family in 30s with 9yrs old moving to tampa pls advise! (Gulfport: appointed, real estate market)

[airbucket]

hello!!! I am applying to stetson law school for next fall and am trying to gather some opinions on tampa. (by the way for clarity i am 35 years old) im not sure where stetson is, because im not familiar with tampa. I heave "heard" that south tampa is pretty cool. i grew up in manhattan though ive lived in Fort myers for 8 years now. i really HATE it here in ft myers, so im looking for an area that would be more "city" like, or something like that, not suburban and strip mall-cookie cutter atmosphere. I dont know if that means that south tampa is super expensive etc, as we will be on a tight budget, likely renting at first, and schools are extremely important as my 9 year old is specia needs and is in special education. cannot have crappy schools! looking for an area with a a little charm if possible, the beach is important of course but it doesnt like anywhere is TOO far from the beach from the maps of Tamps ive seen. i am a school teacher but i dont know yet if i will be working during the day and schooling at night or just going to school during the day. any advice, words o wisdom, tips and truths are greatly appreciated and will be gladly reciprocated if i can help youin any way!

p.s., also with the national economy being what it is, how is the "job market" there? here is it non existent, people with masters degress are literally vying for jobs at 7-11. thanks!!

[Tampasteve]

Good luck in the move down here. Tampa like the rest of the country has a challenging job climate right now, but as a school teacher it may be quite a bit easier to get a job. For the school grade site check out Hillsborough County Public Schools > Our Schools I know that the Plant High School district does have a special needs program, but I dont know much about it.

With the current real estate market, rental pricing has come down quite a bit. As a rule of thumb you can estimate that condo/house rentals will cost you just under $1.00 per square foot in the South Tampa area...again dependent on what you are looking for.

If you are going to Stetson, there are 2 locations, one in Gulfport and one right downtown by the interstate.

Good luck,

Steve

[airbucket]

thank you tampasteve for your reply!

[a_fl_vol]

Downtown St Petersburg is a perfect match for your lifestyle and situation. You won't be disappointed.