Moving to Tampa - Public Schools - $600k (Palm Harbor, University: home builders, luxury)

[NYrelocater]

I am moving with my wife and three smaller children to the Tampa area. The children would be going into grades 4, 2 and K this fall. My house budget is approximately $600k. I have seen that South Tampa has great schools but I am trying to find other locations where there are good public schools within a 60 minute drive of Tampa. Has anyone relocated to the Tampa area who has any recommendations of where this level house is available and also public schools that are well regarded?? Thanks

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by NYrelocater

I am moving with my wife and three smaller children to the Tampa area. The children would be going into grades 4, 2 and K this fall. My house budget is approximately $600k. I have seen that South Tampa has great schools but I am trying to find other locations where there are good public schools within a 60 minute drive of Tampa. Has anyone relocated to the Tampa area who has any recommendations of where this level house is available and also public schools that are well regarded?? Thanks

Lutz, Fishawk ranch, Palm harbor all have good schools comparable to South Tampa from k to 12

[floridagirl777]

Safety Harbor. Great family location. Great schools. For 600K, you could get a really lovely home.

[Stewabby]

Fishhawk Ranch has terrific schools. In Pinellas county I've heard that Safety and Palm Harbor are good as well.

[gulfer]

A brand new subdivision is going up just North of Westchase called Old Memorial. Taylor Morrison, David Weekly and Arthur Rutenburg are Luxury home builders that are building this one. Large lots, and a easy drive to the schools, a short distance for pretty much everything that you will need. It is also on the Northside of the Golf Course if you enjoy that as well.

[roadtrip75]

And when they say "Palm Harbor", that means both Palm Harbor University High as well as East Lake High on the other side of Lake Tarpon.

[cruunited]

I am in exactly your same spot. We are moving in July. I'm originally from the area, but have been away for 20 years. We have 3 children - a bit older than yours. Ours are 9, 11, and 13. We have narrowed our search to Palm Harbor / Oldsmar. More specifically Lansbrook and Aberdeen (Turtle Creek). We want a new home, good schools, close to beach, and close to Tampa. Our range is 550-600.

The only drawback to Landsbrook is the middle school, Tarpon Middle. Not the end of the world, but would prefer Carlisle (I think that's the name). That's why we also are considering Aberdeen.

The East Lake area seems newer, good schools, and halfway between Tampa and beaches. I read somewhere online here that Tarpon Middle isn't that bad and there have been good experiences, so I'm sure it would work out.

Based on looking, it does seem like there aren't as many homes on the market, so maybe prices are heading upward. Excited about the move, but nervous for the kids. I'm sure they will be fine, but going somewhere new is always scary.

Good luck and please keep me posted on what you find.

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by floridagirl777

Safety Harbor. Great family location. Great schools. For 600K, you could get a really lovely home.

Depends on what criteria you are basing great schools on. I dont start a whole "schools is what you make it" "parental involvement" etc etc debate, but if you want schools that are rated either 9 or 10 from k-12, you really have Palm Harbor, Lutz, Fishhawk and South Tampa. I am not saying that other schools are bad or anything of the sort, obviously I can only speak to the schools my children have attended I am just going by what most people recommend to use as gauge on this forum (greatschools ratings).

[Pragmaticus]

Originally Posted by DUNNDFRNT

Depends on what criteria you are basing great schools on. I dont start a whole "schools is what you make it" "parental involvement" etc etc debate, but if you want schools that are rated either 9 or 10 from k-12, you really have Palm Harbor, Lutz, Fishhawk and South Tampa. I am not saying that other schools are bad or anything of the sort, obviously I can only speak to the schools my children have attended I am just going by what most people recommend to use as gauge on this forum (greatschools ratings).

If I follow your own definition of having a great K-12 as having a rank of 9 or 10 on all three categries from great school dat net, I will already throw out Lutz and Palm Harbor since they don't meet that criteria. I didn't take the time to check on the others........

I personally prefer to look at the data staight from the department of education on student performance to know how schools are doing. I have linked that source previously. Yes, I am one of those who thinks just sending your kid to a 9 or 10 is not enough......if you find the place with that rating all the way to high school in the first place.

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by MeInDenudinFL

If I follow your own definition of having a great K-12 as having a rank of 9 or 10 on all three categries from great school dat net, I will already throw out Lutz and Palm Harbor since they don't meet that criteria. I didn't take the time to check on the others........

I personally prefer to look at the data staight from the department of education on student performance to know how schools are doing. I have linked that source previously. Yes, I am one of those who thinks just sending your kid to a 9 or 10 is not enough......if you find the place with that rating all the way to high school in the first place.

I stand corrected. I agree it takes more than a highly rated school, and kids can excel in schools that are not highly rated under the right circumstances. I actually just read my own comment and it does sound a bit douchy.