Help with a Place to Rent? Westchase? Clearwater? Carrollwood? (Tampa: apartment, student loans)

[romes591]

I am a single male in my late 20s and I'm scrambling to find a new place to rent. I am not one to get along with a random room mate and I don't have any friends who are currently looking/able to move out. So I'm looking for a 1 bed 1 bath at the moment.

Full disclosure, I am not making what I use to before I got laid off from my last job, and have tons of student loans to pay. I currently live in Westchase and pay $750 monthly for a 1/1. That is the cheapest I have ever seen in Westchase and I can't find anything cheaper. If anyone knows of anything in Westchase cheaper than that please let me know because I'd love to stay in this area!

If not, I am just looking for a nice 1/1 for hopefully $600 monthly or less. It may be a lot to ask at that price but I'd like to live in a nice part of town (not much crime).

The areas I am willing to live are...

Tampa: Westchase, Carrollwood, and a distant 3rd for South Tampa
Clearwater: Pretty much anywhere, but closer to the beach the better.
North Pinellas: Open to Palm Harbor & Safety Harbor

Can't do East Tampa or St. Pete, just too much distance to my offices.

If anyone knows any nice little secret places to check out let me know. Craigslist and the apartment finding sites aren't giving me much.

Thanks for any help.

[Tim Tim Tim]

if your willing to go a tad more north, id suggest lake carlton arms on Van Dyke right next to the veterans. They include basic cable and water in your bill and if I remember correctly, a 1/1 starts in the mid 500's. The place is well kept and most units have a lake view as well.

[romes591]

Thanks, seems pretty nice I'll check it out. Any other ideas from anyone?