Need your suggestions, please! (Tampa, Orlando: 2015, apartments, to rent)

[TerpGirl]

Hi everyone!

We will be relocating to the Tampa area at the end of the month and I'd like to get some suggestions on what areas might be best for us to consider moving to. My husband will be working near the intersection of I-75 and I-4; we'd like to rent within a 30 minute commute to that area, be in a decent school district and in a relatively safe and clean neighborhood...not looking for "paradise" or anything over the top like that, just a nice area call home!

Also, I've heard there are a lot of good charter schools in the area. If anyone has any suggestions or opinions on these schools please share!

Thanks!

[Bill_Braskey]

I live in Land O Lakes and used to work in Plant City. It is quite easy to get to exit 10 in a half hour or less most days barring an accident. I can't speak of the school quality but there is a nice inventory of homes in nice subdivisions in the area. There is some growth going on in the area so it may be a good time to get in before it gets too crazy.

[KPB]

Lakeland is about 10-15 min from I-4 and I-75. Its about 1/2 way between Tampa and Orlando.
I'm born and raised in Tampa but moved to Lakeland last year.
I would recommend Lakeland because he won't have any traffic to deal with like you would living in Tampa (or anywhere else that's west of I-75) going to and from work.

Lakeland High School Ranked Among Nation

[TerpGirl]

Thank you both - this is information is helpful!

What about areas like Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Fishhawk? I just started looking at these areas, too.

Thanks, again!

[MortonR]

Land 'O Lakes or anywhere in Pasco County (north) would be a commuting nightmare.

There are a number of really nice apartments along Providence and immediately west of there in Brandon that would be an easy commute, if you're looking for an apartment.

Just south of there at Providence and Bloomingdale is Winthrop, where there's a very good charter school.

If you're looking for a house, I would suggest the Bloomingdale East area. Well within 30 minutes, a wide range of home values, close to a community YMCA and little league, and excellent schools. There are also a couple of very good charter schools nearby at Bell Shoals and Boyette roads.

RM

[mamawojo5]

Fishawk is supposed to be the best place ever....lol....but EVERYONE says its a commuting nightmare. the schools are excellent though. Riverview and Valrico are supposed to be good too. I have friends in all 3 places. read all the old posts on here - I have gotten a lot of info doing that. I am narrowed down to Palm Harbor for my move from Ohio.

[MortonR]

I didn't suggest Fishhawk because it's more than a 30 minute commute from their work, Since Boyette/Gibsonton Drive has been widened the traffic flow in that direction is far better than it used to be, however, going up Lithia or Bell Shoals is nasty, depending on the time of day.

Construction to widen Bell Shoals between Boyette and Bloomingdale begins this month and will take 24 months. It's starting at Boyette and the new bridge over the Alafia and moving north in 6 month segments. By the time they get to Bloomingdale, the intersection of Bloomingdale and Bell Shoals will be completely reconstructed.

RM

[TerpGirl]

Thank you MortonR and mamawojo5! I appreciate the input.

We're really looking for a single family home or townhouse as we'd like a little bit of space for outdoor play for our kids and our pup (I say 'pup' but he's almost 10 yrs old!). I've been reading through as many posts as possible and will continue to do so...I practically live on this forum!

Thanks again everyone!

[Sunnydee]

Riverview or Brandon would give you a decent commute and both have some very nice communities. Plus there are new communities being built all around these areas. Fishhawk is nice, but the commute would not be fun.