Moving to Tampa (Tallahassee, Brandon, Citrus Park: chapel, house, neighborhoods)

[NWUNYEDR]

Hi all!

I'm moving from Tallahassee with my 2 kids (got a new job starting in Sept) I just do not know where to move to. I understand that a lot of people live about 40mins out of downtown. I really want to live less than 18 miles mile from my downtown job. Can you suggest anywhere?

I was thinking about moving to Wimauma, Brandon or Riverview, Westchase, Carrollwood, New Tampa etc but I not sure about the schools there. Are there any good private or public elementary schools in any of these areas? Also I have a small budget to buy a house (less than $160,000- can you suggest some areas?

Thanks in advance!

[DDJJ]

wimauma is definitely way more than 18 minutes to downtown.
but if you are looking at New Tampa, the taxes are really high there for a house, you might want to consider going a little north of that.
I know you can get a decent home for your budget in maybe Lutz on the Pasco side as taxes are lower in Pasco County, Wesley Chapel has good schools or Land o Lakes. They all have decent schools, too.

[NWUNYEDR]

Originally Posted by DDJJ

wimauma is definitely way more than 18 minutes to downtown.
but if you are looking at New Tampa, the taxes are really high there for a house, you might want to consider going a little north of that.
I know you can get a decent home for your budget in maybe Lutz on the Pasco side as taxes are lower in Pasco County, Wesley Chapel has good schools or Land o Lakes. They all have decent schools, too.

Thanks for your reply. What about traffic going to downtown Tampa from these areas? How bad is it? What are your thoughts on Riverview?

[TB Fla]

Originally Posted by NWUNYEDR

Thanks for your reply. What about traffic going to downtown Tampa from these areas? How bad is it? What are your thoughts on Riverview?

Riverview is nice, but that is farther then 18 miles. Why not something within the City of Tampa. Its guaranteed to be cheaper, and there are lots neighborhoods that arent run down or ghetto.

[NWUNYEDR]

Originally Posted by TB Fla

Riverview is nice, but that is farther then 18 miles. Why not something within the City of Tampa. Its guaranteed to be cheaper, and there are lots neighborhoods that arent run down or ghetto.

Could you tell me areas in the City and also do you have any ideas on how good the elementary schools area? Thanks a million!!

[Karamia36]

Try looking at Citrus Park. It's right between Westchase (which I think you'll find is out of your budget) and Carrollwood...and is right beside the Veteran's Expressway for easy access to Tampa (8 miles from the Airport). Close to everything, and plenty of amenities. The public schools are A rated, and there are lots of options for private schools as well.

[TB Fla]

Originally Posted by NWUNYEDR

Could you tell me areas in the City and also do you have any ideas on how good the elementary schools area? Thanks a million!!

Seminole heights is nice, might be pricey though. A lot of neighborhoods I can think of, but dont know the names. The Palm river area to is cheap, and not to bad. The Brandon area is mostly farther than 18 miles, but I know the schools are good there. You should probably come down and see for yourself.

[NWUNYEDR]

Thanks guys! I will be heading to Tampa next month.

Anybody is free to give their own opinions of Tampa living and schools!!