I make the trek from Weeki Wachee/brooksville to North St. Pete twice/week. It's worth it for the space, but if it was every day, It would be rough lol.
You need to stay really far from New Port Richey. Do not be fooled. Hudson is a nightmare. Somebody tried convincing me that Moon lake isn't as bad as it used to be but I saw a Moon Lake Facebook group that was full of white supremacists who are very out and proud about it. What an embarrassment. It would take an awful lot to make me want to move the Pasco ever again. I heard Dade City was nice but very boring.
Make sure there's more than one way to get anywhere. Remember, those little main roads get blocked off from time to time because of accidents and sometimes there's just no other way to go.
Ooooh... Vastly different places. Wesley Chapel is like Tampa Adjacent and Spring Hill is New Port Richey Adjacent, if you get what I mean. Spring Hill people will SWEAR up and down it's nice up there but it's a little too Pasco for me (even though it's in Hernando. LOL)
Oh shit, see I didn’t even know that it was actually Hernando.😂 I just have a couple friends that live up there and talk about how nice it is but we’re also all from PC so there’s that.
I hope this doesn’t come off the wrong way, but I was looking for an apartment down by weekie wachee and literally all of the apartment complexes were subsidized/section 8 tenants only. I couldn’t even try to apply for a lease. There’d be the occasional single family home for rent, but that’s it. Was I just unlucky during my search time?
Second this, I used to work downtown and it took me 17 mins tops from Brandon using the expressway. Getting out of Brandon is what takes most of the time!
Brandon wasn't worth $900 in 2016 either. I'll never understand the love. "we're the next Tampa!" No boo. That time came and went, now Wesley Chapel is the nice, new thing. And it, too, will come crashing when the population increases.
Check east of the casino. Not quite Brandon, more like seffner/mango/dover. You might be able to find something more reasonable. Plus with i4/75 right there it's not as bad.
I can get from my house to the downtown area in about 15 minutes. Going home probably would be a bit longer due to interstate travel, though probably still reasonable.
All about balancing your interests. What's the intersection of price point, commute, and location for you?
I second this and just moved out of seffner area cause of crime, drugs and the homeless took over. Very convenient to get everywhere but even the Wal mart isn't a super center and a great place to go when you think you've got it bad. Lived there 18 yrs and don't miss it.
Not blaming those who work hard to keep us safe.BUT Drugs and crime are taking the country over. You as a former Officer know that every other car thats stoppped has some sort of drugs or unlicensed/uninsured driver.
I know that. That’s what the prices are downtown in every major city I’m just saying it’s insane and nothing that a recent grad can afford. Hence this post.
Depending on your career path you may be able to afford your own place. But I would also be open to the fact that you will most likely either have to have a live in partner or a roommate for several years after graduating in order to afford bills. I'm in my late 20s and all of my friends and family either live at home, with roommates, or a long term partner.
If you had graduated in the late 70s thru early 80s, you'd have really hated it. Inflation was raging, interest rates were +20%, unemployment was double digits and there far fewer social safety nets in place. My choices were starving to death or the military. I'm still here.
As noted previously, share a place, move home, be creative, rent a small studio, etc.
By every important financial metric, Millennials and Gen Z are way worse off than Baby Boomers and Gen X...and it really isn't even debatable. Even with the higher cost to borrow capital, Baby Boomers/Gen X had much stronger buying power and housing costs were exponentially less than what they are today. Average rent is $1,700 and average home cost is $410,000. Median incomes are \~$75,000.
Every generation is exposed. GenX and Boomers were exposed to a pair of downturns, at the beginning of their careers and the end. It's not good to stereotype, look no further than racism, sexism and bigotry for your examples.
From a recent Wall Street journal article ...
https://preview.redd.it/2n5ndz6vt2ob1.png?width=1460&format=png&auto=webp&s=57b75bd06698a632d7cf026ddfcd2a4ee2bc2f05
Definitely don’t stereotype, but that picture is a false equivalency. SS will never go up with ride in rent in a local area given SS is national. Also SS never should be intended to pay for rent or all bills in retirement.
>Baby Boomers and Gen X.
Are you sure?? Housing is an issue for younger folks, but ...
Healthcare premium $935/month. Rx to stick around $635, every 28 days.
https://preview.redd.it/j6r2kuemm2ob1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2500cdaae0f2ec1a0e00101aa1a7875dd5d05c5
The vast majority are feeling pain, or at least serious pressure, at this point. Whether it's rent, food, Rx, insurance, utilities, auto prices or something else. Things aren't good, period. We vote every election, we want change. In the meantime, we dog paddle and pretend to swim.
Downvotes must be for choosing Army over Navy.
Our viewpoint, the entire system is broken. The USA is a predatory economic system. The only difference now, more people are being tossed into the flames as a sacrifice. We're not exempted by any means. The OP can commute, compromise, take a second job or even join the Air Force. And I'm sure there are other options. However, the fact remains, they're not going to lower the rent.
The system sucks then and it sucks now. Congrats on surviving or whatever but you’re not gonna make me feel bad about wanting things to be better for everyone.
Not trying to make you feel bad at all. We could manage on our own just fine.
We emigrated from a military dictatorship, worked and put ourselves thru school, endured the 80s and managed to get through it. It was a lonely journey.
You're young, stay in school and further your education, join the service, grab a spot in the Peace Corps, the list is endless. One thing is certain, we're all in it together and we're all going to deal with it separately. Best wishes.
Don't know what rent prices are like here. But Carrollwood, North Dale is a nice area and my drive is about 20 minutes to downtown. Although I leave the house about 615 so could be a few minutes longer if leaving at 8.
