thinking of USF, decent neighborhoods 1hr+ away, cook jobs? (Tampa: to rent, employment)

[katiemk12]

Hi everyone, my apologies if I should have posted this in a reply to a similar thread, I'm unfamiliar with the site.

I'm thinking of moving to the Tampa area in the fall for grad school, if I end up getting into and deciding on USF. I'd be moving from Western Mass, and have been to visit the bay "area" a few times, but have usually stayed in nice beachy areas, not downtown (though I have been to a few areas downtown), so I need some advice on good neighborhoods. I'm ok with up to an hour's commute, I'm used to that to get anywhere, where I currently live in the middle of nowhere. How far is Brandon from USF? I've heard that's an ok area. Also, I know unemployment rates are high, but my boyfriend who'd be moving with me is a cook, which at least around here has seemed recession proof. Anyone know if that industry has been hit hard too? What are the best areas to look for cook or sous chef jobs (not fast food or crappy chain, but it doesn't have to be the fanciest place in the world either)


Where is your employment and the hours you will be working.
n/a for me, but my boyfriend will need a full time cooking job.

What is your budget for housing. Do you want to rent or buy?
Rent - 700-900, and we have cats so it must be pet friendly.

What is an acceptable commute time?
up to an hour

What else is important to you?
SAFETY. I'd prefer to live somewhere within an hour of the beach, or some sort of nature, if possible (but safety is the bigger priority). Also we're in our mid and late twenties, so we don't need the college/party scene. restaurants, bars, a few things to do would be great, but I'd prefer not to live in party central.

[Sunscape]

No, you don't have to post in an ongoing thread, it's better the way you did it for then the regulars will see it as your individual post.

[GoRays813]

Brandon may be a good fit although the quality of life isn't too great for a couple in their mid-twenties. It's not horrible; just not much to do. The commute to USF is definitely do-able, the rent prices are lower than other neighborhoods, and there are plenty of restaurants although they tend to be chain-restaurants. I used to live in Tuscany Ridge off of Faulkenburg and Causeway and loved it although I've heard that they have changed the managing company so can't speak about it now. I prefer South Tampa and from a cook's perspective, it would be a better place to work but the rent is higher. You could find a modest 1/1 in South Tampa if you look particularly around the Westshore area. The commute is a bit further to USF but easily manageable.