Young professional 30 looking for South Tampa (Brandon, Palm Harbor: real estate, rent, first time home buyer)

[Youngprofessional30]

I am a 30yr old single male currently living in Palm Harbor. I must commute to Westshore Mall and SunCity center for work. I was looking for a more central location that would allow for a better commute. I am looking for nice areas that include nightlife and a good singles scene. I can rent or purchase. Range $700-$1200 a mo. I will be a first time home buyer if I purchase. I do not need a lot of space. Schools are of no importance.

I understand that South Tampa is the trendy area for young professional singles. It also appears to be in a good location between my two job locations. I have lived in Brandon before and would not be against going back. However the commute to Westshore seems far. For South Tampa I have heard good things about: Hyde Park/SoHo, Bayshore, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Channelside. Are these my best options? Anyone know of any good deals? I don't need to move till July, but any help is greatly appreciated. I will sacrifice my "home value" for more disposable income.

[djames59]

anything south of the 275 expressway is gold and over by 7th ave Ybor.

You can also look within the 1/2 mile north of expressway as the movement is heading that way..... welcome to City Livin!!!

D

[he's so hott]

Originally Posted by Youngprofessional30

I am a 30yr old single male currently living in Palm Harbor. I must commute to Westshore Mall and SunCity center for work. I was looking for a more central location that would allow for a better commute. I am looking for nice areas that include nightlife and a good singles scene. I can rent or purchase. Range $700-$1200 a mo. I will be a first time home buyer if I purchase. I do not need a lot of space. Schools are of no importance.

I understand that South Tampa is the trendy area for young professional singles. It also appears to be in a good location between my two job locations. I have lived in Brandon before and would not be against going back. However the commute to Westshore seems far. For South Tampa I have heard good things about: Hyde Park/SoHo, Bayshore, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Channelside. Are these my best options? Anyone know of any good deals? I don't need to move till July, but any help is greatly appreciated. I will sacrifice my "home value" for more disposable income.

Tampa and good singles scene is a oxymoron but I digress. Have you looked at some of the places downtown?

[Keeper]

If I were you I would rent in the location before buying. Depending on what you are looking for in a home there are lots of places in your price range. Just be sure to check for train tracks as one member has noted there is a train that goes by her place early in the AM.

[HemFL]

Try to stick by SoHo(South of Howard) and try to stay south of Kennedy as well. Young singles inhabit the SoHo region like a moth to the flame

[Youngprofessional30]

Thank you all for the advise so far. I have not begun activly searching yet. I have visited the area on a few occasions to have a good time. I am still debating on wheather to get a real estate agent in on this. I have moved several times in the past few years. It looks like Tampa is my spot for the next decade. I will watch for train tracks.

I don't need much space, 850 to 1100 should be fine. My major concerns are location for driving to my jobs without all the God awfull traffic that this area has, and a comfortable spot to sleep. I like to go out on weekends. I shall look for places within the boundries some of you have laid and see what I find.