[Chloe0730]

We are relocating from the midwest(its currently 5 degrees here) and after researching many parts of Florida, we have decided on the Tampa area. I am 26, married, with two young children. I have a business background. My husband and I make around $80,000 a year combined. We want somewhere SAFE, good schools, fun, and ideal for young families. I am aware that finding a job is the first step to determine where to live. But which area would fit my needs? Sarasota, St. Pete, or Clearwater?

[OpinionInOcala]

Sarasota is by far the best of the three options you've listed.

[kyle19125]

Clearwater is an excellent option with safe, family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from and quite a bit more to do in the state's second largest metro area (Tampa Bay). The adjoining suburbs of Palm Harbor, East Lake, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor have great schools and are in close proximity to a job market with a good many more choices most likely. The area has a lot of cultural events suitable for families, three professional sports franchises games to attend and a huge list of group recreational activities for kids.

Figure Skating - Tampa Bay Skating Academy
Youth Hockey - Tampa Bay Skating Academy
Oldsmar Soccer Club :: powered by Demosphere
Clearwater Aquatic Team : About Us
TBYFL
Oldsmar BMX
Museums | Visit Tampa Bay
Tampa Arts & Culture | Visit Tampa Bay

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Chloe0730

We are relocating from the midwest(its currently 5 degrees here) and after researching many parts of Florida, we have decided on the Tampa area. I am 26, married, with two young children. I have a business background. My husband and I make around $80,000 a year combined. We want somewhere SAFE, good schools, fun, and ideal for young families. I am aware that finding a job is the first step to determine where to live. But which area would fit my needs? Sarasota, St. Pete, or Clearwater?

Sarasota by far has the best schools of the three. St. Pete would be last. But securing jobs first is key. Then look for your neighborhood, if you end up in Pinellas go for Palm Harbor - much better schools there than elsewhere in Pinellas.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Sarasota by far has the best schools of the three. St. Pete would be last. But securing jobs first is key. Then look for your neighborhood, if you end up in Pinellas go for Palm Harbor - much better schools there than elsewhere in Pinellas.

Actually many school sub-districts in Pinellas are on par with Sarasota which is much smaller (Sarasota County totals around 5000 students versus over 100,000 in Pinellas County) and Sarasota County is nowhere near as economically diverse. Palm Harbor "excels" because of it's magnet high school which draws the brightest students from around the area and doesn't necessarily speak to the quality of the school and/or it's educators. Places like East Lake, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Countryside/NE Clearwater, Seminole and parts of Largo have A-rated schools as well, without the plumped up magnet school test scores.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Actually many school sub-districts in Pinellas are on par with Sarasota which is much smaller (Sarasota County totals around 5000 students versus over 100,000 in Pinellas County) and Sarasota County is nowhere near as economically diverse. Palm Harbor "excels" because of it's magnet high school which draws the brightest students from around the area and doesn't necessarily speak to the quality of the school and/or it's educators. Places like East Lake, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Countryside/NE Clearwater, Seminole and parts of Largo have A-rated schools as well, without the plumped up magnet school test scores.

That all may be so, Kyle. However, Sarasota is consistently ranked has having the overall second best school system in the state. Not to mention fantastic private schools, schools for the gifted, and many colleges. Many people move here solely with the schools in mind. What does"economically diverse" have to do with anything? (In your post)

Whatever. I am sure people can find a decent school most anywhere if other things fit their criteria.

[Chloe0730]

Thank you all so much! It seems that the Tampa/St.Pete/Clearwater areas are on top of each other. Meaning, that I could work in Tampa and still live in Clearwater, etc. But sarasota is limited in jobs but I am more interested in that area. Everyone I've talked to has said that I would NOT want to commute to the Tampa/St Pete area daily and Im sure they are right!

[SouthSota14]

Only experience in the area fix whats going on in order for you to get used to life in Florida around the whole area. You have to go to ALL area if necessary to see where you like the most. Right now for me its a tie between North St Pete (4th and 38th Ave N - 86th Ave N area) and South Sarasota.. Venice if you want to go a little further or Palm Harbor in the other direction. Largo I hated, Clearwater I also don't like.. Safety Harbor is too crowded now. The whole area is getting worse though no matter how you slice it. You may find you may take the most further out places out of them all just to be away from people. Theres that much distrust down here in FL and until more people show me wrong, I am sticking to my opinions.

[Tamika929]

I heard Clearwater is safe so that's good

[Restrain]

1. Get the JOB. Come down, rent, and get the job. Where you desire to live is secondary. So many jobs down here are service-level.

2. You need to be down here to get the job, where they can see you. So many people apply for the same job.

3. Once you get the job, then you can look at where you want to live. You will be able to make intelligent decisions as to neighborhoods, schools, etc.

Good luck.