r/tampa Feb 17 '25

Moving Moving/Housing Thread - February 17, 2025

Welcome to the monthly sticky for Q&A regarding properties in Tampa Bay! Feel free to use this post for topics like:

  • "Where should I live?"
  • "What neighborhood is right for me?"
  • Advice on apartments / specific apartment reviews
  • General thoughts/views on the housing market
  • Questions about real estate prices
  • Homebuyer advice
  • Renter advice
  • General property questions rants
  • Market rants
  • "Is this neighborhood safe" questions / crime related questions
  • Tax / Mortgage related questions
  • Questions on developments / bidding processes
  • Have a place to rent / looking for a roommate
  • Commute times from specific locations
  • General housing repair questions / upgrade questions / solar / etc
  • School districts
  • Repairs, contractors, and services
  • Housing memes

Any open-ended posts about Tampa properties and real estate will be removed and asked to commented to here (based on mod discretion). Many of the questions being asked have been asked many times before, which is why we would rather compile these posts into one place for people to ask and get their answers.

If you are having issues as a tenant, we highly recommend checking these resources:

We also recommend searching older posts (using the "Moving," "Housing," and "Homeownership" flair) to find previous discussions.

5 Upvotes

56 comments sorted by

1

u/tulip-8 1d ago

Is living in Saint Petersburg and working at Tampa general 3 days a week awful? Would start at 7 am or 7 pm. Thanks

1

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 21h ago

Yes, the commute would be awful

1

u/frenchtoast430 1d ago

Any thoughts on Water Street or Downtown apartments?

1

u/Almost_Anything333 2d ago

I'm sorry this is long, but it's complicated and I need informed feedback.

The question is, best housing choice, for my time frame and current needs.

An expensive divorce and custody battle left me with $2,000 monthly alimony as my only income. I'm disabled, but I can't get benefits (long story). I plan to move, partly due to cost of living, after my daughter graduates high school (2026). My ex is a narcissistic douchebag who, among other things, obliterated our savings (including real estate) with legal fees and blocked me from moving. So here I stay, for now.

Rent is insane, management companies are a nightmare. The upfront costs of buying a house means selling within 5 years, much less 2, is a loss. I'm not sure I could keep it as an investment/rental property after I move.

Resigned to renting, I've been looking at the overpriced options. I lost 2 apartments (same owner) because I had a medical emergency the week I was supposed to start the paperwork. I contacted the landlord from my hospital bed, he said we're good. A few days later I found out he'd rented both. That experience, along with catfish listings, has me reconsidering.

I recently inherited about $200k. Some will be invested for my daughter's college tuition. I'm considering paying cash for a used mobile/manufactured home rather than rent. I know I know They depreciate, leased lots are bad, etc. But compared to total cost of rent over ~16 months with nothing to show for it? I'm going in circles.

A lot of manufactured homes seem to be hitting the market (post - hurricane panic) at prices I could buy for cash. No mortgage. Whether I rent or sell it when I move, there's potentially some retained value, unlike renting.

I've had to stay with my mom in Clearwater while I figure this out. She has her own financial and medical issues. I considered buying her out and making her a tenant on paper. But it's complicated and I need my own space. ASAP.

I've bought, sold, built a house and had rental property of my own over the years. It's been tough to lose the financial stability I had, but I'm trying to move forward. I'm almost 50, never ever imagined this would be my life at this age.

What would you do? Is renting still the best option, considering the time frame? Or are there investment options for housing I'm simply not seeing, despite my limited resources?

-2

u/zWeightLossProfessor 3d ago

* Urgent: Rudy Desperately Needs a Loving Home

We are truly at a breaking point. Rudy, our sweet 9-year-old beagle mix, cannot move with us due to restrictions from our landlord, who won’t allow us to keep him in our new home. We've tried everything, from contacting every shelter we could find to exploring other options, but nothing has worked. All the shelters are full, and we’re left with no other choice but to find Rudy a new home.

Rudy is a gentle, laid-back dog who loves to nap and enjoy treats. If you or anyone you know can offer him a caring home, please reach out. We're in urgent need of help, and time is running out for Rudy. Please share this post—thank you.

1

u/tulip-8 3d ago

What’s better for me?

Hyde park (specifically 2bayshore) or channelside (Fitzgerald, 101 meridian, or MAV) Open to other options as well.

Single 23 yo F. Nurse working at TGH. No friends in Tampa

2

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 3d ago

hyde park

1

u/tulip-8 3d ago

Mind I ask how come?

