Questions about Relocating to Tampa (MacDill AFB) from Denver (to rent, houses)

[jdm09]

Hi all:

My wife and I are debating whether to move to Tampa to take a position at MacDill AFB from Denver. I don't know much about the area, so I thought that I would ask for your advice on where to live and what your favorite activities are to do.

Here is my information:
Where is your employment and the hours you will be working.
MacDill AFB, standard hours (M-F ~8-5)
What is your budget for housing. Do you want to rent or buy?
What is standard? We would be comfortable up to about $300k for a house, newer if possible, or renting at up to $1100/month. We haven't decided to rent or buy there yet. Are these do-able budgets for the area? What surrounding cities or communities do you recommend and why?
Are schools a concern?
Yes. While we don't have kids now, we will likely in the next 2-3 years, so we want to be in an ideal school district.
What is an acceptable commute time?
Ideally less than 30 minutes, but again, this varies on the area. I've been in DC (1 hour or more) and Denver (15 minutes), so I'm used to a range.
What else is important to you?
Safety and young families are ideal. We are in our mid-20s, so it would be preferable to be around other young families.

Thank you in advance for your help, and please let me know if you have additional questions. I look forward to reading your responses!

[Tim Tim Tim]

Honestly there are alot of good areas. I personally live in citrus park and like it. the commute will be about 45 minutes or so to base.

There is also the south tampa area which is more city life. Its a bit more expensive so your budget wont get you a whole lot but your commute would be in that 15 mintue window most likely.

You can also look at the brandon area, There is an expressway which takes you right to base pretty much. I personally am not a fan of brandon because I feel its a bit crowded although there are alot of things near you which is nice. The expressway will add up in cost though, I havent been on it in a while but the tolls were over 2 bucks if I remember right and there were like 2 of them each way. your commute would probably be in that 30 minute range then depending on how far down in brandon you go from the enterence to the crosstown.

your budget is also do able. If you can afford a 300k house, wouldnt the payments genereally be much more then 1100/month? For me, it seemed like the 1200-1500 range in rent got into decent houses in decent areas. 300k to purchase will get you a nice house in the citrus park, carrollwood, westchase(right by citrus park) or brandon areas. south tampa it will get you a soso house.