University CDP (Hillsborough County) housing prices -when will it stop?
OK so Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,185/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 28.3%, which is higher than I expected. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
Adrian Y.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Mary W.
This.
35 upvotes
Eli Cooper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Clara Ramirez
underrated comment
23 upvotes
Gianna Martin
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Dylan Turner
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Naomi C.
seconding this
16 upvotes
Olivia Ramirez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Kai Miller
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
Hailey Carter
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Charlotte C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.