Who wants us as neighbors? (Tampa, Lake Magdalene: rent, homes, safe area)

[BookishAngel]

We are a middle-age, childless professional couple (engineer and writer/producer for public radio) with 2 cats that might be relocating back to the Tampa in mid-June after 20 years in the mid-Atlantic. I am a Florida native so I am aware of the bugs, heat and traffic of Florida but we can deal with those things because I cannot take the cold, gray winters here anymore.

We are quiet and bookish but friendly and committed to knowing and respecting our neighbors. Will rent a home for a year or so in order to allow sufficient time to reacquaint ourselves with the area and to decide if purchasing a home is wise.

We want a quiet, safe area, preferably with sidewalks and perhaps a community pool. Good libraries are an absolute must and close proximity to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's a plus. We want a smallish (about 1000 square feet) one-story dwelling and want to spend about $1000 a month but can go higher if needed.

I lived in Safety Harbor as a child and loved it and still do but feel the commute time to my husband's potential job in Tampa at Cypress Street and Lois Avenue might be aggravating. Carrollwood and Northdale seemed nice a couple of years ago; is that still true?

We will appreciate all advice and suggestions and look forward to all the new friends we have yet to meet!

Thanks, everyone.

[TampaKaren]

Originally Posted by BookishAngel

... Carrollwood and Northdale seemed nice a couple of years ago; is that still true?

Yes, it's still true! And there is a new Whole Foods market being built on Northdale Blvd. They way it's going, it should be finished by summer.

[BucFan]

Valencia Lakes in Tampa, Florida - A GL Homes Community


Few miles away....
SouthShore Regional Library: Locations: Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative

[BookishAngel]

However, we are not 55 yet. That brings up a question - do 55+ communities allow a certain percentage of residents under the age of 55?

[BucFan]

yes, VL has a 80/20 deal where 80% of the owners need to be over 55 yrs of age. - not sure about the other communities.....good for early retirees, empty nesters.

[Stewabby]

Sadly, we have no Trader Joe's in Tampa. That despite the emails I keep sending them to open out here.

I'd take you as a neighbor, but New Tampa is not what you are looking for. Carrollwood would be a good fit. I work near where your husband will and one of my co-workers lives in Carrollwood and her commute is about 20 minutes.

[algia]

U have no idea how happy that makes ME!

Originally Posted by TampaKaren

Whole Foods market being built on Northdale Blvd. They way it's going, it should be finished by summer.

Yes, Carrollwood is nice still...Lake Magdalene area too...
I wanted to say South Tampa, but I don't think that budget would go there...maybe check with an RE.

[Keeper]

I would check out S. Tampa or Seminole Heights. Either would be an easy commute and fit what you are looking for as far as neighborhoods. Just be careful about renting from craigslist as some crooks rent out homes they don't own.

[himain]

As long as my cat would be able to play with your cats

[FloridaKash]

Originally Posted by TampaKaren

Yes, it's still true! And there is a new Whole Foods market being built on Northdale Blvd. They way it's going, it should be finished by summer.

Yep - they're making fast progress on it! I believe it is supposed to open this fall though. AS much as I am looking forward to it opening I am also not looking forward to it. I am going to be too tempted to shop at that store which is extra $$$.