My husband, a submarine officer, is being stationed at Central Command in August and I'm looking for info about the area. We are actually from the Tampa area originally, but it has been almost 20 years since we've lived there.

We're looking for a safe neighborhood with good schools for our teenage son that is within a 30 minute commute of CentComm.

We think Brandon or St Pete are looking good, but I thought I'd see if you guys have any information.

Thanks in advance!

Hope you find what your looking for. Unless one or more of the guy's in here are in that area, the answers you'll get are from what we google up and post.

I looked up some listings and it seems to be a nice area with reasonably priced homes. Some on lakes, some on golf courses and such. I saw one that had a new elementary school opening up this August. Here's the link:
McDill AFB (CentCom)

Thanks Gunny:

I've tried some other forums, but there seems to be a black hole on the specific info I'm looking for. I've done the mapquest to here from there thing, but that just gives you a pie in the sky picture of traffic. I'm really interested in opinions of those that have lived there.

I really appreciate you responding!!!

Toni

Have you tried contacting the base or anyone in his new squadron/unit? A lot of the times bases have a new comers program that has a lot of great information. If your looking for a personal opinion from someone, I would suggest calling up the unit he will be assigned to and talk to his supervisor or first shirt.

Commie:
Thanks for the response. This command is a bit different than all the others we are used to. I think Cent Comm is sort of like a spider web and we're not sure which circle we are in. He hasn't even been told what his actual job will be for this one. The guy he is replacing as Sub Liaison Officer was handling aerial drones so who knows... Anyway, as my hubby is at sea currently - I really wouldn't even know where to start as far as contacting the command, but thanks for the suggestion.

I linked up with a forum called "city-data" that has info on just about every big city in the country and they are giving me really good info on Tampa. Thanks again guys!

I dont know how the Navy works but in the Air Force enlisted folk have what is called a First Sergeant (1st Shirt). The enlisted are encouraged to go to the first shirt for any problems and the spouses are very highly encouraged to go to the first shirt for any problems from a leaky faucet to a broken car.

If you have anyone like that I would go to them with any questions. Good Luck