Moving in from abroad (Tampa, Brandon: foreclosure, to rent, homes)

[nils77]

Hi Folks,

in some time i`ll move into Tampa Bay area for a new job challenge. I`m from Switzerland and just wanting to get a feelin` for my future home area.

I`m thinking about the Brandon, Valrico, Riverview area - somthing nice, sunny, green and quiet. Any good places here around you could recommend?

If there`s something to hang out around even better.

I`d appreciate any hints!

Thx

[Keeper]

Where (area) will you be working?
Are you young and single?
Do you like to go to bars to meet ppl?
What is your price range?


I imagine it is different here but there are areas that are geared more towards young professional singles and others for families.

[upinflamezzz]

Switzerland has the highest salaries in the world. If you're bringing money with you I'm sure the exchange rates will be great.

[nils77]

Will work somewhere in the northern Gibsonton area - i prefer no to be too far from work as to avoid long stopngo traffic. Well...i`m still in the young 30s - will move as a single so far. You never know... Meeting ppl is one of my first thinkgs there as i`ll need quite some support - but this is not the only thing to look 4 friends.

Well...actually i don`t have a lot of a clue of a price range. Something around upper middle class i`d say.

Thanks for your hints

[lavender]

Hello Nils
I think the area you are working in is probably not really where you might want to live. It's not very cosmopolitan and not close to areas to 'hang out' and meet younger people. Even though it may be a drive to the office, I would recommend you move to a more urban environment. I know you said sunny green and quiet, but sunny green and quiet in Florida is not the same as Switzerland. There are pockets of urban green and quiet and I strongly recommend you visit and take a good look around before you consider buying, in case you make a mistake that may be costly to you. There is not a lot around Gibsonton, and a lot of the developments have many foreclosure properties which may sound tempting as prices are low, but do you want to live in a place with no neighbors and a lot of negative aspects that go with that.

It's very different for us Europeans when we first move here, exciting and challenging, but make sure you get the best advice and work with someone who understands your perspective too.
good luck to you

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by lavender

Hello Nils
I think the area you are working in is probably not really where you might want to live. It's not very cosmopolitan and not close to areas to 'hang out' and meet younger people. Even though it may be a drive to the office, I would recommend you move to a more urban environment. I know you said sunny green and quiet, but sunny green and quiet in Florida is not the same as Switzerland. There are pockets of urban green and quiet and I strongly recommend you visit and take a good look around before you consider buying, in case you make a mistake that may be costly to you. There is not a lot around Gibsonton, and a lot of the developments have many foreclosure properties which may sound tempting as prices are low, but do you want to live in a place with no neighbors and a lot of negative aspects that go with that.

It's very different for us Europeans when we first move here, exciting and challenging, but make sure you get the best advice and work with someone who understands your perspective too.
good luck to you

I totally agree with this, and will add that Gibsonton is really not a very nice place to live - it is poor and run-down, with not much going for it.

Definitely look around a bit, I would think you might like a neighborhood in south Tampa.

[TampaKaren]

Just to add a little flavor to the mix, the area in Gibsonton around the Alafia River has some really beautiful homes (upper middle class as you requested). There are also plans to build a community park next to the River at Boyette and US301 along with walking & biking trails. More info on the community plan here --> New Page 1. The plan has been approved and partially funded.

A little further east, you might like FishHawk Ranch. There are activities for all ages and there's always something going on at the Park Square town center. More info here --> FishHawk Ranch by Newland Communities | Lithia, Florida.

Just remembered Winthrop Village. It's still in its infancy, but the conceptual plan is very nice ---> http://www.dpz.com/project.aspx?Project_Number=9929&Project_Name=Wint hrop (broken link). Again, this has been approved as well.

[nils77]

Thanks for the answers so far - it`s as always difficult to judge about something without knowing. I`ll be there for a couple of days next year to get an impression myself. The more i exclude now the more specific i can look later on. I have been quite ofteh to the US so i know a bit what i may expect and what not. And it is definitely different to Europe, right.

My plan is so far to rent an appt for the first month or two - giving me some time find a right place there. This will be when i defintely move in.

Anybody wanting to take me around there? Would be nice talkin to some locals.

Thx