Visiting Tampa for Possible Relocation (professionals, restaurants, moving)

[martinigal97]

Hi all-
I'm planning to visit the Tampa area in the few weeks b/c I am considering moving there this fall. I need a place that has sunshine and warm weather year round as I suffer from SAD. A friend recommended Tampa and from the research I've done it seems like it could be a good fit for me.
I'm single, no kids, mid-thirties, and I was hoping you could recommend some specific areas worth checking out. I'd like a place where I could walk around a little; maybe have some things to do within walking distance (doesn't have to be a whole lot), but a few cafes/restaurants or pubs, someplace I could grab a drink or sandwhich a sit outside for a while. If I could be near the beach that would be great too, but from what I've read I understand that might be a 30-40 min drive from the Tampa area (it's still much closer to a beach than what I have now). Also, as I am relatively young and single, I'd like to be near some nitelife and other single people my age (a short walk or cab distance away). (Proximity to a job may not be an issue b/c I'm hoping to keep my current job and telework.)

So...can anyone recommend places/areas I should check out when I come visit? Or even places to stay? I plan on staying several days and driving around, so it's okay if they are a little spread out.

Thank you!

[Keeper]

S. Tampa area. Check out Hyde Park, So Ho, Davis Island, Channelside or Harbor Island. Also Westshore area is also good. There are apts on the bay too. Good for young single professionals.

Maybe someone can tell you about St. Pete area.

[martinigal97]

Thanks, Keeper! I appreciate the advice. I just saw a somewhat similar, but older thread where some folks recommended St. Pete and I'm thinking of including that in my search as well. I like the fact that it's walkable and described as "laid back" (major pluses). If anyone has advice for St. Pete, I would appreciate that as well!