Anyone else love living in University CDP (Hillsborough County)?
OK so Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a a smaller city city with about 48,868 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
19 upvotes
5 Replies
Emma
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
lalocal2026
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Jaxon Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Declan Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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