Pinellas County (Tampa, Largo, Pinellas Park: real estate, crime rate, job market)

[kelbel53078]

My husband and I want to be relocate to the Seminole area. We hope be there this time next year. We really like the Seminole area, but are willing to live anywhere in Pinellas county. We would like some feedback on the area from people who live there or have lived there. Pros and Cons. My husband works as a Pharmacist, so any pharmacists out there, we would love to hear from you. He is wondering if he will have to take a pay cut moving down that way. Thanks.

[McBain II]

Pros: Seminole area is pretty nice. Decent mix of young and old. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office is the police force in the area and they are a good agency who keep things in check and respected by most of the citzens. There is not much crime in the area. As that Florida small town/suburban atmosphere. Decent proximity to alot of Bay area attractions.

Cons: If you are younger, or have high school aged children, you (or they) might find the lack of nightlife disappointing. Baywalk in downtown St.Petersburg and John's Pass in Maderia Beach are really the only "hotspots" in Pinellas County. If you are middle aged, this may be a "pro" for you as the younger/rowdier crowds won't usually be spilling into your area.

Unfortunately I won't be able to answer the pharmacist question for you since I know nothing about the pay/job market here for that field.

Good luck in the move though.

[On-da-Beach]

I'm not sure where you're coming from but my sister-in-law is a pharmacist here and said the big name pharmacies are always looking for new people because there is a high turnover rate. She likes working in hospitals since it's less stressful. Pay is from $58 to $85 per hour + lots of perks. Extra $ for housing, sign on bonus, travel, etc. Of course you already know about the unsavory working hours and no holidays off...

[kelbel53078]

We are now in Martinsburg WV, but close to the VA state line. My husband actually works in VA. I am praying that we are down there by this time next year. I am so done with cold weather.

As far as night life. We have a 2 yr old and and an 8 month old. We both just turned 30. We like to go out and party when we can, but for the most part we are done with the whole party scene. Dinner and a beer or two are good for us!

Its nice that the crime rate is low in that area, things are getting scary where we live now.

Sounds to me that pay for him would stay about the same then. The working hours in pharmacy are sucky...I do agree. He works for Walmart pharmacy now as Pharmacist in charge and they are not open on any holidays! So he is hoping for a transfer.

We'll see what happens. Thanks!

[McBain II]

With you being 30 and having young kids, Seminole will be a good choice. Plenty of decent places to do dinner and a beer, and if you want to go crazy once in awhile you'll have downtown St.Pete and Tampa fairly close.

[On-da-Beach]

I agree that Seminole is a nice place for you. WalMarts are here but I'd consider Publix Supermarkets. It's a good, clean place to work.

[Aconite]

Seminole is probably a good choice for a young family. More settled neighborhoods, overall, and decent (by Pinellas County standards) schools. Do be careful though when you look at neighborhoods-- the corridor along Starkey Road has pockets which are referred to as "Seminole" which are basically little bits that are so scuzzy even Pinellas Park and Largo won't claim them.
Stay further west and you'll be fine.

[FloGrownGrl]

I agree, stay west. All of west Seminole is squeaky clean for the most part. Mostly suburbs, and in some areas you'll even have the 'beach town' feel. It's really a relaxed low-key area. As the other poster mentioned, stay away from the Pinellas Park border..it's not so nice in that area. The Largo borders are not bad though...Largo is a decent spot in itself, so the borders are nothing to sneeze at, it's just that some areas are more or less aesthetically pleasing than others, it's not so much a crime issue.

I would also agree about Publix. Good place to work for and they're getting ready to open a bunch of new stores!

[lavender]

I have lived in the Seminole area of Pinellas for 9 years and two before that on Indian Shores. My family with two older teens now, have been to all the public schools locally and done very well. Both are heading for college next.
Its very clean, safe, friendly and walkable to the beaches in many areas, and despite that high and dry when it comes to flood zones in many places too.
Publix are rebuilding a large Albertsons just on West Bay Drive which should reopen soon as a brand new store. There are two smaller publix in Seminole area and one in Indian Rocks. We have lots of great places to eat out and as previous poster said, lots of busy life not too far away too.
Real estate is really good to buy just now, so much available at very good prices. If you have money to spend on a house, go for it, people are anxious to work with you to sell their property.

[kelbel53078]

Thanks you guys so much. This sounds like the perfect place for us! I am so not enjoying this cold weather. I hope this will be our last cold season. Thanks again...