Moving to Tampa- South Tampa or Westchase (Miami, South Beach: rain, running)

[chickidee6868]

I lived in south tampa and now live in Carrollwood - not far from west chase. If were raising a family...I think west chase would be the better option - more of a family/community atmosphere.

[AndWhat]

Westchase, for sure. South Tampa is too busy and too expensive for what you get (sqft).

[Tampa Homes]

South Tampa has more character, better restaurants and is more aesthetically pleasing than Westchase IMO. You'll pay for it though per sq. ft. At the end of the day, both are great areas; it depends on your what characteristics are better suited for your profile.

[poynorwife9819]

So, where did you choose. We are headed to MacDill in June.

Originally Posted by CandCsmom

Hey there - anyone on this post move yet or better refined the options? I just started looking at these threads yesterday... a last minute change of orders and we're headed down to Tampa after only a year in Northern VA (supposed to be here for at least two) and headed to MacDill for 3 years. I know no one down there and just started my research on schools. I have two kids - rising 1st grader and a 4 year old. We absolutely love our elementary school here in Fairfax and I'm so sad to leave - very involved parents, PTA, great community lots of friends in a short time. So, of course now I'm on a mission to find something similar in Tampa and it seems like an overwhelming task! A few people I've spoken to who are semi-familiar with the area mentioned South Tampa, Valrico, Lithia (Fish Hawk Ranch) and Lutz. I hate a cookie cutter neighborhood with big houses on little lots - prefer charming, older established neighborhood like we have up north but I don't know if I'd find that down there? along with the good schools? My second biggest criteria after the school is the community - where you can really get to know and hang out with the neighbors, kids play together, parks that have music or movie nights, sports and activities for the kids, etc. etc. I'm just curious if you all have turned up any good areas even specific neighborhoods or subdivisions to target? BTW the commute time for my husband is secondary (his words not mine) for the right community!

[tampares]

South Tampa is more affluent than Westchase with better schools, less crime, more restaurants, shopping, and proximity to everything. I think Plant high school in South Tampa usually ranks among the best high schools in the state. There are also some very good private schools there. The "nicest" part of south Tampa is generally considered to be the area north of Gandy and south of Kennedy between downtown and the bay.

To me, there is nothing appealing about Westchase, or Valrico/Brandon/Fish hawk. You will get more square footage per dollar in those areas, but at a cost.

[jdvalle]

Originally Posted by tampares

South Tampa is more affluent than Westchase with better schools, less crime, more restaurants, shopping, and proximity to everything. I think Plant high school in South Tampa usually ranks among the best high schools in the state. There are also some very good private schools there. The "nicest" part of south Tampa is generally considered to be the area north of Gandy and south of Kennedy between downtown and the bay.

To me, there is nothing appealing about Westchase, or Valrico/Brandon/Fish hawk. You will get more square footage per dollar in those areas, but at a cost.

yep.

unfortunately, most people would rather rot away in a 3500 sq. ft. mc mansion rather than trade in some of that sqaure footage for a more stimulating and walkable environment.

[traveljerk123]

What is the price range on 4 bedroom houses in Westchase? Wikipedia says Westchase is an affluent suburb. Is is very expensive there?
Also how is East Lake compared to Westchase?

[roadtrip75]

Originally Posted by traveljerk123

What is the price range on 4 bedroom houses in Westchase? Wikipedia says Westchase is an affluent suburb. Is is very expensive there?
Also how is East Lake compared to Westchase?

You can get a better answer to these questions if you spend a few minutes on Zillow yourself.

[angwen]

I have the option of moving from NYC to Tampa or Miami for a job transfer. I am a newlywed with a baby on the way. I just spent the day in Westchase. It was lovely. The tree lined streets, the very pretty homes and well kept developments were all attractive. I drove around the small shopping area in Westchase where there were a few restaurants and shops. That was cute, but a bit disappointing. I thought it was much too small and would get boring after living in the area. Where else would I go which isn't too far? I will also check out Coconut Grove in Miami. Which is best for us? We are professionals, in our early 30's, from the UK. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Raven1976]

Originally Posted by angwen

I have the option of moving from NYC to Tampa or Miami for a job transfer. I am a newlywed with a baby on the way. I just spent the day in Westchase. It was lovely. The tree lined streets, the very pretty homes and well kept developments were all attractive. I drove around the small shopping area in Westchase where there were a few restaurants and shops. That was cute, but a bit disappointing. I thought it was much too small and would get boring after living in the area. Where else would I go which isn't too far? I will also check out Coconut Grove in Miami. Which is best for us? We are professionals, in our early 30's, from the UK. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

I would suggest Tampa. There is a bigger population of folks from the UK in and around Orlando, which is closer to Tampa.