Relocating and opened to suggestions (Tampa, Clearwater: where to stay, rentals, house)

[knichols88]

I am relocating from Indiana to the Tampa/St. Pete area this year with a friend of mine. He currently lives on Manasota Key but we are both somewhat unfamiliar with the Tampa Bay area. I have a job offer near the Carrollwood area, but I am also looking at other options closer to the St. Pete area. He is looking at several different schooling options in the area.

What we are looking for is probably impossible but any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

We are both single guys in our mid-twenties looking for a laid back beach environment if possible. From the research that I have done it seems like the beach areas only have things to do during peak seasons. I would like to be in an area that has younger people, and activities (I realize that is very open ended), but still might be a reasonable drive to the beach. My other concern is being in a location that has somewhat easy access to North Tampa area considering I may accept a position there.

We are hoping to rent a single family house and would like to keep it under $1,800 a month.

Any suggested areas I should look into? Or recommendations on other near by areas that might be a better fit?

[gulfer]

Oldsmar, Citrus Park, and even the Carrollwood area. You can find nice places on Sheldon Road as well. You are not that far from Safety Harbor either.

If beach, entertainment, and laid back are more important than another 15 to 30 minute drive to and from work live over in Clearwater. How you rank your priorities will make it an easier decision for you.

[knichols88]

Originally Posted by gulfer

Oldsmar, Citrus Park, and even the Carrollwood area. You can find nice places on Sheldon Road as well. You are not that far from Safety Harbor either.

If beach, entertainment, and laid back are more important than another 15 to 30 minute drive to and from work live over in Clearwater. How you rank your priorities will make it an easier decision for you.

Thank you for the feed back!

My friend currently lives right across the street from the beach and I am thinking be closer to the beach will be the most important. Are there specific areas you would recommend to stay away from around Clearwater?

[gulfer]

Honestly, if you drove around Clearwater you will see where to stay away from in less than an hour. It just has some run down areas is all.

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by gulfer

Honestly, if you drove around Clearwater you will see where to stay away from in less than an hour. It just has some run down areas is all.

Yep. It is pretty easy to tell.

[knichols88]

I have seen a lot of nice looking rentals in Apollo Beach. Does anyone have an opinion on that area?

[sunigal99]

Honestly, with the traffic and distances, I think it's best to live close to work and then drive to the beach/entertainment during your off time. I commuted from Clearwater to Northdale(Tampa) and from Dunedin to New Port Richey during my working days. What a huge drag and waste of time. If you're going to work in Carrollwood, get a nice apt there with a pool. Then on the weekends, go to the beach of your choice or go party in Ybor.