Relocating to Clearwater--near Airport (Ulmerton Road) (Tampa, St. Petersburg: apartment, rentals, condos)

[w2642]

Just got a great job near Clearwater airport/Ulmerton Road area. I need some expert advice...

I've done some driving around Pinellas/Hillborough area and even done a few commutes during rush hour to get a feel of where I should look for an apartment. It helped some, but still only have a general understanding and I want to make a good decision. I was not crazy about St. Petersburg. It had charm and the commute seemed shorter than to N.W. Tampa (taking I-275), but downtown St. Pete seemed in need of an update. In N.W. Tampa, I looked at Grande Oasis Apartment (about 4 miles down Dale Mabry Rd). The area seemed to have good shopping, but I'm not sure about other things (e.g., crime, singles) and there's no immediate apartment availablity.

As for being close to the beach, I'd prefer a centralized location instead. I have someone moving with me who will probably be working near downtown Tampa.

-Centralized location
-A commute of 45 minutes or less to Ulmerton Road (and Tampa)
-Area that is good for 30-something singles
-Area lower in crime and with newer shopping centers (near a Wal-Mart would be nice)
-Newer apartment, 2-bedroom, low-noise, pet-friendly aprtament complex (under $1000)

-Also, any recommendations for a weekly rental until I get an apartment?

Thanks so much for helping out.

[sueinge]

Did you look round Gandy? There used to be some nice apts called Pelican Sound. Don't know if they are still nice. That would be a decent commute to the airport area/ Roosevelt.

[w2642]

This is one area that I did not visit. From looking at the map, it is hard to tell whether the Gandy Bridge would be faster than I-275 in rush hour. Coud I get to the Clearwater/St. Pete airport in about 30-45 minutes? Also, what is the vibe of South Tampa compared to North West Tampa (near the football stadium)? Thanks.

[sueinge]

I am not sure if Gandy is better than 275 during rush hour. Hopefully someone else will reply and give you some info on that! The reason that I liked living there was because you had quick access to Tampa (Dale Mabry and Westshore area) as well as being on the St Pete side to get to stuff in St Pete easily too. My husband worked at Tech Data in Clearwater on Ulmerton and he got there in that time frame, even with traffic. I also am not sure on your last question about the vibe in South Tampa compared to the other side...sorry! Good Luck!

[Hunnybe15]

I moved into a house off Missouri and E. Bay about 4 years ago and I work off of Ulmerton. Its only about a 10 minute drive to and is not too bad for crime. If I had to pick a new location it would be off West Bay or 131 (clearwater, Seminole area) Its a little nicer of an area and still VERY close to Ulmerton. Walmart's are everywhere.

[Hunnybe15]

opps sorry 113 not 131

[w2642]

Overall, it sounds like there are at least two areas where I can find a great or decent commute and have the convenience of shopping. I will certainly check out these two areas on my next visit, which will be this weekend. Any apartment recommendations 2 br/2 bath under $1000? Also, are there any other areas worth looking into for a single guy? And, is N.W. Tampa (past Fletcher) a bad option for a commute, etc? Thanks.

[Mike Peterson]

Don't know if this would work for you but Cove Cay Condos are right on US19 just north of East Bay. They usually have some rentals in there around $900 or so.

There are many older people in it but some younger also. You won't have much going in the complex but right outside there is a bunch to do.

It is a gated golf course community right on the bay, very safe. Being on the bay it would be quick and easy to the causeway to get to Tampa and about 5-10 minutes to Ulmerton.

[Hunnybe15]

I used to live in New Tampa before moving over here. The commute without rush hour was about 45 minutes. On my way to work and on my way home from work took about an hour and 30 minutes. Although New Tampa is a REALLY nice place and away from crime/city stuff...it is way too far of a drive. You need to keep in mind that there are only 2 main bridges from tampa to clearwater/Ulmerton....in rush hour you could sit on those bridges for HOURS!!! I have a stepson that I have to drive to tampa every other friday and we sit on the howard franklin for 2 hours each trip if we do not time it right.....you should take that into consideration if you are going to find a place on the other side of the bridge!

[w2642]

Hunnybe15, I take it from your post that poor timing or unexpected events would leave me parked on the Gandy Bridge for 2 hours as well?