Looking for a family-oriented area west of Tampa (Fort Lauderdale, Palm Harbor: low crime, job transfer)

[treehugr]

Hi all, we are moving up from Fort Lauderdale this year due to a job transfer to Tampa. We are looking for a family-oriented area west of Tampa (aka, closer to the coast) that has a low crime rate and decent cost of living. We have a 5-year old son, so good schools are important.

Personally, my "wants" are that the area not be heavily congested/full of traffic (trying to get away from that) and that it has a sense of community. By that, I mean the City puts on functions and events like concerts, art & craft shows, farmer's markets, etc. ... things that bring the community together so you get to know people.

Natural areas -- like parks, walking trails and playgrounds -- are also a plus as we love to spend time outdoors.

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[gulfporter]

We don't have kids so can't help on the all-important school question, but for walkability, sense of community, arts culture and strong restaurant scene, I'd suggest you visit:
Gulfport
Dunnedin
Safety Harbor

We rented in all 3 over the course of 2 winters and picked Gulfport. YMMV.

[Irishiis49]

I'm not sure about the schools in Gulfport...I think your best bet would be Safety Harbor...or Palm Harbor west of US 19...they have good schools...and Dunedin causeway is 5 minutes away and downtown Dunedin is 10 minutes away...

[spbbound]

Where's work going to be? You definitely won't be escaping any traffic congestion in Pinellas Co. compared to Ft Lauderdale (I have relatives near Galleria Mall) so work location may play a greater role than you expected.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by treehugr

Hi all, we are moving up from Fort Lauderdale this year due to a job transfer to Tampa. We are looking for a family-oriented area west of Tampa (aka, closer to the coast) that has a low crime rate and decent cost of living. We have a 5-year old son, so good schools are important.

Personally, my "wants" are that the area not be heavily congested/full of traffic (trying to get away from that) and that it has a sense of community. By that, I mean the City puts on functions and events like concerts, art & craft shows, farmer's markets, etc. ... things that bring the community together so you get to know people.

Natural areas -- like parks, walking trails and playgrounds -- are also a plus as we love to spend time outdoors.

Thanks, I appreciate it!

Safety Harbor would be the best bet for you with very good schools, a small town feel with a cute downtown area, fairly uncongested traffic in/around town (beyond McMullen Booth Rd) and nice parks/bike trails/etc

[ColtsFan1978]

We live in Westchase, and while we are still in the midst of trying to start a family....we have heard very positive remarks about the schools in this area. Particularly the elementary and middle schools. There are always events occurring, and plenty of parks to walk or enjoy all year. Depending on your definition of "West of Tampa" and preferences for being near water, I would not rule out the Westchase area.

Traffic is bad, but manageable. I work at Rocky Point and it takes me 20 minutes to get there in the morning and about an hour to get home.....My wife works off of Dale Mabry and Sligh and it takes her about 30-40 minutes to commute. For the most part there are ways around the traffic, depending on where you work. Be aware of CDD fees if you look in Westchase, they add quite a bit to the monthly payment.

[treehugr]

Originally Posted by gulfporter

We don't have kids so can't help on the all-important school question, but for walkability, sense of community, arts culture and strong restaurant scene, I'd suggest you visit:
Gulfport
Dunnedin
Safety Harbor

We rented in all 3 over the course of 2 winters and picked Gulfport. YMMV.

Thanks. We were actually looking at Dunedin and Safety Harbor as two potentials so I'm glad to see those two on your list!. I'll check out Gulfport as well. Thanks again

PS: What does "YMMV" mean?

[treehugr]

Originally Posted by ColtsFan1978

We live in Westchase, and while we are still in the midst of trying to start a family....we have heard very positive remarks about the schools in this area. Particularly the elementary and middle schools. There are always events occurring, and plenty of parks to walk or enjoy all year. Depending on your definition of "West of Tampa" and preferences for being near water, I would not rule out the Westchase area.

Traffic is bad, but manageable. I work at Rocky Point and it takes me 20 minutes to get there in the morning and about an hour to get home.....My wife works off of Dale Mabry and Sligh and it takes her about 30-40 minutes to commute. For the most part there are ways around the traffic, depending on where you work. Be aware of CDD fees if you look in Westchase, they add quite a bit to the monthly payment.

Thank you, I will check out Westchase, I hadn't heard of that one until now. BTW, what are "CDD fees"?

[Tamatem]

YMMV = your mileage may vary

Adding : I also live in Westchase and indeed - it is very family oriented. CDD (Community Development District) fees weren't a deterrent for me. It is, however a good 17 miles out to the beach, if that is a deterrent for you.

[max.robertson]

Old northeast in st petersburg sounds like a good fit for you, close to the water, shops,easy to get around. There is a farmers market close(or so i'm told, i haven't made it there yet), near museums lots of things to do at and around north shore park/ vinoy park. I think all of the things I have listed would be pretty much within walking distance depending on which part of the neighborhood. The best part is the city is on a grid, so it is super easy to get around. Plus north shore park has a beach, dog park and a very nice palm garden, all free.