First time home buyer in University CDP (Hillsborough County)
First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $146,400 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
28 upvotes
5 Replies
Parker Turner
I'm a accountant and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Victoria Perez
I've lived in East for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Walter L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
John Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
All Countries
