Moving in July, possibly Brandon area (Jacksonville, Tampa: apartment, rentals, house)

[Espntb]

We will be moving from Jacksonville in the middle of July. We like the Brandon/riverview area but are open to suggestions. My husband will be starting his job in June but he won't know where his permanent job location will be (in Tampa, we just dont know which area). Commute time isn't a major factor, he would prefer to be about 30-45 minutes away from anywhere within Tampa city limits. We are looking to rent for now and are budgeting $1000. We have 2 small children so schools are a factor in choosing the area. We would really just like to know what areas to avoid ( no hoods). Thank you for your help.

[BucFan]

I keep reading that commute time isn't a factor. I'd think it's a big factor. Price of gas. What price do you place on your time? Driving an hour each way five times a week adds up.

I ALWAYs try to live relatively close to where I've worked. Gives you more personal time w/ family/children, time to exercise before work if you want, etc.

Why make the Rat Race harder than it needs to be with a 45-1 hr commute each way.

End Rant.

[LKJ1988]

No way i would wanna wrestle driving in heavy, clogged traffic 5 days a week. Then you have to add in the price of gas will top $7 a gal not very far off.

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by BucFan

I keep reading that commute time isn't a factor. I'd think it's a big factor. Price of gas. What price do you place on your time? Driving an hour each way five times a week adds up.

I ALWAYs try to live relatively close to where I've worked. Gives you more personal time w/ family/children, time to exercise before work if you want, etc.

Why make the Rat Race harder than it needs to be with a 45-1 hr commute each way.

End Rant.

Because not everyone wants to live IN the city. In the end, cost wise it evens out. For the house we rent in Brandon would cost several hundred more in Tampa (if we're lucky), so in the end, the cost in the gas evens out. I prefer living in the suburbs instead of the city.

[jimazee]

30-45 minutes isn't an exceptional commute for many folks. It is up to the OP to define their parameters, priorities, and choices. For all we know they may be commuting longer now.

[Espntb]

I will be staying home with the kids so spending time together as a family won't be an issue since he will have 3-4 days off a week. He doesn't mind a commute if we are in an area that is good for the family, which is why I am here asking for advice to find a place that fits our needs.

[algia]

Your price range for rent doesn't look like it will even get you an apartment by where the "good schools" are. That price range you mention is not close to the good areas...have you looked at rentals on realtor.com, trulia.com etc? that stuff you see cheap on Craigslist is nowhere nears the good schools.

IMO

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by algia

Your price range for rent doesn't look like it will even get you an apartment by where the "good schools" are. That price range you mention is not close to the good areas...have you looked at rentals on realtor.com, trulia.com etc? that stuff you see cheap on Craigslist is nowhere nears the good schools.

IMO

That's not necessarily true. My house is not much more than that (1300) and its huge. I think 1000 for a 2 bed house in Brandon in a good neighborhood is a reasonable price.

[sheklesinATemple]

30 45 min commute from Brandon is really not that bad, it depends what you're use to ! in fact if you learn the traffic flow and pattern on 60, or crosstown, you can actually time it very well..unless you want to leave when every other idiot does in brandon of villa rica...lol just get up and get going and learn the patterns in tampa, they are very predictable

heck, try driving across the skyway everyday