Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, Where to live ?? (Tampa: homeowners insurance, buyers)

[mandare20]

Ok, my husband is looking at a potential job in Largo. I am a native Floridian and he lived there about 10 years before we moved to TN 3 years ago. We've lived in several areas including Tampa and Plant City but we are not as familiar with Pinellas county. We have 3 children from 5-10 so schools are important. Housing prices are high compared to TN and I understand homeowners insurance is ridiculous.

What area do you think we should live in for (Largo, Palm Harbor, HOliday, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, etc.):

Affordable housing and insurance (below $250K w/at least 1800 square feet)

Good schools

Not too long of a commute from Largo

Family friendly (activities for kids, sports, cub scouts, etc.)

Church is very important and there is one in Pinellas Park and Clearwater.

Also, are the housing markets still dropping like crazy? We heard a rumor that buyers can come in and make low offers in relation to the actual asking prices and sellers will accept them.

Sorry for my rambling but I really want whatever information we can obtain.

Thanks.

[floridacracker]

My vote would be Largo, it's more centrally located in Pinellas county. The housing market has dropped some what but in my opinion is still too high. Taxes and insurance are going up every year and have almost gotten out of control with no end in sight. Kinda funny.....I'm trying to escape Florida and want to build in Tennessee.....you are trying to leave Tennessee and move to Florida!!! The grass always seems greener on the other side.


Floridacracker

[cariad]

Largo would probably be best to avoid a long commute, I just found it too congested.Ditto for Pinellas Park. Dunedin and Palm Harbor have a different atmosphere imo-more scenic and small town coastal, but you may not want to deal with the commute. (I have driven from North Largo to PH in ½ hr during rush hour along Alt 19).
so far my personal favorite and where we have chosen to live for a year while we explore, is Palm Harbor.

[mandare20]

Thanks for the suggestions. I live in East TN and it is a BEAUTIFUL area. I can see the mountains outside my bedroom window. However, all of our family is still in FL and won't leave so that is the main reason we are considering moving back. You'll love TN though!

Does anyonw know how far it would take in rush hour from Largo to southern Pasco?

[younglisa7]

One quick thought for you. Property taxes are higher in Pinellas county compared to Pasco county.

[AJ67]

there is a new road a toll i think called the suncoast parkway that goes from Pasco county all the way to tampa..and if it were my choice i would take Dunedin or Palm Harbor.. and commute...when i was growing up in Clearwater Largo was not the place to be but things may have changed...
I would for sure look into Pasco county .. there are alot of new developements there