Moving to Tampa area. Help with neighborhoods please!! (Largo, Citrus Park: home, safe neighborhood)

[NewfamilymovingtoTampa]

Help please! We are moving to Tampa area in the next 3 weeks!! My husband found a job in New Tampa area and I found one in Largo. Opposite directions, so we would like something in between although if worst comes to worse, he's willing to do the driving. We're looking for a good family oriented neighborhood in a good school district, preferably with blue ribbon schools. We want a safe neighborhood close to a catholic school if possible. I would love a gated community but it's not a restriction. I'm also looking for a place that offer extra curricular activities where I can take my daughter to gymnastics or swimming classes or dance classes or a variety of options. Any ideas?? Suggestions where to look??
Thanks so much in advance! I'm little overwhelmed!

[tinytrump]

Carrolwood...? catholic church- in between and a great YMCA? blue ribbon- not sure bout that -have grands who moved away. It is quite a drive for either one of you..

[zolita21712]

New Tampa area is nice. South Tampa is ok as well but very expensive and have to worry about flooding during hurricane season or large rain fall.

[MAniacTHW]

If you want a catholic school, what difference does it make how the public schools rank? Anyways, I'd check Westchase.

[Stewabby]

What price range are you looking in?

[PhotoProIP]

My vote goes to Westchase too because:
1. You can hop on Veterans easily and merge to 275 going North towards New Tampa
2. Because you can hop on Veterans and merge on 275 South and go to Largo

Can't help on Catholic schools. But you can check that on greatschools.net, or Google for it.

[Keeper]

I also agree with Westchase or Citrus Park area. Incarnation Catholic School is not too far from Westchase and would not be too far out of the way for you to drop off on your way to Largo. Catholic HS will be a different story, although the public HS near Westchase is fairly new and has a good rep. There are other schools but Incarnation would be the closet.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-...&ved=0CJECELYD

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by Keeper

I also agree with Westchase or Citrus Park area. Incarnation Catholic School is not too far from Westchase and would not be too far out of the way for you to drop off on your way to Largo. Catholic HS will be a different story, although the public HS near Westchase is fairly new and has a good rep. There are other schools but Incarnation would be the closet.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-...&ved=0CJECELYD

Jesiut seems to be a pretty popular all boys hs. However, it is a good drive away from Westchase.

[tinytrump]

you will have to sit and map out where the schools are, where your jobs are and what areas to live in first, and what job can be changed,,, are they both carreer positions? the tarffic is bad and someone needs to be close to the school for emergencies.

[lavender]

Assuming perhaps one of you is going to be the primary carer for the children, ie the one who has to deal with the children if they are sick etc. Then that person should have their job and home nearest to one another. The other one can do the drive, it makes practical sense.
If its you mom - then look at Seminole, there is a catholic school St Patricks in Largo, small and decent. Though St Pete Cath high school is rated. Seminole like most Bay area neighborhoods has lots of sport options/dance/amusements/outdoor activities all round, so least of worries I would say. Close to beach which is a nice free option for free time too. If its dad, then look at New Tampa area - sorry other posters will have to advise on the private schools in that area. Some of the Catholic High schools have big sticker prices be ready for that.