Possibly relocating from Ohio (Tampa, St. Petersburg: rent, car insurance, condo)

[Dewddd]

Some family members of mine are thinking about moving to Florida, preferably the St. Petersburg area. We are from Columbus, OH and dont know much about the area. I promised to help them look. They are looking for 1. a good public school system
2. a location close to St. Petersburg (not as important)
3. the cost of living -- how much would it be to live in this area?
4. low crime area

They are a family of three, so maybe a 3 bedroom house or even a condo in a good area. They have visited the area a few times and have a little bit of an idea. Any input would help. Thanks!

[LoveTheHyatt]

We moved here from Ohio last March. We lived in a suburb of Cincinnati. As for the cost of living, rent is about the same. Groceries are much higher. Electric is less, but we use it more, especially during the summer. Our car insurance doubled.

As for school systems, I preferred Pinellas County over Hillsborough (Tampa). That's how we ended up here. My youngest son is a struggling student and he has done well here. He was "left behind" many times in Ohio (he was at an "excellent with distinction" elementary there). As with Ohio, there is too much emphasis on testing and not enough with teaching.

As for areas, I'm not that familiar with St. Pete, but what I have been down there, I wasn't crazy about it. We live in Clearwater/Safety Harbor which is in Northern Pinellas. My husband and I both work in Tampa and it's about 35 to 40 minutes. However, we drive across the Courtney Campbell Causeway which isn't really a commute, but a "scenic drive."

Good luck!