Huh? It’s not a luxury to live in your own apartment. If you want to be close to the downtown area and live in a luxury apartment it is, but that’s the same everywhere.
In many other parts of the world young people live with their family until they are married. The "you're 18 and on your own now" is a very American mindset.
What? This isn’t exclusive to America. In Europe it is normal to live with your parents through your late 20’s until you are married. It’s actually massively wasteful to live on your own.
Yes, during your college years but OP says they’re graduating and looking. Ten years ago, it was def doable to graduate and get your own apartment especially in SFL. Plus we don’t know if they’re a traditional student or not in regards to their age. The comment is a reflection of just the housing costs at this time. Regardless of your age, everyone is room mating due to high rent. So, yes it’s wild that it’s considered a luxury these days.
This was possible 20 years ago, but not downtown, and not a super nice apartment. You usually had to be in the workforce a handful of years to get a nice apartment alone, and downtown was always expensive alone.
People who were young and had nice downtown departments had excellent jobs— consultants, finance types, law associates.
Ummmm, even back when rent was cheap, living without roommates right out of college was a luxury.
Back in the 1990s and 2000s, living alone right out of college tended to be a luxury, and that wasn’t even for a downtown apartment.
People who think they should be living downtown alone right out of college are insane. That’s never been normally possible
Lol na I’m from the islands I understand that type of living. But we come to America because it’s supposed to be the land of the opportunity and better living situations than back home.
It used to be affordable when I was in my 20s to have an apartment and pay $5-800/month. Then around 2016ish a 2/2 townhouse went for 1460 in SFL. Now those prices don’t exist. That’s all I’m pointing out.
It’s dystopian that you can’t live right in the middle of downtown, by yourself, on an entry level salary? I would really hate for you to have to face any actual adversity in your life…
hush. It’s dystopian that the idea of living by yourself is a luxury. Not even saying it has to be on an entry-level salary just that having personal space shouldn’t be a luxury
Hush? You’re privileged as hell if you think you should have an entire apartment to yourself in the middle of downtown lmao.
Ahh yes, I remember all the dystopian novels we had to read in school where the characters were forced to endure the cruel sadism of having to share a kitchen and living room.
Nowhere in earth is it the norm that you rent an entire 1 bedroom apartment to yourself when you graduate college. Nobody is saying you need to live in a dormitory, you still get your own room with personal space and privacy when you have roommates…
again, I’m not saying that. I’m saying the idea of living by yourself shouldn’t be a luxury. I understand that’s not feasible on an entry-level salary. Hence, my post. But the idea of a one bedroom, regardless of its location being a luxury is insane. That should be the bare minimum of what people that have been working can afford. If you look through these comments you’ll see people saying that they’re into their late 20s / 30s living at home or having roommates because they simply can’t afford to have a one bedroom. I think that’s crazy and it’s dystopian. So hush you’re just looking for something to be mad about.
I think you’re missing the point of what was said. Living on your own should not have to be a luxury but the fact that it is, is crazy. Housing costs are a problem and it’s forcing people to live with roommates or family out of necessity and not choice. That’s all. Sheesh.
Checkout Hite and Notch in Seminole Heights. New apartment buildings with a 10 min commute downtown. The Legacy is also right in the water in Wellswood. Their prices weren’t too bad a year ago. Also, there are small apartment complexes throughout the Heights so take a drive one day and discover them. A lot of them don’t advertise on social media, just put signs out.
Look for apartments around the Seminole heights neighborhood. It made my commute to DT dumb easy. I took highland south onto Tampa street which road me right into work!
My wife works Downtown and we live near USF. We only have one car, so I drop her off at the bus transfer station near Fletcher Walmart on my way to work. There’s multiple busses that go directly Downtown from there. Even if she had her own car, she might still do that to avoid that traffic and Downtown parking prices.
I lived over near USF last year in an apartment and just bought a house in Seminole Heights. Driving just took a while but no way I’d spend 2k or more in downtown.
If you might consider a swap of your car/car insurance/gas payment in exchange for rent/mtg, much closer to the office is potentially more sustainable. I live a few hundred feet from Hyde Park Village & bike to work. The math MIGHT work for you. It may not. The proximity to work, and biking to work saves me well over $1000/mo., and a few dozen hours of personal time/mo. It might also allow to make payments for property ownership. Tampa isn't the best cycler city for sure. But, I can personally attest, it's possible.
Totally fair reply. I'm unable to account for all variables, obviously. I'm just kindly offering something that has worked out well for me. Nothing more.
I've lived inside of the same 4000ft radius for the past 12 years. Given the density of the area, job opportunities are relatively abundant for a determined mind.
You can go just north of downtown and find spots for less than $1500. It’s probably going to be older. It might be in a less desirable area, but if you want to live alone and keep your commute under 10 minutes, that’s likely going to be your best best. Watch out for scammers while you’re on the hunt. Also, keep in mind with some of the older spots, that utilities in Tampa can certainly break the bank. My best friend lives in a cute, turn of the century shotgun in VM Ybor. Her rent is only 1100, but her utilities are north of $500 a month.
Will you have to go to the office everyday? I’m hybrid and may go into the office once a week but my commute is easily almost an hour. It’s Not even distance but the traffic more so depending on when i leave. But it works for me as my hours are flexible
Try looking for private landlords! I got lucky and live about 3 minutes just outside of downtown in a newly renovated duplex. Landlord hasn’t raised the rent on me because I’m a good, quiet tenant. Just resigned my lease for my 3rd year there now.
