Best place to buy a home - tough question to answer I am sure. (Tampa: lawyers, find a job) - Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Negotiator75 · 10-18-2009, 02:08 PM

It's a good point of course, but when I go to visit, I plan on having a list of those neighborhoods in addition to doing interviews.

Where exactly is New Tampa? What would be an intersection...

tilli · 10-18-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

I think I am good to earn between $60 to $70k in some IT/Support, Web Development or Telecom field - who knows though these days.

Where are you coming up with this figure? I know tons of people who work in these fields, only the very cream of the crop with certs and experience out the ears make that kind of salary. If you are a more average sort of tech worker, cut that income expectation in half.

vaughanwilliams · 10-18-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilli

Where are you coming up with this figure? I know tons of people who work in these fields, only the very cream of the crop with certs and experience out the ears make that kind of salary. If you are a more average sort of tech worker, cut that income expectation in half.

I agree. This area is thick with laid off IT workers. If you like planned communities and all the HOAs that go along with them, you'll like East Lake and all the suburbs popping up outside Tampa. Clearwater is pretty but congested and just...weird. Dunedin and Safety Harbor are really cool but the congestion outside their city limits is horrendous. I live in St.Pete and I find it alright. To me,Oldsmar and Pinellas Park are similar in many ways.

bsells · 10-19-2009, 11:34 AM

I agree with previous posts. Find the job first, then the community/home. For your price range and wants, Fishhawk Ranch in Lithia can't be beat (IMO). The commute and major shopping are the only drawbacks.

TampaKaren · 10-19-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Negotiator75

It's a good point of course, but when I go to visit, I plan on having a list of those neighborhoods in addition to doing interviews.

Where exactly is New Tampa? What would be an intersection...

New Tampa is MOL east & west of Bruce B Downs Blvd, north of Bearss Ave and south of the Pasco/Hillsborough County Line Road.

brrgrl · 10-19-2009, 03:33 PM

Clearwater areas worth checking out include Feather Sound (33762) and Countryside (33761). I've only done drive-throughs in these areas, but the neighborhoods appeared to be well-maintained, with houses built in the 1970's - 1980's.

I know that you discounted Tampa, but you may want to add the Greater Northdale and Carrollwood (33618; 33624) and Lake Magdalene (33613) areas to your list. I have done drive-throughs and toured houses in these areas - well-maintained, close to shopping, a good variety of housing styles/ages.

I cannot comment on schools for any of these areas, as this is not a factor in my search.

You may want to identify multiple neighborhoods of interest in various locations in the Tampa Bay area so you have flexibility once you do secure employment.

Good luck with your search!

Negotiator75 · 10-19-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilli

Where are you coming up with this figure? I know tons of people who work in these fields, only the very cream of the crop with certs and experience out the ears make that kind of salary. If you are a more average sort of tech worker, cut that income expectation in half.

I was afraid of that. So how does anyone make a decent living in the IT/Telecom fields in the Tampa Bay area?

If it's time to re-focus on a different career, what should I do to be able to make that kind of money?

Negotiator75 · 10-19-2009, 07:35 PM

What do you guys think of Westchase area (33635) in Tampa?

TampaKaren · 10-19-2009, 07:50 PM

Positives: Good elementary school with parental involvement. Well-maintained neighborhood. Active community with amenities & recreation. Convenient location. Negatives: Very strict HOA, High Taxes/CDD, small lots, traffic flow (lack of).

Negotiator75 · 10-19-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TampaKaren

Positives: Good elementary school with parental involvement. Well-maintained neighborhood. Active community with amenities & recreation. Convenient location. Negatives: Very strict HOA, High Taxes/CDD, small lots, traffic flow (lack of).

Thank you TampaKaren... just curious, what sorts of jobs are in demand in the Tampa Bay area??