Relo to Tampa Area HELP

I am on the other side of the state but very familiar with Tampa because several of my college friends moved there and have families. New Tampa has good schools. Brandon not so much! Beaches are not close to Tampa - look at a map so you can see Tampa Bay and you will understand. But, compared to OH, they are close! Very accessible on weekends. You might be able to find most of what you want in New Tampa except for the rent price! I can't imagine that you will find anything bigger than a 2 bedroom for that price. I think you will need to be about $1500 per month if you want a house.

For finding schools, take a look at the county school board website. The State of Florida grades schools on an A - F scale. For elementary, you want an A or B school at minimum. Also, not sure when your 3 year old will turn 4 but if bday is before 9/1/2014 then that child will be eligible for free preschool, called VPK. You need to get a voucher in the county you end up in and find a preschool.

Good luck!

Check out Fishhawk Ranch it is in Lithia just a little south east of Tampa and it has amazing schools and an outstanding community. There is a lot of military around and kids of all ages.

D.,

I live in Texas, but I am familiar with the Tampa area. Last summer, we thought we were moving to Tampa, and we did a lot of research. Here's what I know: Lutz is good, Lithia is good (more expensive), Wesley Chapel I think is good, Palm Harbor is good, and Brandon - not so good.

I am grateful our Tampa move didn't work out, b/c I was very scared about something. Not to scare you (I'm sure I won't), but I am petrified about sink holes. Have you heard of sink holes? Over a year ago, a man got swallowed up by a sinkhole and died. He lived in Tampa (Seffler). I did a TON of research on sinkholes, and Tampa has the most. I call Tampa "sink hole city." Even though that man died, I realize it is very rare to get swallowed by a sinkhole and die, but sink holes in Tampa are VERY common. If you don't die from one, you will probably have a lifetime of submitting sinkhole claims to your insurance company. There are signs to look for that there may be a sinkhole on your property: indented foundation, and cracked floors or windows. If your backyard is on a slant, for example, there may be a sinkhole beneath you. Orlando also has a lot of sinkholes.

Because of this fear (and I realize that many people would call it an irrational fear - but I can't help what scares me), I told my husband I wouldn't live in any county in Tampa (all Tampa counties have a ton of sinkholes), and that we would have to live further South. There is a wonderful area about an hour South of Tampa called Lakewood Ranch. It is very close to Bradenton, and I believe a master planned community. It is a beautiful area that has good schools. My husband would have had an hour drive to work if we lived there, which he didn't like, but was willing to consider. The job didn't work out anyway, and we were both relieved.

If you do live in the Tampa area, you MUST make sure you have sink hole insurance, and be prepared to experience at least one sink hole on your property, and the mess, cost, and fear it will entail.

I'm sorry to bring you down like this (if I did). Just wanted you to be aware. Best of luck!

I live in Tampa. Largo is not close to Brandon at all. If he had to work in Brandon, he would be stuck on the Crosstown expressway or the Howard Franklin Bridge...both suck for traffic. New Tampa is a very nice area and within easy commuting distance to Brandon - 30 minutes or so. However, it is not close to beaches. If you want beaches, you would have to go to Pinellas county which is a long commute to Brandon...