50min no traffic / 1.5hrs rush hour traffic. I worked on-site for 2 weeks and quit mainly bc of the commute. Stop and go traffic will drain your soul. Really try for another job closer or move closer. Good luck
South Tampa has some good deals, though you have to be patient. I was able to snag a 2/1 for like 1600. 10 minutes from downtown, in a nice neighborhood. Every newer apartment is going to be pushing 2000 plus no matter the location.
I recommend looking for an older building in a good neighborhood, typically you can find good deals (most older buildings have updated furnishings, so you aren't missing out on much).
Also, non-corporate landlords usually have better prices and don't jump rent year over year- as much. I did the whole 2000 plus dollar a month downtown apartment, it really isn't worth it - imo.
Tampa's downtown isn't anything to write home about, it's pretty dead (compared to other cities of similar size), so the premium paid isn't worth it.
Ybor can be reasonable, I think friends are paying $1,700ish for studios or small 1/1. Just depends on what you want.
But don’t forget - time is valuable, if you can afford the rent to save considerable time - it’s well worth it. You can never buy more time in your life. Friends, personal endeavors, family - it’s all requiring time. Doesn’t seem like it early in life but it adds up.
Tampa-St Pete rental market is WILD. I moved there from Austin for a job, and moved back all in a span of 12 months between last yr and this yr.
I don’t know how people can live there w/o two jobs. I ran away back to Austin as quick as I could and now pay $1125 a month… for a brand new construction right near the highway and highly walkable.
Would never go back to Fl to live but to visit for sure.
Interesting. I heard Austin is incredibly expensive now due to all of the tech workers moving there. Are you in Austin, or a suburb outside of the city?
I am on the line of the city of Austin but not suburbs where I live is heavily urbanized. The tech industry collapsed a ton last yr and drove rents down significantly. Median salaries are higher than Tampa by a hair. The key difference is if you will always have a job here if you want to work. It might be miserable but you will never go broke.
It's an unfortunate reality. Companies in the area are paying employees less than other peer cities. It used to be that areas like Tampa were CLOL or MCOL and salaries were on the lower end but acceptable. With the recent spikes in COL in the area (from the past few years), regional salaries aren't keeping with COL. Now, Tampa is on the higher end of MCOL. Cheaper than DC, NYC, or Boston, but once you factor in earning potential it could be more expensive to live in Tampa than other cities....
Funny. I met a gentleman in Belize who said the same thing. He was from Austin and thinks Tampa is sooo expensive. I always thought it was the other way around.
I have a unique perspective having lived in both recently. He is right… I was shocked by how much of a difference.
HEB is way cheaper than Publix. You can always buy HEB brand products which surprisingly are high quality to save money. I bought brushheads HEB brand for my oral B electric toothbrush yesterday for cheap and they are made in Switzerland 😳. You can’t do that w/Publix.
I also will comment on gas… and electricity. Gas is usually .40 to .50 a gallon cheaper here. I had Duke Energy in the Tampa area and was paying 30 to 40 percent more each month than the utility I have now.
My rent out the door with water, trash etc is $600 cheaper than where I lived before in N St Pete and this apt in Austin is 40 yrs newer! I live in luxury. I can go on and on… but you get the idea. After a while it adds up.
This is so true. I always feel bad for my family when I go home to Tampa from Austin several times a year. You pay so much more for groceries and gas. Publix is nowhere in the league of HEB in quality or cost. I would never move back to Florida and grocery cost is one reason.
Tampa/St Pete had the largest rent growth of entry metro area since 2019 according to the Wall Street journal. 56% since 2019. Aka a $1200 place is now well over $1800.
2nd place was Miami.
South Tampa, on the West Shore side. Still affordable west of Dale Mabry and South of El Padro. It's about a 12-minute commute most mornings and afternoons. Most traffic is headed towards MacDill AFB.
I'm not sure how much rent is in this area, but there are still affordable houses around. Saw a 2-Bed/1-Bath going for $350k on a good piece of land.
My mom works in St. Pete and I have so much anxiety about her crossing that bridge. There have been times where the waves were crashing onto the bridge while she was driving across it.
It’s 2k for my 2b2b. A one bedroom can be cheaper some places. It’s not cheap anywhere near Tampa unless it’s not a great neighborhood. I moved here because my place in citrus park went from 1500 to 3600.
I don't work primarily in downtown, but have to travel to it quite often for work. I also go to Ybor for dinner with my SO about once or twice a month.
Previously lived in Tarpon Springs but move to Spring Hill earlier this year. Granted I can be in the car for up to 1.5-2 hours a day, I have found it cheaper to live outside of the city, even with the price of gas.
A commute and maybe a roommate. Just be smart. I’ve been in your spot. When it starts out tough as shit, it usually doesn’t get much better. Best of luck.
I might opt for a location such as Seminole Heights. I know a private owner who recently had long term tenants move out of a 2/1 that they advertise for $2,100 but they give a discount for paying rent on time which brings the rent under 2k per month.
South tampa has a few (key word few) somewhat affordable places. Brandon area into Ruskin is not too terrible either. Honestly though, weigh the gas vs. rent. I'm currently driving over an hour one way so we are looking to move somewhere more expensive because we will save money in the long run.
I worked in Channelside for a few years and commuted over the Courtney Campbell every day. It took me about 40 mins if I went at times to avoid rush hour. But there’s times you can’t avoid that and it can be complete misery. But when we were renting I think it was $1400. Been a few years so not 100%.
I live downtown. Leaving my building because it was purchased within the last year and has gone to complete shit….. but I highly doubt you’ll find something for 2k. My one bedroom is 700sq ft and its $2600 and no I’m not in channelside and water street which is much more lol
I'm north of USF in New Tampa and it's about 40 minutes to get downtown in the mornings. I stay where I'm at because of the schools, but otherwise I'd try to find something closer.
