The Villas Townhouses in South Tampa? (Gandy: real estate market, 2009, renting)

[kuyaariel]

I am in the process of purchases a Townhouse in Tampa Villas South, right of Manhattan a few blocks north of Gandy. It's right next to St. Patricks Church. How is that area? I've heard good things about South Tampa, plus it's north of Gandy. It's also close to my work in Westshore. Thanks.

[tampaguy03]

Your very close by to everything, are those the 4 story townhomes with each bedroom on a different floor? I think I know someone there. Mixed and relatively safe neighborhood, single and young professionals, small families, some blue collar. With Gandy, Manhatten and Dale Mabry all around you, you dont have to go far for anything, and Westshore, Downtown and Hyde Park areas are less than 10 min. Manhatten Ave from Euclid to Gandy is know as "Church Row", I think there are about 7 of all denominations.

[Tampasteve]

I have a few friends who live in the Tampa Villas. They have never had anything bad to say about it. For an older complex it does offer a lot of ammenities and very reasonable prices particularly in this real estate market. The HOA are relatively low and the complex is close to everything yet set back far enough so you dont feel like you are right in town. Good luck, make sure you get a home inspection so you get the most for your $$$

[kuyaariel]

Thanks for the input. Any other comments out there?

[Keeper]

tpaguy and TpaSteve are our resident experts on S. Tampa.

My SIL lives not too far from there and they have never had any problems. I love that area.

[Diana Lisinski]

Hi,
Did you purchase the property? If so, can you let me know the name of the HOA/Management company?
Thanks

[Discover2009]

Why are HOA prices and property taxes higher in Florida?

[BucFan]

You should never have a problem renting the condo out if necessary - since it is close to MacDill. I don't like the Dale Mabry area - like most military installations, most front gate areas have pawn shops, cheap motels, etc.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by Discover2009

Why are HOA prices and property taxes higher in Florida?

I guess taxes are higher since there is no state income tax, and the state needs to generate revenue somehow to pay for schools, streets, police, fire, etc etc.

HOA often include insurance, which is high in FLA due to hurricane potential.

[Tampasteve]

I get asked this question frequently but high taxes are a matter of perspective. I have some people that are excited about how low Florida taxes are while others say we are high.

Remember, we do not pay a state income tax in Florida. I have lived in Colorado, NY, AL, and GA. All of these states had income taxes and property taxes that when you look at my property taxes and income tax, it was costing much more to live there.

On the HOA question, HOA's are higher here mainly because of insurance premiums going up.

Hope this helps