Neighbor Friendly City??

[floridacara]

I like Brandon, although I think I would say Valrico (right next door) is a little nicer, and seems a bit more friendlier. I lived in Valrico for about two years and loved it. Like Sunnydee's area, there were lots of friendly people - neighborhood get togethers and barbeques, the kids were happy without being obnoxious, everyone was well mannered.

If you want to look at the Pinellas area, I'd recommend Dunedin, but that may be further than what you are interested in.

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by floridacara

I like Brandon, although I think I would say Valrico (right next door) is a little nicer, and seems a bit more friendlier. I lived in Valrico for about two years and loved it. Like Sunnydee's area, there were lots of friendly people - neighborhood get togethers and barbeques, the kids were happy without being obnoxious, everyone was well mannered.

If you want to look at the Pinellas area, I'd recommend Dunedin, but that may be further than what you are interested in.

I tend to agree. I'm in the brandon area right at the verge of Valrico so maybe that's why my area is a little "friendlier" as well. Its nice to see the neighborhood kids out playing outside, we have the neighbor over saturday nights for a bit of cards, we usually do a cook out every couple weeks or so... its just nice to see people OUT and about with each other.

Its not unusual to see kids playing football in the yard or street, or playing basketball, or a little RC car. Our road is pretty slow for traffic (and the only people that drive on our street are ones that live here since its a short block), so its great for kids to play in. Great thing is, dont even have to worry about the kids since you and the other parents are out chatting and hanging out anyway with the kids!

[mystpete]

BEST OLD HOUSE NEIGHBORHOODS 2012: FAMILY FRIENDLY

Old Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida

Boasting an eclectic mix of traditional house styles, Old Northeast is set amid the kind of lush, tropical landscape that put the Sunshine State on the map. Once farmland, the area was developed in 1911 as St. Petersburg's first neighborhood and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoorsy types love its waterfront parks and miles of hiking and biking trails along the Tampa Bay and the Coffeepot Bayou, while culture mavens take in concerts and art shows at the historic Palladium Theater, among other venues. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance, and events like an annual Easter-egg hunt, Independence Day parade, and street closings for Halloween trick-or-treating attract throngs of local families.

The Houses
Along the bay and the bayou are grand mansions built during Florida's land boom of the 1920s. More-modest houses, interspersed with apartment buildings, populate the tree-lined, red-brick streets. Styles include Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, and Italian Renaissance, with prices ranging from $90,000 to $400,000.

Why Buy Here?
The 2011 opening of the new Salvador Dali Museum and the restoration of the landmark 1925 Vinoy Hotel, where locals often stop to enjoy an iced tea on the veranda, have brought cachet and tourist dollars to the area. Many think the exposure will drive up interest—and property values—in this charming neighborhood.

I just love this neighborhood & St Pete!

[Keeper]

I have lived in many areas of Tampa and found that many people are friendly however if you work you generally don't have time to socialize with your neighbors during the week.

My kids and grandsons always had neighborhood friends. My grandsons use to come over every weekend to our house. The neighborhood kids calls my DH 'Paw paw' and me 'Grannie' because they were always at our house playing.

I think you will find in new neighborhoods where everyone is new, it is easier to meet your neighbors. Not always but I think it is easier since no one knows anyone there.