I lived there post college and hated it...pace of life just seemed to slow compared to up here. But now I can see the allure. Close to the beach, slower pace of life, good theater coming to the performing arts center, close to Disney, beautiful weather in April . Not that I would want to go back - but it is better than other places.

Okay, OP, I am going to try my best to be helpful. Schools in Hillsborough Co. are considered among the best in the state plus they received a Gates grant in 2008.
Bevis ES in Lithia (near Brandon, an eastern suburb) is #1 in FL. The prob. with Brandon/Lithia/FishHawk Creek is that it's kinda far even when you're not commuting. The rental market is still EXTREMELY tight b/c of the real estate meltdown. You might be able to find something on militarybyowner.com

I would suggest looking into the Westchase area (NW Hillsborough Co.), with a relatively quick commute to MacDill AFB as long as your hubby goes at off-peak hours. Otherwise the traffic is a NIGHTMARE.
South Tampa is near to the base but you may find a mansion next to a ghetto and crap schools while paying $$$$ for a house.

I would not consider St. Pete to be part of the equation. Pinellas Co. towns like Palm Harbor are nice and might be doable plus the schools there are pretty good. Shorecrest is a well-regarded private and so is Berkeley Prep in Tampa but pricey.

Everything about Florida IS strange and foreign. You'll have good weather. That's about the best I can say for it. Lots of rude old people, lots of rednecks, shitty schools. I once read someone describe Florida as "America's jungle rotted phallus." Could not be more apt.

Signed,
Two Year Sarasota Resident Who Cried Tears of Joy When We Left

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend of mine grew up in Tampa. His 10-year (or maybe 15-year) high school reunion was held at Hooters. Seriously.

Was it an all boys school? I can't see women administration members or alumni being ok with this.

The female alumni probably work there

"Hooters" poster here (how I love to identify myself that way...)

I'm pretty sure it was a public school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend of mine grew up in Tampa. His 10-year (or maybe 15-year) high school reunion was held at Hooters. Seriously.

Was it an all boys school? I can't see women administration members or alumni being ok with this.

The female alumni probably work there

Anonymous wrote:A friend of mine grew up in Tampa. His 10-year (or maybe 15-year) high school reunion was held at Hooters. Seriously.

Doesn't suprise me. Signed, Redneck Riveria poster.

There are a lot of Cleveland transplants. Watch "Eastbound and Down" on HBO and you'll see the type of characters you are in for. Btw, I love that show!

Full of old people and perenially tied for worst school system in the country.

Anonymous wrote:A friend of mine grew up in Tampa. His 10-year (or maybe 15-year) high school reunion was held at Hooters. Seriously.

Was it an all boys school? I can't see women administration members or alumni being ok with this.

A friend of mine grew up in Tampa. His 10-year (or maybe 15-year) high school reunion was held at Hooters. Seriously.

Anonymous wrote:It is full of rednecks---hence the nickname "Redneck Riveria". That's about all I got.

LOL. I never heard of that before!

Anonymous wrote:The "Redneck Riviera" refers to the Florida Panhandle, not to the area around Tampa.

Yes, the other poster was incorrect.

OP, I've lived in various parts of FL, but never in Tampa. The closest I got was Bradenton, which is about 45 mins south of Tampa. Wish I could help more.

Wow. Helpful. Thank you.

The "Redneck Riviera" refers to the Florida Panhandle, not to the area around Tampa.

It is full of rednecks---hence the nickname "Redneck Riveria". That's about all I got.

We might be moving to Tampa soon. DH is in the USAF and will likely be transferred to MacDill. I'm a northern girl and everything about FL seems foreign and strange to me. Is anyone from there? Does anyone have any recommendations on where to live? We have 2 kids, one elementary and one will be a rising 6th grader. TIA!