The restaurant is no more. Wow...that was a quick page in my book of life. Moving on, it's time to make some important changes. I've lived here all my life, so I am a little nervous about moving somewhere. But why not? Worst that can happen is I don't like it and decide to move back. I also feel a twinge of desire to take things slower. I've been working long hours for as long as I can remember. Is it okay to slow down and live a little? My best friend tells me I'm not the type of person who will be content with not pushing myself. He might be wrong, but he might be right.
My partner and I will leave Friday, June 3rd for Tampa. We are driving, and I found a hotel mystery shop halfway down there, so that room will be free. In all we will be gone four nights this first trip. My mission is to look at neighborhoods, talk with locals, and figure out what parts of Clearwater, Tampa or St. Petersburg would be ideal. Beyond the basic criteria of having a safe place to call home, I am looking for a pedestrian-friendly area. I want to walk to the library, grocery store and park. I've not used public transportation much in my life but think proximity to a bus route will come in handy. It's time to park the car, simplify my life, and enjoy the little things.
Enjoy, can't wait to hear about your new life chapter!
ReplyDeleteSon recently moved from Tampa (in with us) after living there for 3+ years. He loved it.
ReplyDeleteTampa and surrounding areas have good public transportion but recent cutbacks have decreased the number of trips made daily. Bus ridership is high.
Good areas are Carrollwood and the area surrounding Busch Blvd (where you will find Busch Gardens). They have lots of shopping, buses, etc.
Bad areas are Seminole Heights, College Hill and the area around Univ of SF - drug use and crime related to drug use. Check with the Hillsborough Sheriff Dept for further info. By the way, everything in Florida is done by county - police, library, schools, etc.
Avoid the areas near the coast - by at least a mile and be sure to check the storm surge maps. At in that same vein -Hurricane season is June - Nov. You must be prepared so check out the Hurricane preparedness booklets in the Tampa area.
We've lived in FL, about 100 miles south of Tampa, for the last 7 years and love it - in spite of Hurricane Charley in 2007.
Good luck with your search.
Best of luck in your move.
ReplyDeleteBellen - thank you so much for the feedback. I need all the info I can get and will print this out for my trip. Invaluable information on where to start my research.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, Andy - thanks for the well wishes. I'll keep you posted.
Jon