Apartment between Town and Country and South Tampa (apartments, renters)

[Username0126]

So, Im looking to move to Tampa in the beginning of January and Ive been researching apartments for some time now. I spent a weekend in Tampa looking over the top of my lists just to find out I didnt care for them.

Im looking for a nice, but cheap one bedroom apartment between Town and Country area of tampa and south tampa. I was looking at Davis Island Apartments, although thats a bit too south for my liking, and Bridgeview, which is a bit too west. Davis Islands seemed like a good neighborhood although the apartments were a bit too bland. Bridgeview seemed nice but Im worried about the neighborhood and traffic in particular. Also I read the reviews on apartmentratings.com and Im not sure if Id want to risk the bug problem most renters were complaining about.

So, can anyone name a couple apartments that i can check out next time Im in town?

[tilli]

Well, what is more important, nice or cheap? I don't think you can really have both at once. That said, look into the Camden properties. They have several complexes in the bay area with nice amenities and competitive pricing. Good luck.

[Username0126]

Id say both are equally important.
Ive allocated $900-$1100/month to go to rent and utilities for an apartment and still be able to live comfortable with other bills and things.
So the nicest place I can get for that amount would be optimal. But if I can find anything for less that would be great also.

And 3 of the 12 camden properties near tampa were on my list originally based on reviews, but when i took location into consideration I knocked them off. However, the two I remember werent far, but I was hoping for better. But I suppose I shouldnt be so picky because then my long list ends up at 0. So thank you for that input. I will look into the two properties further.

[TampaKaren]

Look at Island Club on Rocky Point or Villa Sonoma at International Plaza, both in Zip 33607.

[Username0126]

Both those seem a bit high. Those numbers I posted would need to include utilities, so depending on if anything was included the rent would need to be lower than those numbers. Thank you.

[TampaKaren]

Look, I have no horse in this race; I was merely trying to help (sheesh!) A friend of mine lives in one of the units at Island Club. He told me before I posted that his rent includes water, sewer, and garbage and his electric has never been more than $70 a month. Rent $900 + Electric $70 = $970 leaving you $130 from your $1100 housing allowance.

[Username0126]

I apologize if I seemed hostile or anything. I just thought maybe you mistunderstood. Because both apartments I seen were over $1000 and it didnt include anything. I apologize. I will look further into it because both suggestions you gave did look very nice.

[TampaKaren]

I looked in the MLS. You can do similar searches on Move.com just don't include square footage. One unit at Villa Sonoma is $850, the other $995; the larger unit at Island Club is $1,000 which would push your limit but don't discount negotiating down. All of these will include water, sewer, and garbage. You can call Tampa Electric, give them an address, and they will tell you the monthly cost for electricity. Both complexes have a pool and gym and Island Club is on the water. You can get phone, cable & high speed internet from Brighthouse for $99. Not sure what will be available your next trip, but both locations are between SoTa and TnC and worthy of keeping on your short list.

[Username0126]

Thank you for the input. Its highly appreciated.

[mquintana]

Be careful of Camden...a couple of years ago they decided to raise all people up for renewal to market rate...yup-people were getting raised $200 OVER what they were paying...they also make you pay other fees and such...like valet trash or cable/internet...everyone I have ever spoke to who lived on Camden properties weren't please about that...(and I work in the apartment industry myself so I hear a lot of things!).