Young couple looking for a quiet, comfortable neighborhood (Tampa, Plantation: apartment complex, rent)

[airennl]

Hello! My husband and I moved to Tampa from Cleveland in August...We moved into an apartment complex that seemed respectable in the northern part of the city (our zip is 33612 - I don't know the neighborhoods well enough to give you a specific name...Forrest Hills maybe?). However, after five horrible months (of garbage and dog poop everywhere along with terrible maintenance) that culminated in my car being stolen, we decided to pay the penalty and move to, hopefully, greener pastures. We just aren't sure where those pastures might be.

We spent most of today driving around South Tampa, and we got a few numbers, but most things seem to be out of our price range (around $800 per month). Does anyone have any suggestions, other than S. Tampa, where we can find a safe and quiet neighborhood? We love fun restaurants (not necessarily FANCY), dog parks, libraries and book stores. Schools are not important to us and neither is the beach. My husband is a PhD student at USF and I am a nanny, so we don't have to worry about commute times.

Thanks in advance! This forum always seems to give great advice...

[Keeper]

What about Carrollwood? My son lived in Countrywood apts on Dale Mabry about a year ago and he had no problems there.
Apartments - Official ApartmentGuide.com

You didn't say if you wanted a 1 or 2 bd. You can rent a 1 bd at The Cove for less than $800.00 a month and have access to the bay and beautiful sunsets. There are also these you can check out
Apartments - Official ApartmentGuide.com

There are also apts that do not advertise that are not bad just small complexes or garage apts around Bayshore. Just finding them is difficult.

Once you decide on a few, post again and ask for info regarding the area and/or the apts

Good Luck

[SammieJean]

I think that the Plantation Gardens are a nice place. They start at $835... Good luck in your search

[airennl]

Thanks for the responses! That Apartment Guide website was very helpful. We went to look at a place on Bruce St. that we can actually afford, so we might go that route.