Seminole Heights, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood...opinions? (Tampa, Lutz: apartment complex, HOA, high crime)

[P+N]

Hi folks. You've all been so helpful so far and very positive, we appreciate that. From our research a few states away (TN) we seem to like what we see online about Seminole Heights, Temple Terrace, and Carrollwood. Are these neighborhoods safe and family friendly? Are the schools there good? any additional information on things to look for in those areas (good and bad) would be much appreciated. Thanks again.

[Keeper]

Seminole Heights can be iffy. Stay west of Florida Ave. I think there is more crime in Seminole Heights than in Carrollwood. There are some good areas of Seminole Heights, you just have to check out the area. One block may be fine, next block, same street can be junky. I like the area and it is convenient to downtown.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Seminole Heights can be iffy. Stay west of Florida Ave. I think there is more crime in Seminole Heights than in Carrollwood. There are some good areas of Seminole Heights, you just have to check out the area. One block may be fine, next block, same street can be junky. I like the area and it is convenient to downtown.

I agree with this. Seminole Heights LOOKS charming on the surface, but there is high crime there - believe me, I know because I used to own property there (SE Sem. Hgts) and had several break-ins and other issues. The only safer part is west of Fla. Ave., and that area will be far above your price range. Better to go with Carrollwood or Temple Terrace. Even in Temple Terrace there are certain boundaries, but someone else will have to tell you what those are. I still think Carrollwood is your best bet, but that is JMO.

[P+N]

Thanks for the great info! This definitely helps!

[kb1984]

I echo what has already been said about Seminole Heights. My friend stays near Nebraska and MLK so I'm over in the area a lot. My car almost got broken into right my his carport! With that said, there are certain parts of the area that are very charming especially near the high school, but it's the crime that keeps me from even considering moving in that area (and the cost of living in the more desirable areas).

I stay in Carollwood currently. I like it enough even though there was a shooting that occured near my apartment complex.

[Keeper]

I don't know how many houses you are going to find for 200K in Carrollwood or even Seminole Heights. My daughter's house sold in SH for almost 200K and it was a 2/1. They did do some renovations though

[P+N]

Thanks for the info! Actually, we could go up to 300,000 is we found the right house in the right area. There are a ton of areas to sort through in the Tampa area it seems like. It's a bit overwhelming from long distance. We'll definitely visit a few times before a move, but we would like to have a few areas in mind before we do so. Also, we're definitely not limiting ourselves to the parameters I mentioned in our first post...we're really after safety and good schools more than anything. It boils down to us knowing we'll miss our current neighborhood in Nashville, and hoping we can find something similar there. But, we're certainly excited about new opportunities!

[Floridaherbgirl]

There are so many better areas...wouldn't pick any of those especially with a good budget.

[P+N]

Thanks for the input. What areas would you look at floridaherbgirl?

[Keeper]

Those areas are midway between your work. You could also look at New Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Land O Lakes Wesley Chapel but the drive to I 75-I 4 depending on the time of day is going to be at least an hour during rush hour. Many new(er) subdivisions and the schools are good. If you don't mind a yard with no trees and your neighbor very close then they might work for you. I will suggest you check here about a nabe.. for builder opinions on newer houses.. Also remember many new nabes have HOA and that can add $$ to your monthly payment.

Maybe someone else can tell you of other areas.