I am a single mom starting a new career right out of college. The job is in Clearwater, FL and I want to know the best, safest, affordable (under $800/mo), place to live. I also need to know what school is the best for my kindergartner. She is attending a KCMO charter that has a very strict curriculum. She knows three languages (English, Spanish, and Sign), and LOVES math. Is there anything like this there? What schools there are focused on the philosophy of, "What we teach them now, leads to where they will be come time for college"? Are there neighborhoods and/or schools to stay away from? Are the only places to be looking Clearwater, Tampa, and St. Petersburg or should I consider other areas as well? Should I be looking at other places to live than apartments? Such as rental homes or townhomes? Is there anything else I should know?
I would stick to clearwater or st pete crossing the bridge into tampa can be a nightmare! As far as areas, I love clearwater! Im new here too so not to sure about much else around. But you will love if here too!
We live in Palm Harbor and it's a very safe area. Our kids go to the best public school around, Ozona Elementary. It's an A school. The principal knows everybody by name, the staff too. The women in the office are the sweetest women around. The teachers really care.
They don't teach Spanish or any languages. There is a charter school nearby in Dunedin called Athenian Academy. They teach Greek and Spanish. Another charter school, also in Dunedin, is Academie Da Vinci, the focus on the arts.
I know of two or three apartment complexes. One is very safe but mostly older folks. My MIL rents a 1 bedroom for $1,000 but her place faces the water. Daventry Square in Palm Harbor is a condo complex that looks very safe but not sure about prices. Some houses in my neighborhood allow people to rent. If you want more info you can inbox me.
Do you know what part of Clearwater ? Pinellas County is large and that could make a difference as to what area you need to look in. Also, if you are in the north part of the county, then looking into Tampa might not be so bad as that part does not require you to cross the bridge.
I grew up in Pinellas (Largo & Clearwater) and now live in Hillsborough (Tampa). Not sure if I can offer any help or not.
I have lived in Largo for many years. I am sorry I cannot recommend schools as my kids are homeschooled. We have charter schools here as well, and you can investigate. Clearwater stretches across Pinellas County and just like all towns, you have you good places and your bad. There are pockets of bad all over, you have to actually investigate the area before renting. I wouldn't recommend living in Tampa as the commute with traffic is horrible! (no kidding!) I live on the beach side of Largo and love it here. There rent is high right now because of all the foreclosures, so finding a place in your budget may be tough. A pretty good area I know of is South of Druid, North of Bellair, West of Belcher and East of Missouri. A lot of nice neighborhoods in there. Not sure if there are apartments, but some apartment complexes are scary, so you have to be careful. There are several apartment complexes on Rosary, NOT GOOD, so keep away from those. I also believe there is some good Places by Safety Harbor which is just north and east of Clearwater. I don't know a lot about it, but looks good. Of course looks have be deceiving. Sorry that is the range of my information. Good Luck!
