Possible Move to St.Pete from Mn (Tampa, Clearwater: crime, to live)

[JameeLynn25]

I was considering a move to the St.Pete area from Minnesota. I have visited there before and really enjoyed the weather. Can someone please tell me how the economy is doing there? Also, any advice on good apts. in a decent area?

[athorson710]

Hi JameeLynn25 - I'm moving to Tampa/St. Pete from MN as well, this coming September. This is what I've heard about downtown St. Pete. 5th Ave. North to 5th Ave. South and about 6th St. South to the Bay (avenues run east and west, streets run north and south). Not sure about where the good areas in NE are to live. Can somebody else help her out with that? Send me a message if you have any other questions. I've been researching this move for awhile and can't wait to get down there! Should sure beat the winters here.

[Daphodill]

Come on down - the weather is fine! I don't know if i'd move to St Pete seems to me there's a lot of crime in that town! I live in Brandon and I'm only 45 min from the beaches from Sarasota to Clearwater. Maybe you can look at crime reports on a website.

[TheCaptain]

Well congrats to you both on the upcoming move!

From the people I've spoken to who live in St. Pete, the general consensus is to get an address with "N" in it (designating North). The South side is sketchy, and because I don't live there, can't offer a detailed opinion.

You may also check Bradenton, a very, very cute town! Not "hip and happening" as Tampa might be considered, but still...it's cute, and you're pretty much right there on the water. It's more rural, as well.

The economy is not bad here. There are several Temp agencies around, ATS Staffing is one I would recommend right off hand. My own office has employed our last three people through them, and they've worked out great.

Aside from staffing agencies, what you want to look for is the Sunday paper. That's the day they run the bulk of the classifieds. It's HUGE, and well worth a look through. I prefer the Tampa Trib vs. the St. Pete Times, but it's all relative to opinion.

[JameeLynn25]

Athorson 710, I know what you mean about the looooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggg cold dreary miserable winters in MN. Enough is enough. I visited Tampa Bay for a week and loved that warm sunshine! Thank you all for the helpful info on the Temp. agencies and the areas to avoid. I know here in Minneapolis, we stay away from the Northside unless you want to get murdered!