Dunedin vs. Seminole? (Tampa, Winter Springs, Safety Harbor: real estate, rental, condo)

[mafam]

Any thoughts on Dunedin vs. Seminole? We're a family of 4 with a 6 and 11 year old and we're considering a move. We'll be commuting to Tampa and St. Pete's.
We're looking for school quality, cultural/artistic "feel", safe community, friendly atmosphere. We'll be renting for now. Any exceptional neighborhoods to look at? Condo, townhouse or single family house is ok. It would be nice to be in an area with other families. Any info you can provide would be helpful.

[cariad]

Safety Harbor is another excellent area for families. About equal commutes to downtown Tampa and St. Pete.

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by mafam

Any thoughts on Dunedin vs. Seminole? We're a family of 4 with a 6 and 11 year old and we're considering a move. We'll be commuting to Tampa and St. Pete's.
We're looking for school quality, cultural/artistic "feel", safe community, friendly atmosphere. We'll be renting for now. Any exceptional neighborhoods to look at? Condo, townhouse or single family house is ok. It would be nice to be in an area with other families. Any info you can provide would be helpful.

Well, we lived in and my wife taught school in Seminole and my mother did both in the Dunedin area... From what I can tell both have very good schools by Florida standards. I'd say Dunedin has more of the cultural/artistic "feel". "Safe community" is difficult to gauge depending on where in Seminole you're looking (you are comparing a town with an entire county after all).... A lot of the better neighborhoods in Seminole seem to be people closer to retirement than those with families, but there are both around (and this is where I can't provide any more info on Dunedin since I didn't actually live there, sorry). In Seminole it really depends on how much you can spend as far as neighborhood are concerned. My favorite has always been The Highlands off of 434 as they did a wonderful job keeping the landscaping and it's beautiful with nature trails in the woods, a community pool and tennis courts etc. Word of caution there would be to find out what the plans are with the Winter Springs Golf Club as the course weaves through the neighborhood and was recently purchased and closed down..... If they have any intent on tearing it up and developing on the land steer clear because it will be a mess for a long time and destroy YET ANOTHER beautiful community in Florida.

Good Luck

[cariad]

Originally Posted by VAFury

"Safe community" is difficult to gauge depending on where in Seminole you're looking (you are comparing a town with an entire county after all)....

I may be wrong, but thought the OP was referring to the town of Seminole in Pinellas County.

[mafam]

Yes, we were looking for info about the town of Seminole in Pinellas County, not the county of Seminole.

[cariad]

Using the qualities you mentioned in your 1st post, I would rank
1. safety harbor
2.dunedin
3.seminole.
Seminole has some very nice areas, but it also has an "urban sprawl" look. Probably most affordable, if you are on a tight budget, though there is not as significant a difference in rental costs.
Dunedin has charm, artistic/cultural feel in the downtown waterfront area, and more scattered urban parts, as you go east towards 19.
Safety Harbor is smaller than Dunedin, and has all the qualities you mentioned.
It would be my first choice to look, although I would live in any of the 3 areas if I found the home I wanted.

edit to add: except that I wouldn't choose seminole if I had to commute to Tampa

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by mafam

Yes, we were looking for info about the town of Seminole in Pinellas County, not the county of Seminole.

Oh......... Well then bite me.....

[dunedingirl]

I would say Dunedin, but of course I am biased. Safety Harbor is pretty but kinda snobby, Dunedin is younger, hipper and more things to do. Great programs for kids, good schools, community center, and library. They are building a first class skateboard park, have a wonderful summer program at the art center and Honeymmon Island and Caladesi are ranked #1 in the nation right now for their beaches. Housing is still affordable and the downtown area is the best! At Christmas time they have an "Old Fashioned Christmas" with horse drawn carriage rides, wandering carolers and barber shop quartets. It has a real hometown feel but very hip at the same time. I sell real estate down here and I have lived all my life in Pinellas County. I have lived in Seminole and it always semed like a retirement village. Much older and more spread out. Just email me if you have any questions!