Help us find a central location between Tampa and Sarasota (Brandon: low crime, private schools)

[movingfromnepa]

My husband, 9 year old, and I are planning on moving to Florida. My job will be located in Tampa near the airport. My husband on the other hand may be getting hired in Sarasota. Is it possible to spilt this commute, and if so where is a good community somewhere near the middle?

We would prefer a community with low crime and things to do. Also any recommendations on schools would be great. My son currently attends a catholic school, and would ideally prefer private schooling. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

[niceguy19125]

A midpoint between Tampa and Sarasota that isn't traffic clogged (Pinellas County which puts you into horrible bridge traffic to both cities) puts you in some rural areas around Ruskin or Sun City Center (a huge retirement community). The problem with that is there aren't any private schools outside of a couple of " Baptist-run Christian schools" which are known less for academics and more for religious overtones.

I'd recommend checking out Brandon, an eastern suburb of Tampa with easy I-75 access. You'll have a closer commute, while your husband's commute to Sarasota will take about 45 minutes, though with no traffic to speak of since it's opposite rush hour flow to/from Tampa. Conceivably your commute could take 30 minutes or more to the airport so in essence it's nearly equal. Brandon has a great catholic school (Welcome to Nativity Catholic School's Online Connection in Brandon, Florida) and has a wealth of community of services like shopping, parks, recreation, etc.

[movingfromnepa]

Thank you so much for the advice, it was realy helpful.

[bnepler]

look at the Riverview area also. It's also closer to Sarasota and I-75.

[BucFan]

St Pete?

[Sunnydee]

Riverview might be a good midpoint and it has very easy access to I-75. Best wishes.

[JUJYFRUIT0]

most definitely riverview or brandon.