Safe, walkable apartments in Tampa (Lakeland: where to stay, renters, condo)

[Repatriot]

I may have to relocate to the area due to company in-office requirements, and am unfamiliar with the area.

We are planning a trip to apartment hunt soon and are looking for suggestions for where to stay as a base for exploring, nice apartments to check out, and places near them to give us an idea if they would be a night place to live. We won't have time for sightseeing but want to get a feel for the general surrounding areas.

The office is near Tampa Airport, and I would start by looking at <30 minute commutes to that area, ideally closer.

Top considerations for us are safety and walkability (meaning not needing a car to go to some restaurants and shopping). Of course on weekends we would drive to wherever necessary like Costco, Walmart, grocery stores, etc. but are really looking to avoid unsafe city areas and overly suburban areas that require driving to get anywhere.

We don't need nightlife but would love to find a place that has a main street kind of feel.

[FL_Expert]

I suggest looking into downtown St. Pete, SoHo/Hyde Park, and Water St in that order.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by FL_Expert

I suggest looking into downtown St. Pete, SoHo/Hyde Park, and Water St in that order.

This, although for me, switch Soho/Hyde Park and Downtown St-Pete. Can't go wrong with any of the above though.
Quite frankly, even when considering grocery shopping, etc., you might be surprised at how little you need a car at all when living in certain parts.

[Alfiehurt]

Originally Posted by Arcenal813

This, although for me, switch Soho/Hyde Park and Downtown St-Pete. Can't go wrong with any of the above though.
Quite frankly, even when considering grocery shopping, etc., you might be surprised at how little you need a car at all when living in certain parts.

Would you please elaborate on those neighborhoods?
I am on the same boat like the OP: seeking apartment/condo in a an area where you can walk to shopping and not get on a car if I can avoid it! where else other than downtown St Pete, SoHo, Hyde Park?

[MortonR]

First question: what’s your budget?

RM

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by MortonR

First question: what’s your budget?

RM

This^^^. All of the recommended areas mentioned will require plenty of $$$$$$$.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

This^^^. All of the recommended areas mentioned will require plenty of $$$$$$$.

You can find pretty reasonable rates in Hyde Park/SoHo and Bayshore area.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Arcenal813

You can find pretty reasonable rates in Hyde Park/SoHo and Bayshore area.

That's good to hear. I thought they were off the charts everywhere. Even here in Lakeland where I live the cost for a decent rental is sky-high and out of most people's price range. I really feel for the renters these days.

[sm0key]

Originally Posted by FL_Expert

I suggest looking into downtown St. Pete, SoHo/Hyde Park, and Water St in that order.

Downtown St. Pete? Mmmkay.

Did you fail to read the part that said "...and I would start by looking at <30 minute commutes to that area, ideally closer."?

[FL_Expert]

Originally Posted by sm0key

Downtown St. Pete? Mmmkay.

Did you fail to read the part that said "...and I would start by looking at <30 minute commutes to that area, ideally closer."?

It’s <30 minutes if you leave at the right times.

Do you have something constructive to contribute to this thread?