Looking to live close to Lithia...Help please! (Jacksonville, Tampa: sales, lease)

[Joe3788]

We have some family that already lives in Lithia and would like some input on a few areas that wouldnt be too far from there that you might reccomend. We are both young with a nine month old daughter. All suggestons welcome.

[debidibly]

Are you looking to rent or purchase? I would think you could find both right in FishHawk Ranch. I know there are sales at various prices and I would guess, given the market, folks who can't sell are looking to rent.

[Joe3788]

I thought about that but Im not sure i want to live in the sticks. I think I would like to live closer to the city.

[debidibly]

What city, Tampa? Yes FishHawk is a little far for that commute but there are PLENTY of people in there doing it. You didn't mention where you'll be working, the type of place you'd like to live, how much you'd like to spend, or if you'll be renting or purchasing. That info would be helpful in making suggestions of any kind.

That said, in FishHawk's defense (and I don't live there only because my husband has to commute to Gainesville and Jacksonville regularly) it is a nice place to raise a family. We know many people who live there. It depends what you are used to and where you'll be working. Most of the neighborhoods are active with the neighbors social, they have a great mom's network for playdates, etc., and the schools are good. People complain about the traffic getting to Tampa. I'm from the north and I don't think the traffic here is anything compared to that. It's all relative but it depends what you need and want.

[Joe3788]

Thanks deb...ok I will try to elaborate. We are loking to move in about a year. My sister in law lives in fishhawk right now so we are looking close to there. My wife and I are both bartenders in Vegas and will be looking to do the same down there untill something comes along. We work for the Hard Rock here and would try to transfer to the Hard rock down in Tampa. We would more than likely sign a 1 year lease there just to see if we like it. I spoke to a few people who work at the Hard Rock down there and make a good living (70K a year) bartending/dealing/cocktailing. Not quite Vegas money but decent none the less. How long is the typical commute from Fishhawk to The Hard Rock? I am also from the northeat so I know about traffic. I lived in NJ and would sit in 3 hours of traffic EVERY day to and from NYC. Please tell me it is not that bad.

[debidibly]

I think FH to the casino is about 30 minutes with NO traffic, 75 north to I-4 West. Problem is that there is a good bit of traffic in that particular area. That I-4 connection can be a nightmare. Not the gridlock of the PA or Jersey turnpikes or the Schuylkill Expressway, but traffic nonetheless.

If you're working at the casino though, you may be working different or off hours than the usual traffic jam times. The Brandon area is nice, more built up with more shopping available. That would be much less of a commute.

[LianeJamason]

Fishhawk is awesome. I'd say you won't be driving in rush hour if you are bartending, and plus they are currently widdening Boyette Road to aliviate some of the morning rush. Shouldn't take you more than 20-30 minutes to Hard Rock.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by Joe3788

Im not sure i want to live in the sticks. I think I would like to live closer to the city.

I lived in Lithia, I feel more "urban" when I visit rural areas of East Tennessee...

[Sunnydee]

You might want to look at Brandon and Riverview. Both give you easy access to I-75, family friendly atmosphere, safety, and decent schools. One thing to consider is HOA and CDD fees if you decide to buy into a master planned community like Fishhawk. I wasn't aware of how high these fees could be until I started researching Florida communities for my relocation. Best wishes.