Possibly Moving to Tampa

I think the outskirts are usually the best... Riverview, Land O Lakes, New Tampa, parts of Lutz, etc... rather then Tampa proper. Less crime, less traffic, less noise and much better schools.

Even tho I'm 20 minutes south of Tampa, I don't know it well and only go there when I have to. My area is a huge metro area also - so dealing with one busy area is easier than dealing with 2.

This depends on which part of Tampa your husband is working (North or South) and if you want to be in the city or in the suburbs. Land O Lakes and Lutz both have had a lot of growth in the past few years, and I don't know much about them except they are family friendly and are toward North Tampa. If you want to be in the city and South Tampa, Westshore, Beach Park, Davis Islands are all really nice. But very pricey to live there. I live just over the bridge to the west in Clearwater. About 30 minutes to downtown Tampa. There are a lot of nice communities over this way if your husband doesn't mind a commute: Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor. But like I said, it would be a bit of a commute especially during rush hour. Another really nice community is Westchase. Very family friendly, and easy to get to North or South Tampa, but your still not going to be 10 minutes away.

There is a lot to love about living here. Beaches, if you guys are sports fans we have a baseball and football team, Busch Gardens, Lowry Park zoo, and much more. The only thing I don't like is we don't really have seasons. My sister and I joke the seasons we have are hot and hotter. LOL. No snow, no beautiful fall leaves turning color. Warm years it doesn't get below 50. And cold years really only dip into the 30's. And it doesn't last long. You will get cool days in October, November, December, but those are just days here and there and there have been plenty of Christmas's I had long sleeves on and it was too hot. January, February will be your cold months, by March it's usually warm again. But many family friendly areas and lots to do :)

Ok there are alot of things I would need to know....first where is hubby working? downtown? MacDill? Brandon? age of your kids. Types of things you enjoy. Money you are wanting to spend. Rent/Own/Lease. Public or Private Schools or Religious?

I will say I grew up in South Tampa (Old Tampa lol) and also have lived in North Tampa and now live in Lithia - which is still Hillsborough County but west of Tampa - easy drive on the expressway. I love S. Tampa and if we could have afforded it would have loved to live there especially with the schools (public and private). But we found a community that is SOOO much like S. Tampa in the way that people are friendly, outgoing, look out for eachother and have AMAZING School without the crazy prices/traffic - Fishhawk Ranch. I am NOT a realtor just a mom who LOVES this place. I will tell you my family (both parents) are from Tampa - My mom is 3rd generation and my dad 2nd. I swear when I was growing up everyone knew one or both of my parents and their families.

great schools website or look up the Florida School board.. put in the county you want /are going to live in and see what grades the schools have..
Have you looked for places to live yet?? aask the realtor (if you are getting a house) or the property manager if you are doing an apt.
I live in sarasota-- 45min south of tampa and its gorgeous! Tampa is great because its a big city so you have busch gardens/adventure island.. a few malls.. brandon is nearby for the malls.. st Pete has a great beach.. and Sarasota has Siesta Key- the #1 beach in the US of A!
and the weather is awesome so the kids can participate in many sports!!

I have heard that Lutz and Land O Lakes are good areas. We almost moved there, so that's how I know. But it depends on where your husband's job is. There are other nice areas, too (but I don't know about them)! Good luck! How nice to leave freezing Chicago!

We have a lot of Military families in Brandon. It's close to major roads that lead to MacDill. I used to work there as a Govt. Travel agent (civilian). I left after I had our first child (she will be 10 in Sept!). I loved it there. We still live in Brandon and like it here. Lots of schools to choose. Some good, some bad. We left a charter school for public school. We like it better. Schools are different then up north. We came from Ohio. So do research when you get here and get on lists if you think you'll stick around.

We have Busch Gardens passes. The Aquarium pass and zoo ran out. Lots to do there. You will keep busy the first year you move. Also look for Mom's Club. That helped me a lot when my kids were younger. I met a lot of mom/kids and continue to be friends even though we are no longer in the group.

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We have a lot of Military families in Brandon. It's close to major roads that lead to MacDill. I used to work there as a Govt. Travel agent (civilian). I left after I had our first child (she will be 10 in Sept!). I loved it there. We still live in Brandon and like it here. Lots of schools to choose. Some good, some bad. We left a charter school for public school. We like it better. Schools are different then up north. We came from Ohio. So do research when you get here and get on lists if you think you'll stick around.

We have Busch Gardens passes. The Aquarium pass and zoo ran out. Lots to do there. You will keep busy the first year you move. Also look for Mom's Club. That helped me a lot when my kids were younger. I met a lot of mom/kids and continue to be friends even though we are no longer in the group.

I would say that the "trendy" places are South Tampa and Westchase. New Tampa is very popular too, but I personally think it's very hard to get in and out of there and get to other parts of Tampa. I guess I would say the same for Westchase. I live in Lutz right near Land O'Lakes. It is nice here, but definitely in the suburbs. You can get a lot more house for your money now, so I would look to South Tampa if you can. Plant High School is there and has a great reputation. Steinbrenner is nice new high school that I believe is for Westchase and other nearby areas.

Tell us a little more about the part of town the job is located.

We live in Spring Hill which is about an hour north of Tampa. Its a nice town thats about 15 minutes from Pine Island beach. The schools are really good. If he doesnt mind the long commute its a good place to live. My husband works at the airport & commutes there 4 days a week ont he expressway.

Sorry i cant help on housing but would suggest a membership at Glazier childrens museum for kids under 10yrs. Its expensive but the member makes its worth it if your going more than once. Also, traffic is a pain after 4:30pm.

I lived in clearwater 45min away and in Brandon and the housing was cheaper.

go to greatschools.net and search for great schools in the area!!

CONGRATS!!!

Good luck!!

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go to greatschools.net and search for great schools in the area!!

CONGRATS!!!

Good luck!!

Tampa is a great place to live! Depending on your personal interests and budget, you can find anything. We are located in Land O Lakes, Lutz area away from the hustle and bustle of the city and yet close enough (30min.) toget down there for fun events. There is a little bit of everything. We enjoy Busch Gardens (20min. away) can head to Orlando in 1hr and change and have a different scenery. There is also Clearwater and St. Pete relatively close with great beaches and night life. It's nice to retreat to a quiet area when we come home. Our neighborhood is filled with kids to play outside. The airport is nearby and malls everywhere to keep you busy. Plenty of schools (again, depending on what you are into). There is also Davis Island which is beautiful with fantastic school but rather pricey area and I love Clearwater because of the ocean. There are several mom groups you can join and make friends too.
Housing market is good now too. Out in this area it is easy to get around...not so much traffic. Westchase and other areas are more expensive and have lots of traffic.
Good luck!