Moving to Tampa- South Tampa or Westchase (Lutz, Valrico: fit in, condos)

[Marlapw]

I am moving to tampa with my husband, six year old son and four year old daughter from Chicago. I want to be in a good school district as we cannot afford private school yet. I also want to be in an area with lots of families as we do not know anyone in the tampa area. Any recommendations? People at my Husbands new job have suggested South Tampa or Westchase. I am also quitting my job after 18 years to be a stay at home mom so I am also lookiing for Cool Fun Moms to befriend!!
any info would be great because we are clueless at this point. Most likely moving in June.

thanks

[tampaguy03]

South Tampa - historic neighbrohoods, older Tampa, established walkable neighbrohoods, very close to downtown, westshore district, airport, city amenities, excellent school district(Plant).

Westchase - preplanned community, reletively new, suburban about 15-20 mins from Tampa.

[crowleys]

Hey. We will be moving to Tampa this summer as well. I am a stay at home mom with three boys...5,8, and 10. We have been looking at Odessa or Lutz for the schools. Are the schools in Westchase better than these areas?

[FloridaKash]

From what I have found, Westchase schools are very good and parents are involved. I was looking at the Westchase elementary school website. They had a parent 'casino' night with dinner, art auctions and silent auctions as a fundraiser. This tells me the community is very involved with their school which is necessary for a school to be good.

[gypsychic]

I think Westchase is probably better for that family oriented feel.

[chica_bella813]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I think Westchase is probably better for that family oriented feel.

I agree. I would choose WestChase over South Tampa as well especially since it is more family oriented. Some find South Tampa to be impressive, I have not, unless you are talking about the million dollar condos over looking Harbor Island or Channelside. But the Westchase community is very nice, a lot of nice trails to enjoy working out and walking with the family after dinner. You should visit both areas and then make a wise decision. If I am not mistaken I believe the homes in South Tampa are more than Westchase. I believe it is because the historical value it has.

[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!

[nickbosy]

If you hate cookie cutter, avoid Valrico, completely. Also avoid the areas of WestChase. Its got ZERO personality.

You sound like you'd fit in perfectly in South Tampa, it has pretty much everything on your wish list, established neighborhood, great schools, places for kids, LOW crime, very convienent to night life, sporting events, pretty much everything. I am going to assume you have a nice sized budget coming from Fairfax (beautiful area btw), so if you can afford it, I would highly reccommend it here. I would gladly give you mofe info upon request, I've lived in South Tampa for 11 years.

[TanteHannah]

I saw wouth Tampa. The base has a really great schoo( I am in the education field)Tinker Elementary. You can also place the kids in Wilson Middle. Its almost like a private school. Plant high school is very good as well especially if your kids are in sports. People actually lie about their addy to get their kids in that school

[user8]

south tampa is (mostly) beautiful but it's not exactly the kind of place to live in if you're raising a family. nothing wrong with it per se but it's a bit crowded. westchase does lack urban flair but it's a nice, clean, safe suburban area.