I have been considering moving to the Tampa area for some time. I have about had it with the cold NY winters, high taxes, crazy traffic, overall congestion, high real estate costs and would love to be able to enjoy my "S" year round.

I have been looking at homes online in Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and St Petersburg areas. It appears that I could buy a pretty nice home for $250k-$325k with very reasonable real estate taxes.

Are these cities safe, youth based and prosperous communities to move to ?

I have read that their are also no state income taxes ? What is the deal with this ?

Can you guys give me an idea of real estate taxes and auto / homeowners insurance costs ?

I have been in the IT industry for about 2 years, how would my prospects for a new job be in Tampa ? My wife is a RN so I am sure she could land an excellent job in a few days however I am concerned about my prospects.

It seems that many companies are moving to Tampa due to lower overheard. Is this true ?

How is Tampa in a nutshell ? Any input from you guys would greatly be appreciated.

 

Tampa (specifically Pinellas county) is great. I moved from Pittsburgh 3 years ago and would never go back.

All the cities you named are good places to be. It's really what kind of person you are. Clearwater has a little older homes, Oldsmar has brand new ones. Clearwater is closer to the beach, Safety Harbor is closer to the bay. I can't tell you about which ones are kid-friendly, I don't have any. Safety isn't an issue in your price range.

No state income taxes. The saps that come from the north to vacation here take care of that for us. Depending on the place you live, figure 1% of your house value on real estate taxes per year.

Your wife would have no problem getting a job with all the old people down here. Healthcare is the #1 industry in the county. IT doesn't look so good. I'm currently unemployed and been out for 4 months. I network with a lot of IT guys that have been out for longer than that. You might get lucky and find one, you might not. Depends on your skills.

I still recommend the area. Great weather (you get used to the heat), great roads (no potholes) and a great S2K club (tbas2k.com).

PM me if you have specific questions.

Jim

 

Jim's summary was on the money. I think compared to the rest of the country, we are much better off. I'd say go for it. A house in your price range would be a palace! Look us up when you get here and join in for a meet!

 

Jim and Dave are right. Come on down we would love another S in the area.

 

I graduated from Tarpon Springs High and grew up in Palm Harbor and Clearwater Countryside. I like the Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and Palm Harbor areas. Your money will buy alot of house compared to where you are now. Look in the Countyside area of Clearwater. Very nice and well located.

 

What else can we say. I own a home in Safety Harbor and am very happy. Safety is not a problem in that $$ range and the schools in Safety Harbor are very good. Taxes in FL are just a bit different than they are in the NE. State income taxes are zero, but they will get you with plenty of user fees and the like. It used to be where the total taxes in FL was near the bottom but now we are closer to the middle. I can tell you that you will save a ton on utilities and can get rid of most of those heavy clothes (and no snow tires). Also most businesses down here are business casual so you can forget about the suits and ties. Job market is good, although IT folks are much cheaper and plentiful than they used to be. Your wife can get a job in one day, no problem. As are the living costs in FL, you will find salaries are also lower than what you are used to up in NY. It all works out in the end.

Joser
Silver/Red