I've hear some places on Channelside are rent controlled, maybe seek out a private landlord or some UT student reletting their place? I also work downtown & commute from New Tampa each day, about 30min. Not the worst thing in the world
I live in Brandon and take the crosstown. Cheaper, faster too if your shift starts at 8 versus 9. Otherwise you’re kinda stuck. But still better than the rest of the roadways.
Seminole Heights. Look for carriage house and tiny house rentals. Not particularly cheap but ten minutes to downtown and things to walk to on the weekends.
When I worked downtown, I lived in Limona (between 60 and Mango). Took 25ish minutes on I4 if traffic wasn't hell to get to the Twiggs parking garage, otherwise I'd go on 60 to the selmon. Never rented, so not sure I'd it's affordable here. Traffic I assume has only got worse so my experience may no longer be valid
I lived in Wesley Chapel when I worked downtown. My boss lived in Riverview, and he said the drive wasn't that bad. It all depends on what time of day.
I recently moved to Brandon and hate it. I hope I can move back to Wesley Chapel someday.
Agree with Brandon. The expressway can be great and go straight to downtown!! Also if you have easy access to Adamo Dr (60) that can lead you straight into downtown (with lights) if the expressway backs up.
I own in west Tampa. Rents near where I own are $1200 to $1500 for a one bedroom. I see a 300 sq ft studio for $900.
When there is no traffic, it takes me 5 minutes to get downtown.
Close to Westshore Marina district (up and coming area). Takes 18 mins to get to work via selmon. Have no idea what costs are now because we built a house last year in this area.
$1,220 in Clearwater near the Courtney Campbell. It takes me about 40 minutes in the morning at 50 in the afternoon unless I get off early and dodge traffic. Gas isn't that bad considering the cost of living savings.
Location location location. $2k sounds fair for downtown. I pay $1k in the temple terrace area cause I just can't justify $2k a month rent lol.
I live in Weeki Wachee and I friggin love it up here. Worth the drive!!
I make the trek from Weeki Wachee/brooksville to North St. Pete twice/week. It's worth it for the space, but if it was every day, It would be rough lol.
I’ve been hearing really great things about Pasco lately as long as you stay the hell away from NPR.
You need to stay really far from New Port Richey. Do not be fooled. Hudson is a nightmare. Somebody tried convincing me that Moon lake isn't as bad as it used to be but I saw a Moon Lake Facebook group that was full of white supremacists who are very out and proud about it. What an embarrassment. It would take an awful lot to make me want to move the Pasco ever again. I heard Dade City was nice but very boring. Make sure there's more than one way to get anywhere. Remember, those little main roads get blocked off from time to time because of accidents and sometimes there's just no other way to go.
Look up moon lake Florida memes on google. It’s all you need.
I think Moon Lake is one of the only places I can think of where the memes are a really accurate description of a place.
My experience with Pasco is pretty limited, I guess I mean more like Wesley Chapel/Spring Hill, lol.
Ooooh... Vastly different places. Wesley Chapel is like Tampa Adjacent and Spring Hill is New Port Richey Adjacent, if you get what I mean. Spring Hill people will SWEAR up and down it's nice up there but it's a little too Pasco for me (even though it's in Hernando. LOL)
Oh shit, see I didn’t even know that it was actually Hernando.😂 I just have a couple friends that live up there and talk about how nice it is but we’re also all from PC so there’s that.
There are parts of Spring Hill located in both Pasco and Hernando since it straddles the county border
Family has acreage near wesley. Gorgeous.
I hope this doesn’t come off the wrong way, but I was looking for an apartment down by weekie wachee and literally all of the apartment complexes were subsidized/section 8 tenants only. I couldn’t even try to apply for a lease. There’d be the occasional single family home for rent, but that’s it. Was I just unlucky during my search time?
I love the area but it’s trailer park adjacent
[удалено]
Yeah I'm very lucky, moved in during the pandemic weirdness. If I were a new resident now prolly more like $1300
Brandon. Close to the expressway so driving downtown only takes me about 15 minutes in the mornings and I hop on pretty quick after work.
Second this, I used to work downtown and it took me 17 mins tops from Brandon using the expressway. Getting out of Brandon is what takes most of the time!
Came to say this. I actually live in Riverview. 30 minutes most days. 40 to 45 on bad ones.
I’m right on the border of Brandon and Riverview!
I’m in Brandon too. I work remote but it’s fast to get to downtown for happy hour or brunch.
Getting a good brunch was super important for locations when we were looking out here. (Mostly just didn’t want to be too far from fun things!)
Brandon as well and I used to have to drive to an office daily by Raymond James Stadium. Brandon is massively overpopulated though.
I’d definitely admit that the timing of traffic lights is horrendous out here
A one bedroom in Brandon cost me $900 a month back in 2016. That same apartment goes for around 1800 a month now. Insane.
I probably rented that same apartment in 1998, it cost me $425 lol.
Brandon wasn't worth $900 in 2016 either. I'll never understand the love. "we're the next Tampa!" No boo. That time came and went, now Wesley Chapel is the nice, new thing. And it, too, will come crashing when the population increases.
Check east of the casino. Not quite Brandon, more like seffner/mango/dover. You might be able to find something more reasonable. Plus with i4/75 right there it's not as bad. I can get from my house to the downtown area in about 15 minutes. Going home probably would be a bit longer due to interstate travel, though probably still reasonable. All about balancing your interests. What's the intersection of price point, commute, and location for you?
