safest area to live with kids (need to be near school) (Tampa: apartment, house)

[krpiel]

Hello- My 3 kids (ages 3, 10 & 14) and I are moving to Tampa from Indiana around mid-August to be near the Autism school my 14 year old will be attending. (Florida Autism Charter School of Excellence-6400 East Chelsea Street, Tampa) I also have applications in at 3 elementary magnet schools for my 10 year old (1st choice-Cahoon at 2312 E. Yukon Street, 2nd-Muller at 13615 N. 22nd Street and 3rd is Philip Shore Elem at 1908 East 2nd Ave-won't know which school, if any,until end of July/1st Aug). My husband will stay here in Indiana until he finds a job in Tampa, so it will just be me in a new city with 3 kids. (Crazy? Maybe, but we love our son and this school seems to be what he needs) I need to find an apartment in a safe area with as short a commute to these schools as possible (the Autism school looks like it's within 10 minutes to all three magnets). I have read that the magnet schools are placed in bad neighborhoods, so I would imagine living nearer to the Autism school would be a better idea. My main apartment criteria is a 2 bedroom, preferrably gated community or with security of some sort, and in the price range of about $700-$750. (trying to pay for an apartment in Tampa AND a house back in Indiana) I have been able to find some in that price range on-line, but there are so many to chose from and I have no idea if they are in a good or bad area. I also do not want to find an apartment close by the schools, only to have to be stuck in congested traffic en-route to the schools each day. I've been told Brandon is a good area, but is the commute from Brandon to East Chelsea Street a good or bad one? I've heard mixed reviews about Temple Terrace, too (which is central to both kid's schools). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks and have a great day!!