Questions for Possible Move to Tampa (Clearwater, Temple Terrace: apartments, renting, employment) - Tampa Bay - Florida (FL) -Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - City-Data Forum

blueslily · 01-28-2018, 10:44 AM

Hi all,

I am considering a move to Tampa. I have lived in the Northern VA area and worked in DC, lived near Los Angeles and worked there, also Silicon Valley in CA and South Carolina. I am in my mid-30s and African American. No children.

My job would be at the VA in Tampa. So, I am not worried about finding employment and income is stable.

I have dealt with humid summers in SC. I'm guessing the humidity and heat in Tampa is similar to inland SC.

I know people have asked people about where to live on this forum. I would like to know specifically about traffic flow for a decent commute to the VA and suggestions for areas to live in. I would like a clean and safe suburban area. I love beaches so want to be able to get to one for relaxing within 40 minutes from home. I would like a commute of 30 mins max with traffic. Renting a one or two bedroom apartment the first year for $1,200 max. Less would be better of course. I would like to be within a 10 minute drive of good shopping areas for groceries, household, etc. So, no food deserts. I like modern, contemporary communities.

Any suggestions of areas to look for housing based on what I shared? Any specific communities you recommend?

Also, anyone know about the area that the Tampa VA is located in? Whats that area like?

Thanks so much!

LKJ1988 · 01-28-2018, 12:53 PM

Our reverse west windflow is insane from June thru Sept with lows of 75 to 82 and dewpoints of 73 to 80+. It would make SC blush most times. But once in a while like i NC back in 1986 when we did a job on the beach the heat and dewpoints were the worst i ever i ever seen. 1986 was a heat wave summer. Traffic is insane in all the Tampa area, but there should be some nicer areas within 6 miles of the VA i would say.

MortonR · 01-28-2018, 01:20 PM

If you want that kind of proximity to the beaches you're going to have to live in Pinellas County. There are no beaches to speak of in Tampa proper.

The area around the VA in Tampa is sketchy at best. The closest you could probably live would be Temple Terrace to the east or to the north in New Tampa, Lutz or Carrollwood. These are all within your budget and commute requirements. However, you're not going to be 40 minutes from any beach.

You, along with nearly everyone else who is thinking about coming to the area, don't understand the logistics and that Tampa Bay has no beaches, only the Gulf coast. I would add that the decent beaches around here are also tourist friendly, meaning if you want to go during peak times such as in the spring and summer, you're going to have to fight the tourists and pay the prices they're paying for parking and other amenities.

Look at a map on Google Maps or another mapping web site and find the Tampa VA. Then look at the (driving) distances to Treasure Island or Clearwater Beach to get an idea of what you're looking at.

I would add that the locals don't typically go to these places as they're slammed most of the year. They go south to Anna Maria Island or out to Fort DeSoto state park.

RM

kyle19125 · 01-28-2018, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueslily

H.
I would like a clean and safe suburban area. I love beaches so want to be able to get to one for relaxing within 40 minutes from home. I would like a commute of 30 mins max with traffic. Renting a one or two bedroom apartment the first year for $1,200 max. Less would be better of course. I would like to be within a 10 minute drive of good shopping areas for groceries, household, etc. So, no food deserts. I like modern, contemporary communities.

I would recommend the Citrus Park/Carrollwood area. You're right in the middle of every convenience you could want (including the upscale Citrus Park Mall area) and within 30 minutes of work and the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park (which is one of the best in the US). I attached some recommended apartment options as well.

https://www.apartments.com/malls/fl/...3_Gtlx7gP&rt=5

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Honeymoon-Island

blueslily · 01-28-2018, 05:20 PM

Thanks to everyone who sent a positive response. Those were helpful.
If you read my original post, I have lived in areas that have tons of tourists and bad traffic so I understand how to cope with both. And I have been to Clearwater when there is lots of ppl, mostly tourists, and no parking unless I want to pay top dollar for it. I come here for helpful info, not to be ridiculed or talked down to. Driving one hour to the coast is fine with me. Please relax. People who ask questions aren't fools. We are just looking for more helpful info to add to whats already out there. If you dont have something positive to say, please skip my question. Thanks.

blueslily · 01-28-2018, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would recommend the Citrus Park/Carrollwood area. You're right in the middle of every convenience you could want (including the upscale Citrus Park Mall area) and within 30 minutes of work and the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park (which is one of the best in the US). I attached some recommended apartment options as well.

https://www.apartments.com/malls/fl/...3_Gtlx7gP&rt=5

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Honeymoon-Island

Thanks Kyle!

jambo101 · 01-28-2018, 05:56 PM

I didnt see any negativity in Mortons post just some honest opinion that may help you in your search for an area to live in.

blueslily · 01-28-2018, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo101

I didnt see any negativity in Mortons post just some honest opinion that may help you in your search for an area to live in.

Thats ok. I am able to see it.

Thanks!

LKJ1988 · 01-28-2018, 06:18 PM

You won't be liking the peeps here i can see lee.

MortonR · 01-28-2018, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueslily

Thanks to everyone who sent a positive response. Those were helpful.

For those with negative, sarcastic responses, like MortonR, thats unnecessay. No one comes here to be talked down to. If you read my original post, I have lived in areas that have tons of tourists and bad traffic so I understand how to cope with both. And I have been to Clearwater when there is lots of ppl, mostly tourists, and no parking unless I want to pay top dollar for it. I come here for helpful info, not to be ridiculed or talked down to. Driving one hour to the coast is fine with me. Please relax. People who ask questions aren't fools. We are just looking for more helpful info to add to whats already out there. If you dont have something positive to say, please skip my question. Thanks.

I'm sorry if it came off that way, it wasn't intentional.

If you were a regular on this forum you would see the number of folks who are interested in moving to the area but don't understand the logistics of wanting to live a certain distance from the beach(es) and having to live and/or work in Tampa. While it looks close on the map, it's not due to a lot of reasons. They often see the bay and think it's surrounded by beaches as well, after all, it's all water, right?

That's why I suggested looking at Google Maps to get an idea of travel times. You'll notice that the areas I suggested you consider for living are the same as later posters as well, so I'm not sure how unhelpful that aspect of my comments were.

That's all I was attempting to communicate. I was in no way being negative or "talking down" to you. You also failed to mention that you have been in the area previously and have some knowledge of it. Had I known that I wouldn't have bothered with the reference to the logistics, and considering this it's hardly fair of you to make accusations while not revealing your prior knowledge. Chill a bit and don't be so defensive.

That's the problem with text communication....

RM