Moving to Tampa! Need advice on where to live (Clearwater: apartments, for rent)

[tampaborn1]

I'm a single, 42-year-old woman moving to the wonderful Tampa Bay area around November 1, and I'm looking for a good place to live. Actually, I was born in Tampa, and can't wait to get back to my birthplace! I'm escaping from the cold of Wisconsin, thank goodness.

I want to find an area that's safe, has good shopping nearby, and good access to the rest of the metro area. I'll be looking for suburbs or neighborhoods with good choices on apartments. I've heard there are decent choices in the $800 to $900 range. What can I expect to find with those kinds of rents? Should I be choosing a gated community? Are they available in that rent range?

I've heard good things about Brandon. And the south Tampa area. Ditto Clearwater, northeast Tampa, and Largo. What do you think about those areas? Or others?

I'm visiting soon to begin narrowing down my options. I'd love some additional advice from those in the know!

[Tampasteve]

All of the places that you mentioned are good areas. Depending on where you will be working, with the price of gas and tolls I would make sure you put that in the equation. South Tampa is very close to shopping and is an easy place to live and meet people. Apartment costs may be a bit higher in this area but I would look up some like Post Apartments, The Cove, and Camden apartments--also check out Craiglists because you might find some deals on Condos to rent.

[gypsychic]

Another are to check would be Carrollwood, or Temple Terrace.

Good luck!

[tampaborn1]

Thank you, I just have 1 question is Temple Terrace to close to USF? If I google it, it definitely looks close but it is considered NE Tampa in the For Rent Mag. I ordered, there is a separate section actually considered USF.

[Fishhead]

CARROLLWOOD, BRANDON, NEW TAMPA, LUTZ.......that's the extent of it.

I would definetly not consider Largo.......many of the residents there claim they live in Larghetto.......I agree.

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by tampaborn1

Thank you, I just have 1 question is Temple Terrace to close to USF? If I google it, it definitely looks close but it is considered NE Tampa in the For Rent Mag. I ordered, there is a separate section actually considered USF.

Yes, Temple Terrace is beside USF...nicest area is East of 56th street, north of Bullard Parkway. Temple Terrace also runs along 50th street which is right beside the campus, between Fletcher and Fowler Avenues to the East of Campus.

[honu1]

that price range should give you loads of options if you're looking for a one bedroom. I was able to rent a relatively new, fully furnished 1 br condo in South TPA for 1k/month. Found it on craigslist

[tampaborn1]

Thanks Tampaguy3 for the specific street info, 1 of the places I was looking at fell exactly e of 56th and n of Bullard. Thx Fishhead, I was looking at The Fountains of Largo but I probably wont now. And thanks for the great advice on craigslist honu1! I am flying down from Milwaukee next Friday thru Wednesday to make my final decision on place to live and nursing schools.

[mquintana]

I live in Brandon. It depends on what you are looking for, a 1 or 2 br. But you can definatly find a really nice 1 br. for $800-900 in a gated community. You should try looking at The Esates at Tuscany, Courtney Trace, Hamlin at Lake Brandon, The Addison. Brandon has shopping and resturants and isn't too far from Tampa itself.

[tampaborn1]

So...are you telling me gated is the way to go? Or...is that only in Brandon? From what I can see some apartments have intrusion alarms instead of being gated. Preference?