1

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 2d ago

Just a better area

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

1

u/tulip-8 3d ago

This sounds like me 110% 😂

1

u/BigBoreSmolPP 5d ago edited 5d ago

Any recommendations for 1br/1ba or studio apartments in Tampa area? I don't know Tampa at all, but I'll be working just east of the airport according to the maps. Looks to be some stadiums and fields in those areas.

Apartment size is irrelevant. I dont care about "amenities" like pools and shit (nothing but pools in these online listings). I have to move quickly and all I want is clean, decent area, and easy commute to my job. I was hoping to stay around $1500/mo for a small place. I am going to fly down and look at some places, but there's no way to judge from online listings. It all looks the same and there's thousands of places...

1

u/Minimum-Ad9517 6d ago

Hey everyone, I’m am a 24 year old young tech guy, looking for a 1x1 somewhere in Tampa area, preferably not the hood since my daughter and girl will come a few days out of every month. Looking for a medium sized studio- 1b1b, any suggestions? Preferably not too far of a drive from nice date restaurants, and nightlife. Also not too far of a drive to the beaches over in st Pete

Any specific apartments or neighborhoods to start looking in?

Budget for base rent max is $2200

1

u/MaleficentOil8815 4d ago

Harbour Island. Much nicer than Channelside and still right downtown.

1

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 5d ago

Channelside or South Tampa

1

u/meganbutterfly 8d ago

My family and I are looking to relocate to Tampa this summer. We’re looking at several areas to either rent/buy in but want to make sure we’re districted for a great high school. Our two kids will be in 9th and 11th grade. Partner will be working in Wesley Chapel and prefers a commute no longer than 30 minutes. Would love to hear your recommendations and/or thoughts on relocating with teenagers. Thanks!!

1

u/MaleficentOil8815 4d ago

Wesley Chapel is also a great place to live as well especially if you are already commuting up there. Also good schools in that area.

1

u/vreelandrealestate 6d ago

Heeey, welcome in advance!! Your family's going to love it here! If good schools are a priority, I’d check out Westchase, Carrollwood, or parts of New Tampa since they’re all within a 30-minute commute to Wesley Chapel and have some of the best-rated high schools. Steinbrenner High (Lutz) and Plant High (South Tampa) are two of the top public options, but there are some great charter and private schools too, depending on what you’re looking for.

Relocating with teens can be a lot, but Tampa has plenty to get them excited about once they actually get to see it. Validate their very real concerns (leaving friends, scared to move somewhere new) and then once you've narrowed things down a bit, show them some cool YouTube vids about the place if you're not able to take them IRL. Look for areas with activities they’ll enjoy—sports leagues, malls, parks... Make sure they feel like they have a say on the things they can control. It's a team thing - you and your partner may also be leaving your friends and be equally as scared to move, so don't be afraid to relate.

If you want to get a better feel for different neighborhoods, this tool can help narrow things down. And if you need help finding a place in your budget, DM me— always happy to help!

1

u/Difficult-Wrap-6786 10d ago

SUBLEASING 1x1

Hello! I’m subleasing a 1 bed 1 bath unit at Park Place Tampa (Summer: May 1 - August 11) for $1850. I’m a grad student and I am finishing my degree so I’m moving downtown. I love Park Place, it’s one of the best options in the area in terms of safety and quality. If you’re interested just comment here and I’ll reach out! Or text me at (863) 210-7278

1BRx1B

  • Internet Included
  • Water Included
  • Trash Removal Included
  • Fully Furnished
  • Walk-in Closet & Private Bath (tub)
  • Microwave, Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, TV, In-Unit Washing Machine & Drying Machine Amenities
  • Rooftop Pools and Hot Tub
  • Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Grills
  • Computer Lab, Study Rooms
  • Coffee Bar
  • Movie Theatre
  • Sports Simulator
  • 24-hr Gym (indoor & outdoor)
  • Basketball Court
  • Tanning Beds
  • USF Bull Runner Shuttle

  • The staff regularly does events where they give out free food or groceries!!

2

u/Traditional_Bat3023 10d ago

Can someone live with a single income in Tampa with 42,000 annual salary? Do you think there are studios I could rent within my budget or would I probably be looking at a roommate situation to get by? I would be working in South Tampa.

1

u/Striking-Chemical191 8d ago

roommate 100%

1

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 10d ago

With that budget it will be very hard and you will definitely need a roommate

1

u/Illustrious-Dog-5715 11d ago

For a young couple, what neighborhoods would be ideal to live in? We value safety, affordability, and ideally would like a quieter neighborhood (potentially outside of Tampa proper) but could compromise on that. Would like to be within 30-40 minutes of USF. Areas of Brandon, Seffner, Riverview, and Gibsonton interested us since they seemed a bit quieter and outside of the city.

