Moving to Tampa for College (St. Petersburg, Brandon: apartments, motels, mobile home)

[rumi0901]

Hello either current students or residents of the Tampa Bay area!


I am a graduate student who will be planning on moving to Tampa FL for school this summer. I currently reside in Minnesota (yes I am aware of the drastic temperature change, although it is insanely humid here as well).


My school is actually located in the Ruskin, Apollo Beach area. I'm looking for a good community to move to. I would consider anything that is within a 40 minute drive to Ruskin, FL.


My main concerns consist of-


1) Safe neighborhood
2) Cost of living (I'm a student)
3) Attractions
4) Though I know it is inevitable, maybe an area that obtains less bugs (particularly spiders)


I have found places in Palmetto, Ruskin, Apollo Beach that are within my price range (about $400ish a person) however, I heard these towns are extremely run down and there is not much of a social environment. The water isn't clean. Sink holes. I've read complaints about it all.


I found places south St. Petersburg by Lakewood, but heard that is the "ghetto."


Would enjoy some insight from someone who has been in a predicament like mine!


Thanks a ton to anyone who responds!

[BucFan]

can't really get much for $400 - I'd stick with the Apollo Beach area and commute to the school at Sun City Center.....But 40 mins can really get you down to Sarasota or over the ST Pete. But again, $400 isn't much even if you shared a house 3-4 ways....not sure what "attractions" you're talking about bars, concerts, sports are up in Tampa......in Apollo Beach you're about 20-30 mins away from those things. Brandon is about 20 mins from your school....might look there for a roommate.

[PhotoProIP]

$400????

A "40" minute commute here without traffic turns into an hour or over easily...
I'd try to stay close to this school or on their campus. $400 won't get you very far.

[CubsFan20]

With a budget of $400/mo don't expect anything nice and safe. Look into an area called "suitcase city", should fit your budget

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by CubsFan20

With a budget of $400/mo don't expect anything nice and safe. Look into an area called "suitcase city", should fit your budget

Why don't you be a doll and post some of those apartments that are both:

A) Within 40 minutes of their school and
B) only $400.

Don't worry, I'll be waiting.

[AhHah]

Can't think of a graduate school that is in the Ruskin/Apollo Beach area. Would you say which it is please?
If you live in the South Brandon/Riverview area the commute would be about 30 min (or less) and you would be travelling in the opposite direction to rush hour traffic.

[BucFan]

There's a new school just off I75 for occupational therapy studies......

[BucFan]

Gannon University | Gannon in Ruskin, Florida

[Irishiis49]

Consider a roomate?? You could still do a one bedroom...with one crashing on couch(pay less rent)...it's not ideal but it's not forever either...

[BucFan]

Some of those mobile home parks in Riverview....off US 301. Probably roach motels with shady characters for neighbors.