Moving from Georgia to Tampa.... (Saftey, Sun and Fun) (Orlando: apartments, to rent)

[nina.m]

Well Im moving to FL from Atlanta, GA in March. I love Florida's weather but it's so hard to read. What I may think are nice areas to live actually can be harmful. I know Atlanta is a harsh city but I think Florida's sun actully fools us...lol.

I had considered Orlando but have yet decided to make my way to the Tampa area. I'm looking for a nice quiet place close to the beach, safe and close to
entertainment/shopping/dining/hotels and so fourth. Realistically I would like to rent a condo/apt or even a nice in-law suite. Rent wise I would like to be within $700-$1000, 2bd minimum.

I've been online but it's not the same. As a single 30+ yr old female I want to be somewhere where I feel comfortable in/out the house and around town. I also love the beach, walking trails, crafty areas, lounges great eateries and just beauty of the outdoors.

I also need info on some of the best companies to work for in the area. My background is a blend of Operations and Hospitality but open to exploring new opportunities.

I appreciate any and all recommendations!!!

Thanks in advance!!

[SeaSpur]

I came from Augusta, GA to Tampa last May.

A few things:

- it honestly doesn't get as hot here as the people here think. there are lot of Northerners down here who never lived anywhere between (SC, GA, NC, etc)...so they think this heat is hell. Honestly, I feel like it gets hotter in GA/SC because of the dry heat that takes your breath.

- you asked about jobs as if you are moving here to find one...don't do that. secure a job and then move.

- we chose South Tampa to rent...we can walk to a few bars/restaurants and since we are near Gandy (but above it!) we are what seems like a quick ride to downtown Tampa (even though nothing goes on there- a very dead downtown for a city after 5pm), downtown St. Pete, beaches, and even down to Bradenton, Sarasota (45 mins).

- we pay $900 for a 2 bedroom (with Florida room- they called this a 3br) house but lucked up...we had our life packed into a Budget truck for 4 days looking. I was transferred in my job and only had a short time to get moved.

We also found plenty of 1br/2br places for $800-1000 but they were condos and/or apartments and we REALLY wanted a house with yard...although we almost caved in.

Loving it here so far (but Augusta, GA is horrible). I wish there was a form of mass transit (like MARTA or METRO) because there are a lot of great areas I'd like to dine and have drinks in...but don't as much because I don't drink and drive. Like downtown Dunedin for example...or even downtown St. Pete. Mass transit allows you to really enjoy an area in that respect.

Good luck!

[nina.m]

Thanks!! for the info.

Originally Posted by SeaSpur

I came from Augusta, GA to Tampa last May.

A few things:

- it honestly doesn't get as hot here as the people here think. there are lot of Northerners down here who never lived anywhere between (SC, GA, NC, etc)...so they think this heat is hell. Honestly, I feel like it gets hotter in GA/SC because of the dry heat that takes your breath.

- you asked about jobs as if you are moving here to find one...don't do that. secure a job and then move.

- we chose South Tampa to rent...we can walk to a few bars/restaurants and since we are near Gandy (but above it!) we are what seems like a quick ride to downtown Tampa (even though nothing goes on there- a very dead downtown for a city after 5pm), downtown St. Pete, beaches, and even down to Bradenton, Sarasota (45 mins).

- we pay $900 for a 2 bedroom (with Florida room- they called this a 3br) house but lucked up...we had our life packed into a Budget truck for 4 days looking. I was transferred in my job and only had a short time to get moved.

We also found plenty of 1br/2br places for $800-1000 but they were condos and/or apartments and we REALLY wanted a house with yard...although we almost caved in.

Loving it here so far (but Augusta, GA is horrible). I wish there was a form of mass transit (like MARTA or METRO) because there are a lot of great areas I'd like to dine and have drinks in...but don't as much because I don't drink and drive. Like downtown Dunedin for example...or even downtown St. Pete. Mass transit allows you to really enjoy an area in that respect.

Good luck!