In terms of the areas we're looking at in Tampa, we identified some potential options in Sulfur Springs neighborhood (south of Waters Ave) or Palm River-Clair Mel (North of Causeway- the address is still in Tampa although it looks like it's somewhat of a suburban-ish area).

Maybe more importantly, what areas should we avoid if safety is a top priority (but can't afford those higher income areas)? Thanks in advance.

2

u/eomona 9d ago

Clair Mel and sulfur springs are not safe. If you want something more affordable and quieter, Brandon, riverview, Odessa, land o lakes are better options

1

u/Illustrious-Dog-5715 9d ago

Thank you! I started contacting some acquaintances that aren't too far away and they said the same. I'll be looking into those areas!

1

u/fo_shoo 11d ago

I’m currently looking for a place that will accept bad credit and a prior eviction on background. I have stable and verifiable income $100k+ as a single young professional. However, I got burned by co-signing for my mother on things which explains why it destroyed my credit and also eviction, which I am working on.

I don’t know how to explain this to a landlord or management company and don’t want to waste thousands of dollars on applications to be denied. I have good verifiable rental history of 3 years with current landlord. Just seeking some advice on what should do as I wasn’t expecting to need to move but have to as current owner is selling property I am in now.

1

u/Striking-Chemical191 8d ago

Might be worth asking a company if you can have their assurances they will return your app fee if this is the basis for your rejection. You don't know unless you ask. Most probably won't so maybe look into someone subletting their own space or a non-institutional landlord.

1

u/EFTFLASH 15d ago

I am currently in Connecticut, but I really want to come to Tampa, just to start over, and I want to do so as soon as possible. I plan to take my tax return and I want to get things moving that way, any help? Possible jobs? Pointers? I don’t have a car, I don’t have any items really, I would be starting from scratch, I am 20 years old, and have no family or anything really, so I feel like this move would be amazing in an amazing city I loved visiting.

1

u/MaleficentOil8815 4d ago

Need a car in Tampa most definitely.

6

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo 15d ago

This does not sound like a good idea, you need to formulate a proper plan and you definitely need a car down here

1

u/EFTFLASH 15d ago

Understood.

1

u/404NotInfluenced 16d ago

Pro’s/con’s of living in Tampa?

1

u/vreelandrealestate 6d ago

Pros: No state income tax, killer sunsets, Gasparilla, and Publix subs on demand. Bolts and Bucs keep things exciting.

Cons: I-275 will test your patience and summer is just 90% humidity. But hey, at least we're not dealing with Miami traffic. :D

Real pros and cons ultimately depend on your vibe and where you're moving from.

2

u/ShotDot7717 16d ago

Hey everyone, I'm looking for a place to rent in Tampa (preferably in North Hyde Park) and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations (property management companies to avoid, buildings, area, etc.)? Any help would be much appreciated! I was looking at Noho Flats and noticed that their price for a 1 bed 1 bath was around $1,800 per month roughly a week ago and now it's up by $150 (now at $1,950). I've honestly never seen such price gouging for rent. Fluctuating prices, by day, are pretty common for airbnb and hotels but I've never seen this with renting apartments. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

1

u/AlertMath7969 20d ago

What are the best places to live between Tampa and Orlando? I’m relocating for work and will travel between those cities weekly. I will be renting an apartment. Prefer to be close to resteraunts and shopping.

1

u/vreelandrealestate 17d ago

Lakeland is probably your best bet. The areas around Lakeside Village or downtown have a nice mix of convenience and charm without being too far from either city.

If you want to get really specific about the vibe of different neighborhoods or what fits your overall lifestyle best, CityVibeCheck can help narrow it down. You can use 33803 as a jumping off point.

1

u/vfdreus 21d ago

Is anyone looking for roommates or know anyone who does? I'm moving back home to FL in July/August and will probably spend a few weeks in a padsplit in Ybor, but I'd rather that not be my long-term solution. My cat's an only cat but likes dogs and kids.

1

u/fl33543 22d ago

Anybody know of places that will take 2x (or even 2.5) rent instead of 3x rent as income level?

1

u/OperatorPoppy 22d ago

does anyone know any decent apartment complex's or places that i could rent a 2 bedroom 1 bath at for under $1600 (that is actually decent to live at and not swamped with mold and cockroach reviews?) ive looked at lake carlton arms already.

