Concerned about crime and schools (Tampa, St. Petersburg: to rent, mover, violent crime)

[CrazyMover]

We really want to move to a warmer climate from the northern midwest.
I've been looking into the Tampa Bay area. Two things that concern me are the terrible crime statistics, and warnings from friends that Florida has no support for education, therefore the schools are terrible.

I've been reading this forum, and it seems that people generally agree that the worst thing about the crime is that the bad areas are mixed in with the good. So there's really no "stay away from such-and-such and you'll be okay." Almost sounds like all of Tampa is bad. So how far from Tampa do you have to go to feel safe and get away from the crime?

I found some reports that say Hillsborough has the best schools, and I've heard Brandon is a nice place to live. Any thoughts?

We'd really like to be closer to the ocean, so we were thinking St. Petersburg. We like the idea that in Pinella County you can send your kids to whatever school in the county you want (that is true, right?)

So really I'd like to get thoughts from people who know, about schools and crime.

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by CrazyMover

We really want to move to a warmer climate from the northern midwest.
I've been looking into the Tampa Bay area. Two things that concern me are the terrible crime statistics, and warnings from friends that Florida has no support for education, therefore the schools are terrible.

I've been reading this forum, and it seems that people generally agree that the worst thing about the crime is that the bad areas are mixed in with the good. So there's really no "stay away from such-and-such and you'll be okay." Almost sounds like all of Tampa is bad. So how far from Tampa do you have to go to feel safe and get away from the crime?

I found some reports that say Hillsborough has the best schools, and I've heard Brandon is a nice place to live. Any thoughts?

We'd really like to be closer to the ocean, so we were thinking St. Petersburg. We like the idea that in Pinella County you can send your kids to whatever school in the county you want (that is true, right?)

So really I'd like to get thoughts from people who know, about schools and crime.

As far as crime and the good areas being mixed in with the bad, as a resident here for over 20 years, I will say that I have never seen or been vitim to, or know someone personally that has been victim to a crime here in Tampa..now thats not to see there is no crime, just oppen the newpaper or watch the news..im just saying either I have been lucky, always aware of my surroundings and who I choose to be around, know where and when to go and where I should stay away from, etc...in the city of Tampa, areas like New Tampa, Tampa Palms, and most of South Tampa can be considered as lighter on crime than other areas, BUT crime does happen most anywhere...even in rural middle America. I think its best when you visit, to talk to the neighbors, locals and the police in the area(instead of people's opinions)...

[CrazyMover]

Thanks for the reply.
Is the crime considered to be "mostly" confined to the metro area?
If you get out to Brandon or Westchase, Citrus Park, places like that, are you pretty much out of the fray?

Did you put any kids through the public school there in Florida?

[algia]

Public schools suck big time here....that's a known fact, and they are always ripped out of money which doesn't help...graduation rate here is amongst the lowest in the country.......we HOPE that we won't have to put our kids through the schools here.

Crime can happen everywhere.....down town areas are known for having the most of violent crimes, like someone said before just turn the TV/News on and freak out for yourself. We live in a gated/ guarded community and had our cheap DVD player stolen from our car........and this place is known for having people with money living in it! soooo, decide for yourself!
Someone makes over $100k a year and steals an $80 DVD player!!!!!

[IAMSCIENCE]

Im not seeing any responses to the question though regarding St. Pete...my family and i ARE moving down there in early august and i am just having quite a time trying to get any information regarding homes and school and commutes from St. Pete to MacDill.

I have 4 kids and 2 are still too young for school, but one will be in 1st and the other in 3rd....

Is there anywhere i can go to see if St.Pete is a feasible option? Seems to be cheaper than the whole of Tampa with access to good beaches as well which we really really want, but we need to look out for schools too.

I was referred to Valrico, but it just seems SOOOO far from MacDill.....

Sorry for cutting in, but i have less than 2 weeks before i have to move....

[CrazyMover]

IAmScience, we should keep in touch as we do our research.
Schools are really important to us, and we can't afford private school for sure.
Our youngest is 4, so we have a lot of years ahead of us.

It's very said to read about how horrible the educational system is down there. Is that because there's an older population that votes down levies, or is there more to it than that?

We live in a small town in the midwest, and crime isn't even a consideration. Most of the time our front door is unlocked. My address is...

We have good schools here, but not great. We can tolerate "okay" schools and supplement at home, but "horrible" schools isn't an option for us.

[CrazyMover]

Originally Posted by algia

we HOPE that we won't have to put our kids through the schools here.

So where are you hoping to go before that happens?

[IAMSCIENCE]

Yes, agreed....look, it appears that some of the schools in St.Pete are actually pretty decent, comparably - look here

Pinellas County Schools
St. Petersburg Schools - St. Petersburg Florida School Ratings - Public and Private

Im still very eager to hear about other living in St. Pete and Clearwater....

[CrazyMover]

If you're moving in 2 weeks, I assume you're going to rent?

[IAMSCIENCE]

we may, we are really looking for a rent/lease to own......