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Greetings all. I recently accepted a faculty appointment in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Which, of course, means I am finally moving back to FL (which is really good--it is much too cold for this FL boy in KY--it was in the upper 20s this morning!).
What I am wondering, is where I should be looking for housing. Several people have suggested Temple Terrace, New Tampa, Brandon, etc. Would, say, a place like Palm Harbor, Dunedin, or even Clearwater be too far away for a daily commute? It is really hard to tell from just looking at a map.
At this time it looks like we (the girlfriend and I) will be able to make a brief recon trip in mid to late June to look for housing, etc. It would be nice if we could have the choices narrowed a bit before we head that way.
Thanks in advance!
__________________ Still lookin' for a good boat...any suggestions?
I could never leave the east coast but I will admit it is beautiful over there. My daughters live in Safety Harbor (or is it Harbour?) and every time I go to visit I marvel at how nice it is.
The drive from Clearwater to Tampa doesn't seem like much to me but I am only passing through on a 200 mile trip when I go.
First off, congrats on your appointment to USF. Go Bulls!!!!!!!!! I hope one of your first priorities upon returning to Florida is to buy a new boat. I'd say you owe it to yourself after spending the past several winters in Kentucky.
Anyways, not only am I a graduate of the USF School of Business, but I both commuted to the Tampa campus from Dunedin and lived near the school as well. The drive from Dunedin can be very brutal. The traffic in this area has also increased since I graduated some 13 years ago. When I lived in Tampa I rented an apartment in the area known as "suitcase city". Considering this area had the highest per capita murder rate in Tampa, I doubt you want to consider relocating there. There are several nice areas near the campus including Temple Terrace and New Tampa. Unfortunately, if you plan on boating or enjoying the beaches, these areas will require you to drive a good distance to the gulf.
Personally, I think the residential areas and the people are much nicer in Pinellas than Hillsborough. If I were in your shoes, I would probably make the commute from Pinellas.
I will send you an email with my phone info if you want further information on where to live in Pinellas. I was born and raised in Dunedin so I know a little something about the area.
Congrats!* I used to live in Dunedin, which can be a tough commute.* Would not to live in any place but Dunedin or Safety Harbor.* I don't see that happening any time soon because I really like it here in Charleston.* My Dad lives in South Tampa off of MacDill which is a viable drive to USF.* Traffic in Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater/Palm Harbor, in general, is difficult to begin with wherever you live if you want boating to be a consideration.* I have good friends in Palm Harbor which is nice.
__________________ Hubs Tub
Scout 162 w/90 Yammie
Johns Island, SC USA
I've lived in the Tampa Bay area all my life. The Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Dunedin areas are all about an hour commute to USF in really brutal traffic. New Tampa and Brandon are only 10 to 20 minutes away and are both nice communities. Brandon has more amenities such as shopping and dining and is also only about a 20 or 30 minute drive to Tampa Bay. I would recommend renting in Brandon and then take some time to check out the area to see if you like anything better.
I do love the state of Florida....but surely there will be things you miss about the bluegrass state? Where did you live? I spent time in Danville, Lexington, now I'm back home @ the falls of the Ohio. Performing Arts, that has Louisville written all over!
seabass: Thanks for the info...I kinda figured the Dunedin bit...my parents had some friends who lived there a while back and I remember them saying how nice it was...
Will probably, at least for the first year, end up living relatively near campus, probably Temple Terrace, New Tampa...several people have suggested Brandon...and someone even suggested Thonotosossa. Anyway, thanks again.
As for the boat, I have been doing research from here...and I certainly hope to get one shortly after I arrive. That, in fact, is part of what is driving me back to FL. I miss the water...and boats!
__________________ Still lookin' for a good boat...any suggestions?
Thanks...I will check it out!
Brandon, MacDill, etc all seem like they are worth looking into!
As far as KY and Louisville are concerned, in general, I have no bad feelings about either. I spent a few years in Danville myself (C6 H0?) and like Lexington a lot...many friends here. But I am from FL, and I miss the water, I miss boats, and, my parents are still down that way (though on the east coast, but Tampa is much closer than Lex).
I just need to go back to where I feel like I belong, and, hey, I did find a pretty good job down there!
Thanks again ya'll!
__________________ Still lookin' for a good boat...any suggestions?
Weird. One of my best buddies moved to Valrico (suburb of Tampa, next to Brandon) after we got out of college. About four years ago, he moved his family to Bardstown, Kentucky. Maybe he's following you.
Not a day goes by that I don't dream of living in Florida. But for now (until the kids get older), I'm stuck here in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Excuse me. I have to go and cry now .....
The timeline sounds about right....except for the time I spent in KC, MO before I move to KY. At least I've been headed in the right direction after I left KC--nothing wrong with KC, mind you, just not the place for me.
One of the things I do not like about KY (especially Lex) is that there is so little water and it is land locked...makes me nuts!
Anyway, I've been wondering about boat dealers in the area...good ones, bad ones? I also have discovered that I will be in Tampa in time for the boat show...is it a good one and worth the effort?
I can hardly wait to get back down there...I know how you must feel...(Brad1)...thankfully I do not have any children to worry about at this point.
__________________ Still lookin' for a good boat...any suggestions?
Moving back to FL!!! 
Which, of course, means I am finally moving back to FL (which is really good--it is much too cold for this FL boy in KY--it was in the upper 20s this morning!).
