Best area for young professionals other than South Tampa?

[ApolloBeachRetiree]

Originally Posted by chrisc412

Are they currently building in the community? Any idea how much the maintenance fees are?
Thanks

Yes, they are building. We are in Bay Breeze, the "cottage" or beach style homes. We are maintenance free where I live, paying 180 a month for maintenance including all water used inside and outside. The HOA fee is 180 per year. There is a CDD which will vary dependinding on lot size. The price of the house we had built falls in the lower end of your range. The houses on the lagoons with boat docks and water access are more expensive.

[chrisc412]

Originally Posted by PowderSpringsDad

Yes, they are building. We are in Bay Breeze, the "cottage" or beach style homes. We are maintenance free where I live, paying 180 a month for maintenance including all water used inside and outside. The HOA fee is 180 per year. There is a CDD which will vary dependinding on lot size. The price of the house we had built falls in the lower end of your range. The houses on the lagoons with boat docks and water access are more expensive.

How far are you from the beaches and the city of Tampa? What would you say are the total fees you pay to use the pool etc. in the community? Are there alot of families with kids? How about real estate taxes?

Thanks for your assistance

[ApolloBeachRetiree]

Originally Posted by chrisc412

How far are you from the beaches and the city of Tampa? What would you say are the total fees you pay to use the pool etc. in the community? Are there a lot of families with kids? How about real estate taxes?

Thanks for your assistance

One of the reasons we chose Mirabay is that it is located on Tampa Bay. Also, we did not want an over 55 community. Yes, Mirabay has lots of families. We do not pay extra to use the pool. There are also tennis courts and a gym. All are included in the 180.00 per year HOA fee. Taxes will be much more expensive than we were paying in Georgia. Our taxes will be around $5400.00 per year which includes the CDD of $2250.00.

We are located less than 20 miles from downtown Tampa. When I do go to Tampa, I usually drive up 41 rather than I-75. It's a more direct route. We've not been to any of the area beaches yet so I cannot say how far we'd have to go to a nice area beach.

[BBI]

Originally Posted by ATLtoTPA

Hey there,

We're moving to Tampa soon and I'd love suggestions on neighborhoods that would appeal to young professionals with children. I'm not really interested in being too far from South Tampa, but can't afford Hyde Park, Davis Island, etc... Our price range is $300-500k. We have friends in South Tampa but family in Palm Harbor.

My ideal situation would be to build new construction... I've found options in Citrus Park (near Old Memorial Golf Course), Carrollwood, and downtown St. Pete. I am not at all familiar with any of those areas. Very familiar with Westchase and the Pinellas suburbs, as we have family there.

Between Carrollwood and Citrus Park, which would be more ideal for social, young professionals with a small child?

Appreciate any suggestions!! Thank you!

Do you want more of a 'city neighborhood' feel, like Hyde Park, or out in the burbs like Carrollwood or Citrus Park? If city neighborhood, check out Old Northeast St. Pete. I know a few couples who moved here after deciding South Tampa was too pricey. Lots of posts here on the Old NE, but a few quick thoughts:

• Relaxed beach-vacation sort of a vibe. Too relaxed for some people.
• Few empty lots remaining in the neighborhood, but when you say you found an option "downtown," I'm assuming you actually mean here...?
• Between here and downtown, good young professional community, lots of families, very active/social. This is Pinellas, so no shortage of retirees, either.
• Public schools are worse than South Tampa, unless you hit the magnet/charter/whatever lottery (which most people who apply seem to do). Better odds you'd want to go private. But half the people I know in South Tampa send their kids private, and everyone I know in Carrollwood does. So I'm not sure what your plan is there or whether publics matter.
• Excellent park system along the bay in the neighborhood -- and you end up using the little bay beach a lot more than you would think. Lots of little kids running around there on warm days.
• Neighborhood's adjacent (and mostly walkable) to downtown, which has a dozens of retaurants, some concert venues, festivals and events most weekends, etc.
• If price point here is too high, Crescent Lake (across 4th St) has the same vibe/look/feel at a lower price pont.
• Not sure where work is or whether St. Pete would be an acceptable commute.

[ApolloBeachREGuy]

Yes, new homes are being built, and there are some good - almost new re sales also. You need to experience it to judge the value of the amenities and the community. Fees will vary based on type of housing unit, and lot size. It is very special, like a tropical resort.

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Downtown St. Pete, Davis Islands, Westchase, Brandon