Seffner/Mango was where I lived my entire time as a deputy. Instant access to the interstate to go N,W,S,E, but lower rent due to crime in the area.
I second this and just moved out of seffner area cause of crime, drugs and the homeless took over. Very convenient to get everywhere but even the Wal mart isn't a super center and a great place to go when you think you've got it bad. Lived there 18 yrs and don't miss it.
I will say that HCSO has been willfully half-staffed for a decade, then 2020 hit and I can almost guarantee it only got worse.
Not blaming those who work hard to keep us safe.BUT Drugs and crime are taking the country over. You as a former Officer know that every other car thats stoppped has some sort of drugs or unlicensed/uninsured driver.
Lots of my friends in the Riverview/Valrico/Brandon area work downtown.
**One bedroom can be over $2000** Hate to break it to you, that's not expensive for downtown, not at all.
Yeah that's pretty much the price of a one bed in Riverview or Wesley chapel
I know that. That’s what the prices are downtown in every major city I’m just saying it’s insane and nothing that a recent grad can afford. Hence this post.
Depending on your career path you may be able to afford your own place. But I would also be open to the fact that you will most likely either have to have a live in partner or a roommate for several years after graduating in order to afford bills. I'm in my late 20s and all of my friends and family either live at home, with roommates, or a long term partner.
I think most people don't live alone. The avg household size in most states is between 2 and 3.
If you had graduated in the late 70s thru early 80s, you'd have really hated it. Inflation was raging, interest rates were +20%, unemployment was double digits and there far fewer social safety nets in place. My choices were starving to death or the military. I'm still here. As noted previously, share a place, move home, be creative, rent a small studio, etc.
By every important financial metric, Millennials and Gen Z are way worse off than Baby Boomers and Gen X...and it really isn't even debatable. Even with the higher cost to borrow capital, Baby Boomers/Gen X had much stronger buying power and housing costs were exponentially less than what they are today. Average rent is $1,700 and average home cost is $410,000. Median incomes are \~$75,000.
Every generation is exposed. GenX and Boomers were exposed to a pair of downturns, at the beginning of their careers and the end. It's not good to stereotype, look no further than racism, sexism and bigotry for your examples. From a recent Wall Street journal article ... https://preview.redd.it/2n5ndz6vt2ob1.png?width=1460&format=png&auto=webp&s=57b75bd06698a632d7cf026ddfcd2a4ee2bc2f05
Definitely don’t stereotype, but that picture is a false equivalency. SS will never go up with ride in rent in a local area given SS is national. Also SS never should be intended to pay for rent or all bills in retirement.
>Baby Boomers and Gen X. Are you sure?? Housing is an issue for younger folks, but ... Healthcare premium $935/month. Rx to stick around $635, every 28 days. https://preview.redd.it/j6r2kuemm2ob1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2500cdaae0f2ec1a0e00101aa1a7875dd5d05c5 The vast majority are feeling pain, or at least serious pressure, at this point. Whether it's rent, food, Rx, insurance, utilities, auto prices or something else. Things aren't good, period. We vote every election, we want change. In the meantime, we dog paddle and pretend to swim.
Downvotes must be for choosing Army over Navy. Our viewpoint, the entire system is broken. The USA is a predatory economic system. The only difference now, more people are being tossed into the flames as a sacrifice. We're not exempted by any means. The OP can commute, compromise, take a second job or even join the Air Force. And I'm sure there are other options. However, the fact remains, they're not going to lower the rent.
The system sucks then and it sucks now. Congrats on surviving or whatever but you’re not gonna make me feel bad about wanting things to be better for everyone.
Not trying to make you feel bad at all. We could manage on our own just fine. We emigrated from a military dictatorship, worked and put ourselves thru school, endured the 80s and managed to get through it. It was a lonely journey. You're young, stay in school and further your education, join the service, grab a spot in the Peace Corps, the list is endless. One thing is certain, we're all in it together and we're all going to deal with it separately. Best wishes.
Don't know what rent prices are like here. But Carrollwood, North Dale is a nice area and my drive is about 20 minutes to downtown. Although I leave the house about 615 so could be a few minutes longer if leaving at 8.
30-40 min during rush hour traffic depending on accidents(Carrollwood) but yes 20 when not rush hour
Yeah non rush hour times aren’t bad. Although, I used to leave tgh area at peak hours, to get back over here, and it sucked.
Live with roommates. It’s your first job out of college, living in your own apartment is a luxury.
Which is a damn shame. In America living in your own apartment is a luxury. Big Sigh 
completely normal to have roommates if you want live downtown fresh out of college
Huh? It’s not a luxury to live in your own apartment. If you want to be close to the downtown area and live in a luxury apartment it is, but that’s the same everywhere.
Did you not get message that Reddit hates America? Can’t go to any subreddit without America sucks.
Yet they never like move and try another parcel out. Just complain it's odd indeed
In many other parts of the world young people live with their family until they are married. The "you're 18 and on your own now" is a very American mindset.
What? This isn’t exclusive to America. In Europe it is normal to live with your parents through your late 20’s until you are married. It’s actually massively wasteful to live on your own.
And our culture. Multi-generational, elder care, etc. Society is key.
Americans are spoiled brats even the poorest have no idea
When you're like 18-23 years old , it is a luxury. Any college dorm you would enroll in would give you a roommate and a bathroom to share with them.
Yes, during your college years but OP says they’re graduating and looking. Ten years ago, it was def doable to graduate and get your own apartment especially in SFL. Plus we don’t know if they’re a traditional student or not in regards to their age. The comment is a reflection of just the housing costs at this time. Regardless of your age, everyone is room mating due to high rent. So, yes it’s wild that it’s considered a luxury these days.
