Tampa Area

[Bersquack]

Hey guys,

I have a job interview for a position in the Tampa area. I would like to get some info about the area such as good places to live, is it a good place to raise a family, stuff to do, crime rate and of course spyder dealers. I currently live in WI.

Just looking for additional information to help make my decision when the time comes.

Thanks.

[BikerDoc]

West Coast Powersports in Clearwater seems to be the most highly thought of servicing dealer in all of Florida. People routinely drive over 100 miles to get service there.
As to your other questions?? Tampa is a very big place. the answers would depend on the more specific location of your job within the city.. Like all large cities Tampa has some great areas and some "not so great" areas

[Florida Ryder]

I purchased my 2010 Spyder RT-S at West Coast Powersports because they had the best price on the Spyder, gave me more for a trade-in, and have the lowest dealer prep cost. I have it serviced at Motorsports of Tampa (who sell Spyders) since they seem knowledgeable and are 10 minutes from my house. There are 4 Spyder dealers in the area.

I am from Indiana but have lived and worked in Tampa for 26 years, and have no desire to live anywhere else. This is a large area and it depends on what you enjoy re: activities since there is a lot to do in the area and central Florida. There are many nice neighborhoods in Tampa, and some areas that I would not live in. But that is also a matter of personal preference.

[StriperKing]

I purchased my 2010 Spyder RT-S at West Coast Powersports because they had the best price on the Spyder, gave me more for a trade-in, and have the lowest dealer prep cost. I have it serviced at Motorsports of Tampa (who sell Spyders) since they seem knowledgeable and are 10 minutes from my house. There are 4 Spyder dealers in the area.

I am from Indiana but have lived and worked in Tampa for 26 years, and have no desire to live anywhere else. This is a large area and it depends on what you enjoy re: activities since there is a lot to do in the area and central Florida. There are many nice neighborhoods in Tampa, and some areas that I would not live in. But that is also a matter of personal preference.

I live in Indiana now but if you get me a job down there I would never leave either, lol.

[Dragracer]

I would look for a place to live north of Tampa, but close to the Suncoast parkway for commuting. The property prices will be better, and the crime rate a little lower.

Barney's in St. Pete beat all other local dealers when my wife bought her 09 Phantom. They did a good job on the crash repair, but were a little slow in my opinion.

[spydsense]

I work in Tampa but live on the north/east side of the county, in the country which I love...The county north of Tampa, Pasco is a nice area to live and ride...

I take my spyder to Motor Sports of Tampa they are the ONLY ones I will let work on it...they are very good and nice people too.

Like Bikerdoc said we need a more specific location...there are many areas that are a NIGHTMARE to drive in.

[zuni]

Hey guys, I have a job interview for a position in the Tampa area. I would like to get some info about the area such as good places to live, is it a good place to raise a family, stuff to do, crime rate and of course spyder dealers. I currently live in WI. Just looking for additional information to help make my decision when the time comes. Thanks.

Lived in various parts of Tampa for 27 years. Each has it's own flavor and offerings. Hard to point you in a direction without knowing what you are looking for. Best of both worlds would be finding an area you like that is close to work. I had my company on the campus of USF for years and lived in Temple Terrace. It is an incorporated city pretty much surrounded by Tampa. Would be happy to talk about it if you want. PM for phone number.CJ JAX

[SharkBait13]

Have lived in Hillsborough and Pinellas -- advantages to both. As previously stated, really depends on where you work and how long of a commute you want to tolerate. We have three bridges and rainy afternoon commutes so pick your poison. As to dealerships, I bought at West Coast Powersports but have found Barneys in St. Pete to be far more helpful in the accessories/service department.

[Tazzel]

dunedin fl

[Musashi]

Just giving y'all fair warning...

We are moving to Pasco County next month.

I ride a viper red RTSE5. My wife rides a Star Stryker Raven. We are in our early 50s and have no kids. We do have family in Pasco and Pinellas. We were married in Pinellas in 1995. Lived in St. Pete for a couple of years. Most of our vacation and family visits over the past couple decades and some of my side of the family live in Tallahassee, Ocala, Daytona. So we aren't "strangers." Part of the reason we are relocating is that we have a lot more friends and family in FL than anywhere else. Retired military. Members of American Legion, VFW, and CVMA.

[ARtraveler]

OP was 7/17/2011.