Thoughts on *Seffner, Please (Tampa, Brandon: townhomes, schools, live in)

[Liza54]

Our realtor was going to show me some homes in Brandon, but has mentioned a few "close to Brandon" in Seffner.
Please tell me about this area. I like suburbia, but a busy suburb. I want to be able to walk or drive 5mins or less to get to the food store, coffee shops, etc. I'd be looking most likely into townhome developments around 120k.
Married with 2 toddlers by the way...
thanks for any advice...

[Eresh]

I've lived in Seffner for 5 years (but I am relocating to another state in a week). It's not a very nice place for a family. For example, the locals call it Methner (due to the large number of drug houses). There are police helicopters hovering around at least weekly. There are plenty of grocery stores and a Walmart close by, but it's not what I would call a great shopping area. The schools aren't that great. The only good thing is that it is easy to get to the interstate (both I4 and 75) and that Brandon, with it's decent shopping, is a short drive away.

[ferret111]

I wouldn't live in Seffner. I find it to be rather dumpy. I'm not sure if it's a truly suburban area. It seemed much more rural in character. There's nothing really within walking distance, unless you live near a gas station. I don't even know if there are any townhomes there.

[BucFan]

Lived there in 1980s. Didn't like it even back then - run down. I think it is worse today. Only convenience is I-4 closeby. Depends on what part of Seffner you live, I guess.

[si33]

Id have to agree with both of the above posts..though i was just passing through while visiting the area two years back, Seffner struck me as a more rural part of town.

[Liza54]

whew! thanks for saving me the time and energy!! Definitely NOT what I'm looking for. We moved from San Diego to Raleigh, NC and that's as 'small' as I want to go!

What about Riverview..also rural? Really liked New Tampa, but may have a job at Brandon Regional.

[Eresh]

Riverview is starting to become less rural, but if you are working at the hospital in Brandon, why not look in Brandon? It's much more suburban than rural.

[Kathleen1971]

Originally Posted by Eresh

Riverview is starting to become less rural, but if you are working at the hospital in Brandon, why not look in Brandon? It's much more suburban than rural.

Exactly. You don't get more suburban than Brandon. Sounds like this may be the place for you.

[Liza54]

yes, someone else said Lithia so I may look there, too. Riverview seemed to have newer, larger homes for cheaper than Brandon.

[sartorius]

You can get a great massage in Seffner. I just opened my place in January..it's small but cozy and comfortable, and some of my clients tell me not to move my business. And Seffner has a great Chamber of Commerce. I was impressed and will probably join it before the year is out.