Might move to tampa area but need info please.... (Brandon: sales, home owners insurance)

[patsgmc]

Hi I am a wife and mother of 2. We are thinking of moving to the area but I don't know anything about living in FL. We currently live in a small town (12,000 people) in CT. I am looking for a small town with good schools about 30min from the Hard Rock Tampa. Also I am looking to find out what the average utility bills are for a 3 or 4 bedroom home about 1800-2000sq. If anyone can help that would be great. Also anything else that might be useful.

[Rich0630]

Also, I am considering a move a Tampa; however, I am not real impressed with my research. Very high property tax, high homeowners insurance premiums, and crime is out the roof. I am probably going to decline on my offer at one of the healthcare facilities. Good luck with your move.

[rtjr]

Crime is out the roof? That's news to me- I've lived in Tampa all of my life and now have a family and have never had any issues with crime. Property taxes are based on the sales price of your home initially so the more expensive home you buy, the higher the taxes. This is all balanced out by the fact that there is no state income tax. And as far as homeowners insurance, it all depends on the age of your house and where you live. I own a 2,000sf house in S Tampa and pay $1,600/yr.

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by rtjr

Crime is out the roof? That's news to me- I've lived in Tampa all of my life and now have a family and have never had any issues with crime. Property taxes are based on the sales price of your home initially so the more expensive home you buy, the higher the taxes. This is all balanced out by the fact that there is no state income tax. And as far as homeowners insurance, it all depends on the age of your house and where you live. I own a 2,000sf house in S Tampa and pay $1,600/yr.

Took the words right out of my mouth....ditto, although I have a home in SOuth Tampa built in the 40's, and the best I could find for Homeowners was $1900/yr, at least its not Citizens....and sure if you buy a big fancy expensive house, you should plan on paying more property tax...

[tracyintpa]

I have lived in South Tampa for 30 years and have never felt that it was a high crime area. We live in an older home c. 1958. Our taxes are around $2300 (keep in mind, we have no pool, no garage, no extra amenities or land, its a modest 1900 sq foot home), our homeowners runs around $3500, and we have to carry flood insurance at $1500. I don't know if thats high compared to other areas of the country or not. I"m guessing it is a little high, but I would not live anywhere else in Tampa. South Tampa is the best location, you can hit the Gulf beaches in about 30 minutes, Busch Gardens in 20 minutes, all the major malls are w/i a 20 minute drive or less, 10 minutes to the interstate, 5 minutes to 2 major toll roads, 10 to 20 minutes to all the major concert venues and the Hard Rock, 60 minutes to Disney World. IMO S. Tampa is safe and worth every penny it costs to live here, we have character, lots of independantly owned businesses and restaurants and history. I have never, ever felt unsafe in my 30 years here in Tampa, including while driving through some of the "less desirable" looking areas.

My nephew attended public schools his whole life in South Tampa, including Robinson High School. He will be a sophmore at Univ of Florida in the pre-law program. He didn't seem to suffer from any lack in education, he applied himself and got accepted to a tough University. So, my point is, I think the schools are as good as any in Florida or anywhere else. (sometimes Robinson gets a bad rap).

[CBowes]

I just got back from Tampa and my fiance and I are looking to move. I suggest making a trip out and doing some exploring before you make your final decision. Our first couple of days were discouraging as all the places we looked at were bad areas.

This doesnt change my decision as I live in Colorado in an outside city from Denver and bad areas are everywhere. for us cost of living would be about the same as Denver and jobs we would be making more.

After looking at areas to live and doing research we found that south tampa and town n country are decent areas to live. if you dont mind the travel time. Westley lake is nice but you pay a little more. Good luck with your move!

[bluejean53]

Originally Posted by rtjr

Crime is out the roof? That's news to me- I've lived in Tampa all of my life and now have a family and have never had any issues with crime. Property taxes are based on the sales price of your home initially so the more expensive home you buy, the higher the taxes. This is all balanced out by the fact that there is no state income tax. And as far as homeowners insurance, it all depends on the age of your house and where you live. I own a 2,000sf house in S Tampa and pay $1,600/yr.

Ditto rtjr. its all about your perspective. I've lived in eastern Hillsborough in Dover for 34 years. I don't think its any worse here than any other place. I've been burglarized 2 times in 34 years. Not too bad i guess. Same neighbors for over 20 years, and we all get along. i like it here pretty good.
Like you say, the higher property taxes and the home owners insurance are balanced out by no state income tax. It wouldn'r hurt my feelings if a few more northerners decided to bypass Florida . I am getting tired of the overcrowding though.

[mquintana]

Try Riverview, it's not too far from Hard Rock and is a good area for families. The schools are also good and is close to Brandon with lots of sports and activities for kids.

[Ken E]

Originally Posted by patsgmc

Hi I am a wife and mother of 2. We are thinking of moving to the area but I don't know anything about living in FL. We currently live in a small town (12,000 people) in CT. I am looking for a small town with good schools about 30min from the Hard Rock Tampa. Also I am looking to find out what the average utility bills are for a 3 or 4 bedroom home about 1800-2000sq. If anyone can help that would be great. Also anything else that might be useful.

Not sure where you live in CT, but dont expect the natural beauty and quality of life that you find up there down here. You'll be greatly dissapointed. Make some extended visits to different areas before you take the plunge.

[Nav]

To get what you are looking for, you may want to try the Plant city Area. You are a 15 minute commute to the Hard Rock and it has a small town feel. If you want to avoid the ridiculously high Hillsborough County Property taxes, you can always get a place 4 miles east of Plant City in Polk County. Then you can get the best of Both worlds.

South Tampa is nice, but its a bit overpriced. An area that is growing is the South Tampa area south of Gandy, called Port Tampa. Its an older area, but its showing signs of renovations. I'd be leary of the Town and Country Area. Property is inexpensive there and has always been so. You can, however, find some great deals there such as salt water canal front in Dana shores for the mid 200's. I wouldn't call it dangerous, but it is predominantly hispanic and there is alot of machismo type people hanging around. (Lots of pimped out Honda Civics blasting loud tunes, kind of like East LA)
This is why the property values never seem to increase. All in all, you can find some good deals there. Its really up to you to decide what your comfort level is. On the plus side, T&C has improved a lot in the last 10 years. Lots of major retailers and restaurants now grace Waters and Hillsborough Avenue.

Nav