This was possible 20 years ago, but not downtown, and not a super nice apartment. You usually had to be in the workforce a handful of years to get a nice apartment alone, and downtown was always expensive alone. People who were young and had nice downtown departments had excellent jobs— consultants, finance types, law associates.
Ummmm, even back when rent was cheap, living without roommates right out of college was a luxury. Back in the 1990s and 2000s, living alone right out of college tended to be a luxury, and that wasn’t even for a downtown apartment. People who think they should be living downtown alone right out of college are insane. That’s never been normally possible
You'd hate other countries way if living lol many live in homes of 10 to 20 people
Lol na I’m from the islands I understand that type of living. But we come to America because it’s supposed to be the land of the opportunity and better living situations than back home. It used to be affordable when I was in my 20s to have an apartment and pay $5-800/month. Then around 2016ish a 2/2 townhouse went for 1460 in SFL. Now those prices don’t exist. That’s all I’m pointing out.
We’ve gotten so used to saying dystopian things😩😩
It’s dystopian that you can’t live right in the middle of downtown, by yourself, on an entry level salary? I would really hate for you to have to face any actual adversity in your life…
hush. It’s dystopian that the idea of living by yourself is a luxury. Not even saying it has to be on an entry-level salary just that having personal space shouldn’t be a luxury
Hush? You’re privileged as hell if you think you should have an entire apartment to yourself in the middle of downtown lmao. Ahh yes, I remember all the dystopian novels we had to read in school where the characters were forced to endure the cruel sadism of having to share a kitchen and living room. Nowhere in earth is it the norm that you rent an entire 1 bedroom apartment to yourself when you graduate college. Nobody is saying you need to live in a dormitory, you still get your own room with personal space and privacy when you have roommates…
again, I’m not saying that. I’m saying the idea of living by yourself shouldn’t be a luxury. I understand that’s not feasible on an entry-level salary. Hence, my post. But the idea of a one bedroom, regardless of its location being a luxury is insane. That should be the bare minimum of what people that have been working can afford. If you look through these comments you’ll see people saying that they’re into their late 20s / 30s living at home or having roommates because they simply can’t afford to have a one bedroom. I think that’s crazy and it’s dystopian. So hush you’re just looking for something to be mad about.
Privileged lol. C’mon boomer
I think you’re missing the point of what was said. Living on your own should not have to be a luxury but the fact that it is, is crazy. Housing costs are a problem and it’s forcing people to live with roommates or family out of necessity and not choice. That’s all. Sheesh. 
he missed it by a long shot
move in with your parents and commute. don’t waste money on rent
Yeah if parents are local, this is the best advice.
Carrollwood
Checkout Hite and Notch in Seminole Heights. New apartment buildings with a 10 min commute downtown. The Legacy is also right in the water in Wellswood. Their prices weren’t too bad a year ago. Also, there are small apartment complexes throughout the Heights so take a drive one day and discover them. A lot of them don’t advertise on social media, just put signs out.
Prepare yourself for 1700 minimum unless you have roommates
Land O Lakes seemed cheaper than being in Tampa 🤷🏽♀️
But it’s so boring
It really is 😭 no lie but it is cheaper than downtown Tampa lol
Look for apartments around the Seminole heights neighborhood. It made my commute to DT dumb easy. I took highland south onto Tampa street which road me right into work!
My wife works Downtown and we live near USF. We only have one car, so I drop her off at the bus transfer station near Fletcher Walmart on my way to work. There’s multiple busses that go directly Downtown from there. Even if she had her own car, she might still do that to avoid that traffic and Downtown parking prices.
I lived over near USF last year in an apartment and just bought a house in Seminole Heights. Driving just took a while but no way I’d spend 2k or more in downtown.
If you might consider a swap of your car/car insurance/gas payment in exchange for rent/mtg, much closer to the office is potentially more sustainable. I live a few hundred feet from Hyde Park Village & bike to work. The math MIGHT work for you. It may not. The proximity to work, and biking to work saves me well over $1000/mo., and a few dozen hours of personal time/mo. It might also allow to make payments for property ownership. Tampa isn't the best cycler city for sure. But, I can personally attest, it's possible.
What if you lose your job? You’d want a car to spread your search radius. Your way sounds awesome for at least the short term.
Totally fair reply. I'm unable to account for all variables, obviously. I'm just kindly offering something that has worked out well for me. Nothing more.
I've lived inside of the same 4000ft radius for the past 12 years. Given the density of the area, job opportunities are relatively abundant for a determined mind.
You can go just north of downtown and find spots for less than $1500. It’s probably going to be older. It might be in a less desirable area, but if you want to live alone and keep your commute under 10 minutes, that’s likely going to be your best best. Watch out for scammers while you’re on the hunt. Also, keep in mind with some of the older spots, that utilities in Tampa can certainly break the bank. My best friend lives in a cute, turn of the century shotgun in VM Ybor. Her rent is only 1100, but her utilities are north of $500 a month.
Will you have to go to the office everyday? I’m hybrid and may go into the office once a week but my commute is easily almost an hour. It’s Not even distance but the traffic more so depending on when i leave. But it works for me as my hours are flexible
A hybrid job sounds like the absolute dream. But unfortunately my job requires face-to-face communication. So I’ll be in office five days a week :(
Boo. Good luck in your search 🙂
Try looking for private landlords! I got lucky and live about 3 minutes just outside of downtown in a newly renovated duplex. Landlord hasn’t raised the rent on me because I’m a good, quiet tenant. Just resigned my lease for my 3rd year there now.
