From South Florida to Tampa area (Clearwater, Sarasota: renters, insurance, established neighborhood)

[cfbs2691]

Has anyone recently moved from South Florida to the Tampa area who's in their 40s? I'm interested in a slower, more down to earth lifestyle, but don't want too sleepy. I'm originally from Wisconsin, have lived in the Deerfield-Boca area for 16 years and am ready for a change. Single, no kids, love the beach, arts, and nice scenery, as well as nice people. People in my area aren't too keen on making new friends; generally speaking. Also, aren't there certain areas around the Tampa area where you can't get renters insurance??

[bman2011]

When I searched for rental places near the Tampa area I found several places where they required no renter's insurance. I searched Craigslist for a lot of my places though and eventually found one through a realtor listing for an apt on craigslist. As for making friends, I honestly don't think it will be any different for you here. If that's what you are here for, then I don't think this is the place for it in my opinion. Keep in mind I've only been here about 5 months my whole life, I moved here not too long ago but figured you should get a perspective as unique as mine and as close to your situation.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by bman2011

When I searched for rental places near the Tampa area I found several places where they required no renter's insurance. I searched Craigslist for a lot of my places though and eventually found one through a realtor listing for an apt on craigslist. As for making friends, I honestly don't think it will be any different for you here. If that's what you are here for, then I don't think this is the place for it in my opinion. Keep in mind I've only been here about 5 months my whole life, I moved here not too long ago but figured you should get a perspective as unique as mine and as close to your situation.

I was able to track down an old neighbor who had moved from South Florida to Tampa a few years ago.
She said it's night and day as far as the people being much more friendly in Tampa

[Kwanger]

Originally Posted by cfbs2691

Has anyone recently moved from South Florida to the Tampa area who's in their 40s? I'm interested in a slower, more down to earth lifestyle, but don't want too sleepy. I'm originally from Wisconsin, have lived in the Deerfield-Boca area for 16 years and am ready for a change. Single, no kids, love the beach, arts, and nice scenery, as well as nice people. People in my area aren't too keen on making new friends; generally speaking. Also, aren't there certain areas around the Tampa area where you can't get renters insurance??

You might like somewhere like South St Pete Beach area - it's all pretty chilled down there but still plenty going on. A lot of older/established neighborhoods and properties, you might like it. You could always do a couple of long weekends to check out the whole area. In fact, most of the whole Key/Barrier island area from St Pete all the way to Sarasota is similar. Nice beaches and a bit arts/crafty type scene. Not sure on availability of renters insurance that way on - I'd think you can get it, but probably will have to a pay a premium if you are right on the waterfront...can't see how it'd be much different from Deerfield, same sort of general hurricane threat.

[tinytrump]

Clearwater is nice cental location,,, I like it, but social life is the pits,,, miss S Fla for that reason

[cfbs2691]

Any thoughts about Oldsmar? I'll definitely make some weekend trips up that way, but want a plan of attack, so I don't just go into vacation mode while I'm there