Relocating to Tampa from Memphis (Brandon, University: rentals, high crime, how much)

[Marcys]

We are considering relocating to Tampa from Memphis. We just visited this weekend and are now very confused. Is there anywhere to live that is a decent neighborhood within 30 minutes of downtown or do we have to go 45 minutes to an hour to feel safe? We live close to downtown Memphis and like the convienance of it. We do have an infant so would like to live close to others who have children. We would like a 4 bedroom but for under $350,000. Is this possible without going way way out?

[gypsychic]

Hi there. I was born and raised in Tampa, but have not lived there for over 30 years. I was just there yesterday, and again noted how seedy most of the town looks. Lots of neighborhoods in Tampa are infested with crime, even areas that on the surface "look ok."

In a nutshell the only two "in-town" areas I would recommend would be Temple Terrace to the northeast, or South Tampa. South Tampa is closer in but is the PRICIEST part of town, very expensive and very high taxes. Temple Terrace will get you more bang for the buck, but you need to stay within certain boundaries to be in the good neighborhood, someone else will have to tell you what they are, I am not sure.

Good luck!

[tampaguy03]

Most of South Tampa is desirable, many older homes, but also many newer small gated communities(Ballast Point area). The nicest areas in South Tampa are Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia. Not sure you'll find a 4 bedroom in those areas for under 350k though, unless it is a very small 4 bedroom, with no garage. Places like Carrollwood, Northdale, Citrus Park, Westchase, New Tampa, and South County(Apollo Beach, Riverview, Brandon areas) are relatively close and safe areas as well, all within 60 minutes in bad rush hour traffic, or less than 30 min. no traffic from downtown Tampa.

[tonynorie]

Hello!

I have lived in South Tampa for 40 years and it's great, but has become pretty expensive. A 4 bedroom in your price range is doable but you won't have a large selection to choose from.

I'm mostly retired and shoot photos of homes for income and see many neighborhoods. I like Temple Terrace, as suggested, but there is a community called Forest Hills that I think has many bargains in housing. It's only 15 or so minutes from downtown and is built around a golf course (Babe Zaharias golfcourse) and I'm always surprised when I see how much home can be had for the money. Although I don't know actual crime stats it appears to be well kept and doesn't resemble some of the "war zone" high crime neighborhoods that I go through.

Good luck!

[Floridasunshine]

I would recommend south hillsborough county, Riverview, brandon, Valrico,
you could get a home there for about 200 thousand,
I would not recommend forest hills area, as it has declined since I lived there, alot of rentals there and University area is crime area. That area of Tampa sad to say is dieing, lots of things closed. I loved the area 20 yrs ago.