown st. Pete too if you don't mind about a 30 minute commute. It has a similar vibe and USF has a campus there so there is a young crowd. Lots of young porfessionals too.

Originally Posted by SSpiro

Go Blue! Sorry, had to.

You'll enjoy Florida by your description. THOUSANDS of Ohio transplants here.

$600 a month won't find you much in the International Plaza area. Have you spent any time on apartmentfinder.com or rent.com? $600 will land you closer to USF campus/Temple Terrace. At least from my experience..

Unless you'd want to find a roommate..

[MarketingGuy]

Agreed. $600 is a challenge, even possibly in the ghettos..

[mikewu9900]

ive seen some decent apts. in that range, maybe not in the best areas, but gated and secured areas. plus tampa isn't as bad as people make it out to be. usf area is ok, some parts of temple terrace are too. check out the zip codes 33617, 33612, for info. these will most likely be the ones with the cheaper rents. i live in the area and im new to florida, much more laid back then im use to, i think you may like it. you also mentioned st. pete and clearwater,,, id stay out of st. petes, and clearwater tends to be pricey and more older folks

[newmover99]

Originally Posted by Ohio 2 Tampa!

Hi all! I am in the process of starting my search to look for places to live. I have been constantly looking at a map of the Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater area.
I will be working around International Plaza area.
I am looking for a safe, cheap ( $600 would probably be the highest I go), fun, and an active lifestyle. I am in my upper 20's and enjoy doing many different things! I enjoy getting out, meeting new people, beach and boating, I do enjoy the bar scene from time to time, but It's not my life.
Since I will be reloacting for a job, I don't really know anyone in the Tampa area?

Just looking for great advice that anyone could give a girl from OHIO! lol...

Thanks everyone!

Doctor, Attorney?

[Paprika56]

I'm in just about the same position, and am willing to spend more money if it it gets me more in terms of great location, around younger people, lots to do, places to eat and play, safe, etc.

I've heard a lot about South Tampa but have struggled to get specifics as far as what exactly is South Tampa--what neighborhoods does that include?

[Nutmeg29]

I'm in the same position... upper 20's I hear Harbour Island is a great location for young professionals. I'm looking into The Place, Park Crest, and 345 Bayshore. I want to live in a nice upscale (up to $1500-2 bedrooms preferably) safe and friendly ambiance. Pretty much I want to walk out and have a Starbucks nearby. Any opinions? Could use lots of advice.

[summergal]

Did you try a search on apartmentguide.com? I see quite a few for <700 within 20 miles of Clearwater (I would pick Pinellas over Hillsborough anyday!). I chose 700 as the high range to bring up any just over your limit ie. $605 or $610. St. Pete north of central should be fine and Clearwater is not pricely or all old folks LOL. you might also check craigslist and the local newspapers for condos and homes for rent as well. Many people are renting their places since the RE market is slow and they have already moved to others areas.

Clearwater Apartments for Rent - Find Clearwater, FL Apartment Rentals"

I think Pinellas would be great for you. Very easy access to ALL kinds of beaches, waterfront parks, boating and beach bars ie. Gators on the Pass. If you like being around the water, this is the place to be!

[Rich0630]

If you move to Tampa, carry some mace.