neighborhood suggestions (Tampa, University, Citrus Park: neighborhoods, best schools, university)

[zach_33]

just sizing up the market. No commitments made yet. mid-30s couple (university professor and marketing manager) with two young kids. Looking for area with decent public schools.. prefer walkable, vibrant neighbrohoods with progressive, open-minded people. Some urban blight is okay, but can't live in a shooting gallery. Suburbs okay too, but has to be convenient commute to city. Would prefer to stay under $400 on housing price, but could stretch if it made a huge difference. Curious to hear thoughts from the locals. which zip codes/neighborhoods would you research?

[porcelain]

Tampa Palms is a great community - although not very walkable - for that I would try South Tampa, just be cautious at what areas of South Tampa you look into - Hyde Park and the area around Bayshore come to mind as places you guys might like.

[imguytpa]

Check out Hyde Park & South Tampa, Old NE St Pete (more urban/suburban blend)
more suburban- Westchase 33626, Citrus Park 33625, Carrollwood 33624

[TampaGuy32]

For something different.. suburban, unplanned, established, very walkable, lots of lakes, a golf course, etc.. try carrollwood. Moved there a year ago myself, loving it. Schools are about the best in the county. 33618. You can get something really great there for under 400. I got a fixer upper on a small lake for just under 200 (great deal).
Well.. actually some of it was planned. But it's not one of these modern cookie cutter gated deals.

[tampaguy03]

Your description of what you are looking sounds like areas in South Tampa like Hyde Park, New Suburb Beautiful, Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, Palma Ceia, Ballast Point, Davis Islands, Bel Mar Shores, Bel Mar Estates....zips 33606, 33629, 33611.

[zach_33]

Thanks. That will help get me started. Appreciate the insight. Hyde Park and Bayshore come up a lot on this board in similar threads and sound like super premium neighborhoods for city living, but I have found with that usually comes well below average public schools-- is that the case also for these communities?

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by zach_33

Thanks. That will help get me started. Appreciate the insight. Hyde Park and Bayshore come up a lot on this board in similar threads and sound like super premium neighborhoods for city living, but I have found with that usually comes well below average public schools-- is that the case also for these communities?

Plant High, Gorrie Elementary and Wilson Middle are some fo the best schools in the state...Plant High is actually one of the best high schools in the country.

[zach_33]

I see. No wonder the price per square foot kind of maxes out in the Gorrie Elementary neighborhood. Not sure $400 will cover a decent 3 bed/2 bath in those parts, though I guess if we are in it for the long haul its still not a bad asset to invest in. Anything not already mentioned worth checking out up nearer USF? I saw a couple folks mentioned Carrolwood. That might be as good as it gets within 5 miles of USF. Any other suggestions? Thanks Tampaguy and others-- very helpful info.

[MT8]

Carrollwood is more like 15-20 miles from USF, 35-45 minute drive in rush hour traffic, depending on where you live in the Carrollwood area.

You won't get a walkable neighborhood unless you live in South Tampa. A car is a must in North Tampa areas (New Tampa, Lutz, Carrollwood, Westchase, Citrus Park).

[CollegeProf]

If you are teaching at USF Tampa, I'd look into the Tampa Palms area. There are several nice subdivisions there. South Tampa is great if you teach at UT (University of Tampa) but it's a long commute to USF. The best public schools are in South Tampa as others have mentioned. Anywhere else and I'd lean toward private schools...