Moving to Tampa Bay area (from WI/KS) (Clearwater, Bayshore Gardens: apartments, rentals)

[millertime045]

Hey all. My girlfriend and I moving from Wisconsin to the Tampa area (by way of a brief stint in Wichita, KS). My girlfriend and I have no idea where we want to live in the area. It looks my girlfriend (a RN) might have a job lined up in St. Pete. I am interviewing with a few companies, two of which are in between South Tampa and TIA, and one of which will give me the opportunity to pick an office location.

Any suggestions as to where to live? We'd prefer something with a "downtown" feel, close to nightlife (we're only 24) and I'd prefer to live in a bike (bicycle) friendly area. We're only looking at rentals right now and would prefer an apartment. I've looked in to SoHo/Hyde Park area but it may be too far of a commute for the gf. Is there anywhere between Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater that has a similar vibe? Thanks for any/all suggestions!

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by millertime045

Hey all. My girlfriend and I moving from Wisconsin to the Tampa area (by way of a brief stint in Wichita, KS). My girlfriend and I have no idea where we want to live in the area. It looks my girlfriend (a RN) might have a job lined up in St. Pete. I am interviewing with a few companies, two of which are in between South Tampa and TIA, and one of which will give me the opportunity to pick an office location.

Any suggestions as to where to live? We'd prefer something with a "downtown" feel, close to nightlife (we're only 24) and I'd prefer to live in a bike (bicycle) friendly area. We're only looking at rentals right now and would prefer an apartment. I've looked in to SoHo/Hyde Park area but it may be too far of a commute for the gf. Is there anywhere between Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater that has a similar vibe? Thanks for any/all suggestions!

Do you want to live in St. Pete? Downtown St. Pete and the old Northeast neighborhood would be my choice in that area for what you are looking for...as far as Tampa and a similar area to Hyde Park/SOHO, you will find walkable neighborhoods in most of south tampa..check out neighborhoods like Palma Ceia, Bayshore Gardens, Bayshore Beautiful(MacDill Ave from north of Bay to Bay Blvd on south to Wallcraft Avenue is full of great independant shops/cafes, etc...and also bay to Bay Blvd from Bayshore Blvd to Himes Ave). There is also the Westshore area around the El Prado and Euclid Ave area - Bel Mar Estates, BaySide West neighborhoods(Cove Apartments, and private condos/townehomes) walkable and bikable area...closer to St. Pete.