Considering moving to Tampa or Orlando (Clearwater, Winter Park: fit in, real estate, apartments)

[shan79]

I'm considering moving to Tampa or Orlando. Really new to this site. Don't know if I'm doing it right. I have a son so schools are important. Just want to see if anyone has any suggestions on good neighborhoods to move to. Thanks

[TampaKaren]

Hey Shan,

Your note is very broad. Can you be a little more specific? Where do you plan to work? Do you want a house, condo, townhouse, apartment? What is your budget?

I think you will find many helpful people on the CD forum, but without a little more information, we really can't answer your question.

Thanks!
TampaKaren

[shan79]

I'm looking for a position in customer service or clerical. An apartment is fine with me, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 bath would be nice, but I know I'm probably stretching it. It's just my son and I. I would like to find an apartment for no more than $800 a month. I know that maybe some might say that's not enough or maybe I won't be in the type of neighborhood I want, but I figure it couldn't be any different than here. Everything is high, but there are some decent hidden places that you can get a good deal on at the right time.
If this isn't enough information, let me know....I am the one wanting advice.
Thanks

[Alphaman]

Whats wrong with Atlanta? And why do you want to move if it`s ok to ask?

[Jammie]

Shan, we've never lived in Orlando OR Tampa, so take it for what it's worth. Of course Orlando has fabulous places and SeaWorld is one of the neatest places to visit. But we seemed to fit in more in the Tampa area. People seemed much happier and friendlier there and the traffic didn't seem as bad. And as far as friendliness~I'm not just talking about people in restaurants and stuff. It was just more widespread.

I've done a few searches and you can find apartments in the Tampa area for 800 a month. You can check out rent.com or apartments.com or apartment guide or move.com to get an idea of it. You can also go to this website to get a bit of info on the area the apartment is in. Each zip code will give you a bit of info if you click on it. Then you can also cross check by going to apartment ratings. Not sure how accurate it is since more disgruntled renters would probably post more then the happy ones. Anyway, the link with zips is below.

Tampa, Florida (FL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

[HPfeiffer]

I just moved to Orlando from Tampa due to my marriage, my husband attends school in Orlando, I miss Tampa ALOT, I was a single mom with 3 boys and I was renting a 3 bedroom house in Clearwater, all redone, found it on CraigsList for 1000.00 a month.

I say live in Clearwater/St. Pete, for schools not Tampa and Orlando to visit on the weekend! You always have something to do that doesnt cost money...the beach, in orlando you will spend money doing all the tourist stuff which is the main things to do on the weekends.

Also Citrus Park is nice area in tampa its close to Westchase which is Pricey but not as much because its not in Westchase but area was nice.

Tampa area is way more laid back than orlando, I've lived in orlando for 20 yrs before living in tampa for 10 and Im only back here for my new husband! Ive also been to Atlanta, nice palce but not for me, I love Tampa area! Look on Craigslist for places to rent, you can find nice houses and condos also there.

If you do move to Orlando, which is a great place also, i say unless you work at Disney dont live by it! Look in Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Mary, avoid the airport area, i now live in Maitland 3 bedroom apt for 1200, also azalea park can be nice.
I do recommend The Tampa area over Orlando anyday, tho! Good luck
Also, tons of customer service call centers in Tampa area and clerical

[shan79]

Alphaman:

I'm originally born and raised in Atlanta. I think it's a great place, but I think I need change. I've always wanted to move outside of the city and over the years I've just let things get in the way and make excuses. I feel as though if I don't move this year, I will just keep making excuses and before I know it, I'll be in my forties or fifties saying what if. Why I chose Florida? To be honest, that's another story some may critisize me for or rather may not understand

[Alphaman]

Winter park is nice and close to downtown Orlando also maitland and altamonte springs are nice.

Avoid azalea park not sure why the other poster would recommend that area, if you like having your car broken into or stolen move there it`s crime ridden and dangerous at night.