Is it too early to plan a move to Tampa for 2011? (Dunedin: rent, chapel)

[92grad]

I am planning on moving to Tampa in 2011, I like the area very much, I have friends and family there and I know the area very well. I've been looking at some homes in the Tampa area, and prices have really come down a lot! I'm able to afford a home there now that prices have come down. I've also read that home prices in Tampa are expected to keep dropping, so maybe I'll be getting better deals by the time 2011 comes around. I plan on moving there in 2011 because my son is graduating from high school in 2011, and is planning on going to college. I currently rent right now, but I have been saving money to put a down payment on a home.

I especially like the areas Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Land O' Lakes. Lake Magdalene is nice as well (in my opinion). Wesley Chapel seems to be an up and coming town from what I've heard.

I am a teacher and plan on becoming a teacher in the Tampa Bay area as well, I know about how there is a budget crisis in Florida and thousands of jobs are being eliminated and how school enrollment has been declining the past few years due to the economy, but I'll try.

So, is it too soon to start planning a move there and to be looking at houses? Also, can you help with some areas in Tampa that might be a good place to relocate?

[lavender]

You would be wasting your time and realtors if you start looking now, unless you plan to buy now.
No one can say for sure what the prices will be like then, but I am certain they wont have taken a major hike upwards.
Will you be living alone? Do you have other children? IF it's just yourself, I'd say, go for a more downtown environment where you can walk (safely) to places of interest to you, cafes, shows, galleries etc. In which case look at St Pete. If you are looking for a beach lifestyle, take one of the areas nearer to the gulf, but then you will have to drive some to a downtown, unless you go for say Dunedin, but then you drive to the beach, its a trade off.
If you have younger children to put through the school system, then look at those rather than home first, find schools you like and then look to live in those zones.
Many things may have changed dramatically by 2011, hopefully for the better, good luck with your plans

[debidibly]

I would suggest you continue to save and then rent here for a while to be sure you really do like the area you choose before you purchase. So many folks learn the hard way that it's one thing to visit but another to live here. There are always things people would do differently once they get locked in somewhere. As much as I like being closer to the Gulf I wish (more often than not) that I was closer to Tampa. Always trade offs.

[Sunnydee]

It's not too soon to start researching and visiting communities you are interested in - then when you are ready to move you'll know which areas would be acceptable to you. The one unknown, where you'll be working, will have a bearing on which community you choose if you don't want to spend a lot of time commuting. Also check out the fees and restrictions for the places you're interested in. You'll be surprised at how they vary from place to place. Best wishes and enjoy your researching.