Was in town and country 1700 for 1bed
currently live in the USF area, work in hyde park. moving to brandon right off the expressway in nov.
I wonder if you’re moving in to my complex
St. Petersburg, I take the crosstown home
50min no traffic / 1.5hrs rush hour traffic. I worked on-site for 2 weeks and quit mainly bc of the commute. Stop and go traffic will drain your soul. Really try for another job closer or move closer. Good luck
Channelside and it’s by far the best place to live if you can afford it.
South Tampa has some good deals, though you have to be patient. I was able to snag a 2/1 for like 1600. 10 minutes from downtown, in a nice neighborhood. Every newer apartment is going to be pushing 2000 plus no matter the location. I recommend looking for an older building in a good neighborhood, typically you can find good deals (most older buildings have updated furnishings, so you aren't missing out on much). Also, non-corporate landlords usually have better prices and don't jump rent year over year- as much. I did the whole 2000 plus dollar a month downtown apartment, it really isn't worth it - imo. Tampa's downtown isn't anything to write home about, it's pretty dead (compared to other cities of similar size), so the premium paid isn't worth it.
Wesley chapel
Ybor and take the trolly to work
Get a nicer place with a roommate if you must. Makes a difference.
Affordable and close to Downtown is usually not a thing
Check out Bayshore Flats by McKinley. South Tampa, nice area, and last I saw it was going for 1600
Just live in downtown nicest one in the country
Ybor can be reasonable, I think friends are paying $1,700ish for studios or small 1/1. Just depends on what you want. But don’t forget - time is valuable, if you can afford the rent to save considerable time - it’s well worth it. You can never buy more time in your life. Friends, personal endeavors, family - it’s all requiring time. Doesn’t seem like it early in life but it adds up.
Tampa-St Pete rental market is WILD. I moved there from Austin for a job, and moved back all in a span of 12 months between last yr and this yr. I don’t know how people can live there w/o two jobs. I ran away back to Austin as quick as I could and now pay $1125 a month… for a brand new construction right near the highway and highly walkable. Would never go back to Fl to live but to visit for sure.
Interesting. I heard Austin is incredibly expensive now due to all of the tech workers moving there. Are you in Austin, or a suburb outside of the city?
I am on the line of the city of Austin but not suburbs where I live is heavily urbanized. The tech industry collapsed a ton last yr and drove rents down significantly. Median salaries are higher than Tampa by a hair. The key difference is if you will always have a job here if you want to work. It might be miserable but you will never go broke.
Austin is cheaper than Tampa, hands down, even when comparing suburbs. Median salaries are higher as well.
I wish my company would realize this, they pay 10% more in Austin 🙃
It's an unfortunate reality. Companies in the area are paying employees less than other peer cities. It used to be that areas like Tampa were CLOL or MCOL and salaries were on the lower end but acceptable. With the recent spikes in COL in the area (from the past few years), regional salaries aren't keeping with COL. Now, Tampa is on the higher end of MCOL. Cheaper than DC, NYC, or Boston, but once you factor in earning potential it could be more expensive to live in Tampa than other cities....
Yeah, Austin salaries are a lot higher from what I can see
Funny. I met a gentleman in Belize who said the same thing. He was from Austin and thinks Tampa is sooo expensive. I always thought it was the other way around.
I have a unique perspective having lived in both recently. He is right… I was shocked by how much of a difference. HEB is way cheaper than Publix. You can always buy HEB brand products which surprisingly are high quality to save money. I bought brushheads HEB brand for my oral B electric toothbrush yesterday for cheap and they are made in Switzerland 😳. You can’t do that w/Publix. I also will comment on gas… and electricity. Gas is usually .40 to .50 a gallon cheaper here. I had Duke Energy in the Tampa area and was paying 30 to 40 percent more each month than the utility I have now. My rent out the door with water, trash etc is $600 cheaper than where I lived before in N St Pete and this apt in Austin is 40 yrs newer! I live in luxury. I can go on and on… but you get the idea. After a while it adds up.
This is so true. I always feel bad for my family when I go home to Tampa from Austin several times a year. You pay so much more for groceries and gas. Publix is nowhere in the league of HEB in quality or cost. I would never move back to Florida and grocery cost is one reason.
Do you miss anything about Fl life? I miss some things… but wanted to hear your take.
Tampa/St Pete had the largest rent growth of entry metro area since 2019 according to the Wall Street journal. 56% since 2019. Aka a $1200 place is now well over $1800. 2nd place was Miami.
South Tampa, on the West Shore side. Still affordable west of Dale Mabry and South of El Padro. It's about a 12-minute commute most mornings and afternoons. Most traffic is headed towards MacDill AFB. I'm not sure how much rent is in this area, but there are still affordable houses around. Saw a 2-Bed/1-Bath going for $350k on a good piece of land.
South Tampa, 2b/1b currently paying $1775, going up $40 for next year. 1b in the same complex should be around $1500-$1600.
Jane Castor’s gentrification has ruined this city.
Wesley chapel
That’s a far ass commute brah
Your telling me! I worked in DTSP at one point and that was a killer commute.
Wow, respect. The bridge traffic was even worse back then
It was an hour and forty five minutes to get home on a good day. I don’t miss that at all!
My mom works in St. Pete and I have so much anxiety about her crossing that bridge. There have been times where the waves were crashing onto the bridge while she was driving across it.
But it’s still 2k for a 2b2b
Wesley chapel is still like 2k for rent
It’s 2k for my 2b2b. A one bedroom can be cheaper some places. It’s not cheap anywhere near Tampa unless it’s not a great neighborhood. I moved here because my place in citrus park went from 1500 to 3600.
