Considering a move to tampa!! (Lutz, Wesley Chapel: renting, HOA fees, homeowners insurance)

[Rich0630]

I am a health care professional and have been offered an awesome position in Tampa. There is one dilemma, I have to move away from my 14 year old daughter; I have never lived far away from her, but Tampa International has direct flights via Southwest to Nashville. Yes, I am divorced and have been for over 8 years. The single scene is not real good in Nashville, but it is a nice southern city. On a more positive note, I have heard Tampa is great for singles. Of course, I am in my 40s and not much into hip hop, techno or disco. Anyway, this move will be like I am starting over. Yes, I will miss Nashville because I grew up here, but I need to do something else to enhance my social/dating life. Having an awesome offer at one of the medical facilities, this may be my ticket out of Nashville. I need advice on where to live. In reference to commute distance, I prefer 20-30 minutes. There are several areas where some recommend i.e. South Tampa (been told it is very expensive) or North Tampa like Lutz, Land O Lake, or Wesley Chapel. Even though, I am fortunate with a great education and lucrative income, I do not want to spend a large percentage of my income on property tax, insurance and a hefty mortgage; South Tampa appears to fit this criteria. On a more positive note, I am single and would like to be close to the nightlife. My hobbies include working out, running, biking, ski diving, working on my pilot ratings and flight hrs, riding my Harley, golf, and of course, the beach. By the way, are the any good gyms in Tampa? Whatever advice is out there, I would greatly appreciate. Thanks!!

[michelekfla]

I live in Land O Lakes. It is right above Tampa and about 30-40 minutes to Tampa International Airport. It is in Pasco County.(so is Wesley Chapel and part of Lutz). The taxes are much lower than Hillsborough County (Tampa). The houses are also priced lower. I don't know how the taxes are in TN but in Land O Lakes they are low (to me coming from New Jersey). My house's assessed value (at this point) is 237,000, my property taxes are 3200 /year. House values did go way up and have gone down steadily. This area is not as bad as the miami area but if you are looking to buy you can find some great deals. You have to just be careful of HOA fees and CDD's. When I first came here in 2001 I was told if there was a CDD then the house prices would be lower but that doesn't seem to be the case. I personally wouldn't move anywhere that has a CDD. If you want to live in a house there are plenty here and nicely priced. If you want a townhome we have them too. There are also nice condos down in Tampa. I have seen some good deals there too. Moderator cut: .. I hope this helps.

[honu1]

Rich..I just took a job at the VA Medical Center. I chose to live in South Tampa and it puts me at a 30 min commute to work and 15 min from the airport. I found it helpful to visit Tampa and get up to drive the rush hour commute from the where I was looking at living to work, just to make sure it was something with which I was comfortable. TIA is a really nice airport too. I think it would be easy for your daughter to navigate if she flies down.

Coming from the Dallas area, the first glance of home prices didn't seem all that expensive. However, it took my breath away to see the amount of property taxes people pay in FL, not to mention the home owner's assn / condo assn fees that were in many cases, higher than the property taxes. My current HOA fee is $150 a year in TX! Certainly something to consider when you look.

Maybe renting a place for 6 months or so would give you time to really get a feel for the various parts of town...South, Westshore, Carrollwood, Tampa Palms, etc. By the way, I saw lots of really nice homes up in Tampa Palms, but not sure of the commute depending on where you'll be working. If you'll be at a hospital in south Tampa for example, then Tampa Palms would be a bear of a commute but if at the VA or Moffit Cancer Center, not so bad.

Making a big move can be a bit stressful. I've found the locals here to have very helpful advice. Best wishes with your move.

[Rich0630]

Thanks for the great info. What is CDD? This is new to me.

[honu1]

I think it stands for Community District Development. We don't have those fees where I live in TX either and I don't completely understand how they differ from HOA fees.

[Rich0630]

Property tax in Tennessee is fairly low. I was paying about 2800/yr for a previous property that was valued a 250K. In reference to Tampa, I was directed to South Tampa, but the property tax is very high. Now, I am looking at N. Tampa i.e. Lutz, Land O Lake, Wesley Chapel. I am a CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) and will be a provider at the VA. I am going through the provider credential process and will not be there until the end of August. Being the case, I would like to have a short commute from North Tampa. I have been told by others to stay west of highway 19 due to flood zones; these type areas can inflate the homeowners insurance premium. What can I expect to pay for insurance? I know one has to have hurricane coverage. By the way, what is CDD? Until now, I have never heard of CDD. Having been a previous home owner, I was a member of the HOA-- Homeowners Association. Thanks for the info.

[Rich0630]

My agent referred to CDD as HOA on steroids. Meaning, more tax.

[Annie of Oldsmar]

CDD Definition

A Community Development District (CDD) is a local, special purpose government authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended and is an alternative method for managing and financing infrastructure required to support community development. CDD’s possess several powers as a legal entity, such as the right to enter into contracts; the right to own both real and personal property; adopt by-laws, rules and regulations and orders; to sue and be sued; to obtain funds by borrowing; to issue bonds and levy assessments.
CDD’s provide a mechanism for the financing and management of new communities, which is consistent with the local governments’ development procedures and regulations. They represent a major advancement in Florida’s effort to manage its growth effectively and efficiently.
The community development district may impose and levy taxes or assessments, or both taxes and assessments, on the property.
These taxes and assessments pay the construction, operation and maintenance costs of certain public facilities and services of the district and are set annually by the governing board of the district.
These taxes and assessments are in addition to county and other local governmental taxes and assessments and all other taxes and assessment provided for by law.