Possible job transfer this summer (Tampa, Clearwater: condos, crime, homes)

[pioneer3156]

Good Afternoon,

My DH will need airport access as he will be doing some travel as part of his job.
He also will work at home some days.
We do not need schools.
We will be looking to buy a single family home as most condos will not allow large dogs and I'm not a fan of living in a complex, I prefer neighborhoods.
Top budget 450K
There will more than likely be one more job transfer after this one.
We hope to retire in 7/8 years and would keep this home.

I looked into the Sarasota area but I feel Gulfport would be a better fit. I am looking for true commute times from locals from Gulfport to Tampa Airport and which areas would be best to buy in. I can view the crime maps but would prefer a "feet on the ground" report. I know realtors are not legally allowed to say which areas are more at risk. Perhaps someone can say from "this street to that street or a grid". We would like to close/walking distance to the waterfront.

I don't need anyone telling me it is as "Hot as Hades"in the summer. We also have property in PA where we raised our family, presently in SoCal for work and no desire to stay here on the West Coast. I like to become involved in the community and it looks like Gulfport has a lot to offer and I hope to repay in kind.

Thanks,
Pioneer

[LKJ1988]

Danashores is less than a mile from the airport and you may still find a older home on the water for $450k. Most seem to be torn down and being replaced with lot filling monsters for 600k and up. Also there are sub 300k home not on the water also in Danashores. No place is better to live as i spent 41+ years there from 1963 till 2004.

[pioneer3156]

Thanks for the response but that is on the Tampa-side but I want to keep it under 450K if possible.

[FloridaSunShell]

Hi Pioneer, I live further north, near Clearwater, but I'm familiar with the area. First, you'll have no trouble finding a home in your budget - Gulfport/Pasadena area has nice homes in that range. As for the airport commute time, the slowest part of the drive will be navigating through the neighborhood streets - it can take awhile to get over to 19 and 275 from the water. Time of day also plays in. On a good day 30 minutes; on a bad day could be 45 to an hour. I moved here from CA, so compared to the 405 commute to LAX, it's a dream commute.