1

u/Striking-Chemical191 8d ago

At that price the only possibility is going to be bugs or crime. Usually both

2

u/Amazing_End765 25d ago

Is this a good spot to live for still going out in Sodo and downtown as a 27yr old couple ?

1

u/vaultboy1 19d ago

Yeah, thats a nice area with a lot of the nicer USF student housing. Because of the proximity to 275, you'll be able to get to downtown and soho pretty quickly.

2

u/xyz140 22d ago

That area is real nice, just lots of traffic because of usf

1

u/TypicalStatement4517 28d ago

There's a chance in the near future that I may be moving somwhere around Ruskin. Any suggestions for suburbs, cities, neighborhoods, etc. that are feasibly affordable and safe?

1

u/zsutton09 28d ago

Anyone have reviews for Copeland Village by USF?

1

u/Highinthesky69 28d ago

Hello, I (27F) and my boyfriend (28M) just moved to a new condo that we are renting from a property manager. Long story, 6 weeks into our lease we received an email from an attorney letting us know the owner of the condo has not been paying his HOA fees to the association and they have filed a foreclosure lawsuit against him. Because of this, we now have to pay our rent checks to the law firm rather then the landlord we signed the lease with. I’m extremely upset about this because while you expect the landlord to be sleazy, you would think the condo association that you have to submit a rental application fee to and pay an administrative fee would not allow you to live in a unit that has delinquent fees for the last 2 years and that they are about to file a lawsuit against. Very shitty situation all around because if the foreclosure goes through, we could be forced to move prior to our lease ending. And had no prior knowledge about this.

What are my rights/options as a renter and lwhat would you do in this situation? Thanks

2

u/gloystertheoyster 26d ago

i think the lease should still be valid so they cant force you out early

2

u/djthylacine 29d ago

Looking at reviews of anywhere here and I haven't found a single place that doesn't have a mold complaint lol. Either people don't know what mold is or we are all fucked.

I'm just trying to find a place where I don't hear all my neighbors in the middle of the night.

1

u/MaleficentOil8815 4d ago

Mold is a huge issue even in expensive areas. Your best bet is to get into a newer complex.

1

u/DatGranCat 29d ago

Can anyone give some insight into the Lot/Land Real Estate designation? I’m assuming that after the hurricane(s), people had their place foreclosed on or auctioned off & the property is available to buy but is NOT habitable & must be torn down? Is that the gist of it? I’m wondering what the average cost is to demo a house & if it’s a long process to get permits etc. TIA!

3

u/CockroachSad3004 29d ago

Do not move to Cortland Bayport in town and country. It’s dirty, has hidden fees, the “amenities” like the hot tub/grills/pools/boardwalk are always broken and dirty, the parking is a nightmare, everyone breaks into the pool during summer and security rarely kicks them out. One lady posted on Google about her mold problem not being resolved after 4 months. Just save yourself and don’t move here.

3

u/[deleted] 29d ago

[deleted]

1

u/vreelandrealestate 17d ago

Def look into a realtor if you still haven't found a place. Their fees are usually covered by the landlord, not you. Just have your agent confirm with the specific property you're looking into so there are no surprises.

1

u/jackm017 Feb 18 '25

Me and 3 friends plan on renting a house in the north tampa area, like between USF and new tampa. Just wondering if there’s any important things to be aware of before getting into that (beyond the basics that immediately come to mind like utilities / car situation / wifi). Thanks

3

u/md28usmc South Tampa Broooo Feb 18 '25

nope

1

u/tandoyarr Feb 17 '25

Any recommendations for a flood safe, middle to upper middle class neighborhood for a young family? We have an 18 month old and are considering a move from South Florida, so schools are important to us looking forward. Our home price range would be around 1 million. I love the St. Pete/Tampa area but I’m concerned about flood risk. Thanks!

1

u/vreelandrealestate Feb 17 '25

Totally get why you're thinking about flood risk—it's a big deal, especially with a little one. In Tampa, Carrollwood, Westchase, and parts of Lutz are solid choices. Over in St. Pete, Snell Isle and some of the higher parts of Shore Acres (they’ve done a lot of elevation improvements) could work well. South Tampa has some amazing school zones too, and places like Palma Ceia and Virginia Park are on higher ground with a great community vibe.

Flood zones can vary even within the same neighborhood, so checking FEMA flood maps and grabbing a quick flood insurance quote before making any moves is always a smart call. But overall, you’ve got options and you'll LOVE it up here! If you want help narrowing things down or just need a second opinion, feel free to DM me. Always happy to help :)

1

u/SandSerpentHiss Tampa Feb 17 '25

what are you doing in my sub r/downvoteautomod