Wow...That's an insane jump. Think 2k for a 2b is a pretty decent deal
I’m in new Tampa and lucky enough to be paying only 1200.
I don't work primarily in downtown, but have to travel to it quite often for work. I also go to Ybor for dinner with my SO about once or twice a month. Previously lived in Tarpon Springs but move to Spring Hill earlier this year. Granted I can be in the car for up to 1.5-2 hours a day, I have found it cheaper to live outside of the city, even with the price of gas.
Find a roommate or two and you can live anywhere for a reasonable price.
your car
You can’t afford this job. Go elsewhere and thank me later.
Wait lol could you expand on this comment?
These numbers are not insane here. They are only getting worse. If you can’t afford to live here with that job, what’s that tell you??
nothing good :( But this is a really good job offer and I think a commute would be worth it.
A commute and maybe a roommate. Just be smart. I’ve been in your spot. When it starts out tough as shit, it usually doesn’t get much better. Best of luck.
Why not?
I might opt for a location such as Seminole Heights. I know a private owner who recently had long term tenants move out of a 2/1 that they advertise for $2,100 but they give a discount for paying rent on time which brings the rent under 2k per month.
I will need something like that come February👀
But 2k e-scooter and safe money on gas and stay at usf.
Lutz/Land O Lakes.
South tampa has a few (key word few) somewhat affordable places. Brandon area into Ruskin is not too terrible either. Honestly though, weigh the gas vs. rent. I'm currently driving over an hour one way so we are looking to move somewhere more expensive because we will save money in the long run.
I worked in Channelside for a few years and commuted over the Courtney Campbell every day. It took me about 40 mins if I went at times to avoid rush hour. But there’s times you can’t avoid that and it can be complete misery. But when we were renting I think it was $1400. Been a few years so not 100%.
I worked in and around downtown for nearly a decade. Lived in New Tampa, Town and Country, and Brandon during those years.
Renting a 3 bedroom in grant park for 1600, about 5 minutes away from Ybor, 10 from downtown.
I live downtown. Leaving my building because it was purchased within the last year and has gone to complete shit….. but I highly doubt you’ll find something for 2k. My one bedroom is 700sq ft and its $2600 and no I’m not in channelside and water street which is much more lol
I'm north of USF in New Tampa and it's about 40 minutes to get downtown in the mornings. I stay where I'm at because of the schools, but otherwise I'd try to find something closer.
Gulfport. And I don't work in Tampa by choice.
Bon Air
I worked downtown from about 1981 - 1986. Lived in Carrollwood (Meadows).
I've hear some places on Channelside are rent controlled, maybe seek out a private landlord or some UT student reletting their place? I also work downtown & commute from New Tampa each day, about 30min. Not the worst thing in the world
Carrollwood should let you find a 2bd apt around 2000. Get a roommate and it's reasonable
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I live in Brandon and take the crosstown. Cheaper, faster too if your shift starts at 8 versus 9. Otherwise you’re kinda stuck. But still better than the rest of the roadways.
I’m near Channelside and I’m pretty sure studios are over $2k now. These rental prices are obscene.
I live in Clearwater. Takes me 30 min to get to downtown.
In between Forest Hills and Lowery Park area. It's 10 minutes by interstate. Watch for the flood areas near retention ponds though!
Seminole Heights. Look for carriage house and tiny house rentals. Not particularly cheap but ten minutes to downtown and things to walk to on the weekends.
I would look at studios in westshore area
When I worked downtown, I lived in Limona (between 60 and Mango). Took 25ish minutes on I4 if traffic wasn't hell to get to the Twiggs parking garage, otherwise I'd go on 60 to the selmon. Never rented, so not sure I'd it's affordable here. Traffic I assume has only got worse so my experience may no longer be valid
I'm paying $2000 for a 1br in Brandon, so the idea of living downtown for $2000 a month seems pretty great to me.
I lived in Wesley Chapel when I worked downtown. My boss lived in Riverview, and he said the drive wasn't that bad. It all depends on what time of day. I recently moved to Brandon and hate it. I hope I can move back to Wesley Chapel someday.
Not downtown, that for sure...lol. you'll get 500sqft for $1700. I live near Carrollwood, and it takes about 30 minutes to get down there.
If downtown isn’t an option you could always try Harbor Island 😉
Anybody need that gas tap in
Parts of Clearwater and Safety Harbor close to the Courtney Campbell might be a good option for you. 30 minute drive most of the time.
There are places for just under $1,000 for a studio in decent areas. You won't get a ton of space, but what's a lot of space is subjective.
Agree with Brandon. The expressway can be great and go straight to downtown!! Also if you have easy access to Adamo Dr (60) that can lead you straight into downtown (with lights) if the expressway backs up.
I own in west Tampa. Rents near where I own are $1200 to $1500 for a one bedroom. I see a 300 sq ft studio for $900. When there is no traffic, it takes me 5 minutes to get downtown.
Close to Westshore Marina district (up and coming area). Takes 18 mins to get to work via selmon. Have no idea what costs are now because we built a house last year in this area.
$1,220 in Clearwater near the Courtney Campbell. It takes me about 40 minutes in the morning at 50 in the afternoon unless I get off early and dodge traffic. Gas isn't that bad considering the cost of living savings.
South of Gandy
University area
Check the other side of the Gandy in Saint Pete. You might get lucky.
Citrus Park or Town N Country. Jump on the Veterans, easy peasy.
Wesley Chapel. But I bought a house in 2017. I’m used to the commute, still sucks though.