Which neighbourhood suits us best? (Tampa, Fort Myers: for rent, condos, houses)

[Ombrages]

Hi everyone, looking for some advice on which neighborhood we should pick for our relocation to Tampa.. We are a couple in our early 30s relocating to Tampa from Fort Myers. We are young professionals. Same-sex couple (if that matters), no children and no pets. One of us will be working at Moffitt Cancer Center on the graveyard shift. The other will also be working night shift at Tampa General. We prefer somewhat walkable neighborhoods (we understand what that means in Florida), breweries, restaurants, performing arts, going to the beach (on occasion), and walking/jogging. We are not into suburbs, country clubs, and gated communities.


Ideally, we are looking for a 2 bed / 2bath. Could be either a condo or a small house, with parking for 2 cars. We don't need much square footage. 900-1000 sq. ft. would suffice. Budget of +/- 2,000$ a month. Could go a little higher if it is furnished. We are okay with a 30 minute or so commute.


We made 3 trips in Tampa for interviews and drove around the neighborhoods. We saw Davis Islands, Harbor Island, Hyde Park, Channelside and Seminole Heights and Downtown St. Pete's. We are of course very into the Downtown St Pete vibe. Unfortunately, it felt just too far from Moffitt to commute (correct me if I am wrong about that). I found Seminole Heights to be a little scary... I did notice however the Craftsman Bungalows that everyone is talking about. I was told to avoid Channelside as it would be too noisy for night shift workers who would need to sleep during the day (true?). Hyde Park of course is beautiful, but I'm not sure it would be within our price range. There didn't seem to be that much for rent on Davis Islands. Harbor Island looks really nice, but again, price seems to be an issue.


We would like your advice as to which neighborhood would suit us best considering our lifestyle and budget. Would there be another area that we should consider?





Thank you in advance.

[mrviking]

Originally Posted by Ombrages

I found Seminole Heights to be a little scary...

Just a little scary?

[cjairo191]

I would suggest Channelside. I work in it and its pretty quiet unless you are near one of the new buildings going up. $2,000 is a little tight I believe for a 2/2 but may be able to find a condo/apt. Same sex couples and hippies are in large numbers in the Heights. Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. The Heights and Ybor has takes the reward I think, if you looking for breweries, bars, and hip non chain places to hang out. Tampa Heights has condos going up and Seminole Heights mostly houses but a few condos going up which will probably be snatched quickly. At 2,000 I think you might be priced out for any of the islands. I think look at the new Condos going up in the Heights, but if you go down a particular street, it might be scary. Welcome to the city of Tampa...

[bentlebee]

First of all let me say that Tampa Bay area is not an area that you have to bring up your background or sexual preference as I never heard of any area that is not acceptable of people of any background.

Tampa Bay is pretty much a mingle of all backgrounds, religion, etc.

Second, Thanks for working at such a great places as Moffitt and other Hospitals have great people, dedicated to service patients the best.

Carrollwood has for that price range more sqft, than South Tampa.

There are multiple roads that you can take to Fowler/Fletcher if the Interstate gets backed up so you have alternate routes if you decide to move a little further out.

Welcome to Tampa Bay.

[MortonR]

Parts of Seminole Heights, while pricey, will certainly offer the "vibe" that you're looking for and most likely continue to appreciate handsomely over time. I have a work associate who lives just a few blocks from the Armature Works and they constantly rave about all the great changes that are taking place in that area.

RM

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by MortonR

Parts of Seminole Heights, while pricey, will certainly offer the "vibe" that you're looking for and most likely continue to appreciate handsomely over time. I have a work associate who lives just a few blocks from the Armature Works and they constantly rave about all the great changes that are taking place in that area.

RM

Armature would be in Tampa Heights, but I agree, that area is where it's at right now. You'd be minutes (at most) away from Downtown, Ybor, and Seminole Heights.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by MAniacTHW

Armature would be in Tampa Heights, but I agree, that area is where it's at right now. You'd be minutes (at most) away from Downtown, Ybor, and Seminole Heights.

Sorry. Thanks for the clarification.

RM

[Ombrages]

Originally Posted by mrviking

Just a little scary?

I was there in broad daylight... I can't really say it felt dangerous per se. It just looked very rough around the edges. A few pristinely kept bungalows here and there mixed in with a bunch of shacks. I drove down Florida ave. and most of what I saw were used car dealer lots. I don't know, maybe I just drove down the wrong streets. And then of course there's the serial murderer, which really doesn't help...

[Ombrages]

Thanks for the numerous and quick answers.


I will look more into Channelside. Right now, online, I am not seeing much for rent below 2000$ a month.


I also saw 2 condos on Harbour Island priced 1800 and 1850$.


The only condos I saw in Tampa Heights were The Pearl, situated right next to Armature Works. I actually visited those. Unfortunately, they are still under construction. The common areas aren't even finished yet... It would definitely pose a problem for night shifters.

[Ombrages]

Originally Posted by cjairo191

I would suggest Channelside. I work in it and its pretty quiet unless you are near one of the new buildings going up. $2,000 is a little tight I believe for a 2/2 but may be able to find a condo/apt. Same sex couples and hippies are in large numbers in the Heights. Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. The Heights and Ybor has takes the reward I think, if you looking for breweries, bars, and hip non chain places to hang out. Tampa Heights has condos going up and Seminole Heights mostly houses but a few condos going up which will probably be snatched quickly. At 2,000 I think you might be priced out for any of the islands. I think look at the new Condos going up in the Heights, but if you go down a particular street, it might be scary. Welcome to the city of Tampa...

Which area of Seminole Heights would you consider Trendy/Hippy? Close to what major intersections?


Thanks