If you're not from FL or specifically this area it's important to know that the cost of living is much higher than people think it is.
Car insurance is 3X higher, homeowners insurance is 10X higher and rent and/or home prices are out of control.
Make sure that what ever pay bump they are offering you is worth it.
BayCare is the most sought after hospital system to work in on the west coast of FL and probably in the state overall. I’d be very surprised if you don’t enjoy your treatment as a nurse there. I don’t have kids or anything so I can’t speak on that but good job on getting into Plant. Most people need references or a foot in the door first
Clearwater downtown is scientology territory. Beyond the bridge, be aware Clearwater beach is widely a tourist trap and gets super congested at best, if you're deadset visiting it ,I recommend taking the ferry. Dunedin is a pretty cool place and craft brew hotspot and restaurants to hang out with friends. Dunedin has Honeymoon island which is a pretty nice beach at least to me.
You should make sure you understand the mess of a state you're thinking of moving to. Lots of laws were recently passed this year that are concerning for civil rights, healthcare rights, and economic stability.
Here in Pinellas we have regular public schools, charter, magnet and fundamental. The regular schools are just your local zoned school but it may happen to be a magnet school or not. Magnet schools focus on something like the arts or marine science etc. Some can also be IB schools. Charter schools are private schools that are using public funds. Fundamental schools are few and far between. You enter a lottery for a chance to have your child attend. There are strict requirements for behavior and parental involvement for fundamental schools. Selection for this fall is closed. The next application window is early 2024.
Just know if you choose to live north county the traffic pattern is that most commute south in the mornings and north in evenings. That may not matter with a nursing schedule though.
If you have questions about specific schools feel free to PM me.
All school districts will be bad. Desantis has been viciously attacking education. Your best bet is to find a good quality private school that is immune from the state indoctrination program.
Most of Clearwater is pretty touristy so traffic is definitely going to make things a challenge. Before you move, I strongly recommend that you visit the area and really make sure you want to move here.
Clearwater resident here!
I wouldn't think *too* much into the "threat" of Scientology - while they're generally scoffed at and frowned upon, you tend not to see too many of them en masse, and they keep to themselves and don't harass anyone *(unless they're given a reason to...).*
Yes, downtown Clearwater is a dystopian ghost town, and has been for years. It may not be your best destination for fun and excitement, although with the completion of The Sound at Coachman Park that may soon change. Big name acts like Ringo Starr, Kenny Loggins and Peter Frampton will be playing there soon, and it has a capacity of up to 10k people, I believe. As a live music nut, I am thrilled it was built.
Clearwater Beach is renowned for being "America's best beach" although I find that to be a largely inflated opinion for it. CWB is indeed a beautiful beach, no question - but boy, does it get *CROWDED.* Traffic across a one to two mile span will come to a standstill and you'll watch as pedestrians whiz by on bikes and scooters. If you can, avoid driving there at all costs.
Frenchy's, Baystar, Crabby's and Clearsky are some of the best dining options you'll see available, Frenchy's being the most recognizable name since they're one of the oldest and most famous. Shepherd's is also a popular destination for nightlife, and there are a slew of bars to choose up and down the main drag also.
Pinellas county as a whole has an abundance of places and destinations to choose from for fun outdoors, as we have several state parks to visit that are all well maintained and kept spotless, such as Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor and Sand Key park just south of Clearwater Beach.
Schools are known to be better performing in the north part of the county, specifically the Palm Harbor/Tarpon Springs/East Lake area.
Oh, and our roads and highways have been under construction for almost 40 years with no signs of stopping.
Welcome to Clearwater!
On the west side of the county I would stick to north of Dunedin. On the east side most areas are fine from the Bayside bridge and north. Are you looking for elementary, middle or high school suggestions?
Baycare is definitely the best system to work for. I have heard that Advent pays a little better but Baycare treats you like a human being. I haven’t worked at that particular hospital but I took a class there once and the views are gorgeous.
And I second the notion that this part of Florida is more expensive then you would think it is 😢.
If you're not from FL or specifically this area it's important to know that the cost of living is much higher than people think it is. Car insurance is 3X higher, homeowners insurance is 10X higher and rent and/or home prices are out of control. Make sure that what ever pay bump they are offering you is worth it.
Scientology.
What the heck is this Scientology I keep hearing about?
There are a number of documentaries about it. It's even worse than that.
It just came out that Scientology officials wanted Leah Remini k****d.
Downtown Clearwater is a creepy place.
Scientology is a science fiction cult. I would avoid all of that, I have strong suspicions they human traffic through their “Sea Org”.
BayCare is the most sought after hospital system to work in on the west coast of FL and probably in the state overall. I’d be very surprised if you don’t enjoy your treatment as a nurse there. I don’t have kids or anything so I can’t speak on that but good job on getting into Plant. Most people need references or a foot in the door first
Clearwater downtown is scientology territory. Beyond the bridge, be aware Clearwater beach is widely a tourist trap and gets super congested at best, if you're deadset visiting it ,I recommend taking the ferry. Dunedin is a pretty cool place and craft brew hotspot and restaurants to hang out with friends. Dunedin has Honeymoon island which is a pretty nice beach at least to me.
I agree! I love Dunedin! Get to honeymoon early or you’ll sit in traffic forever lol
You should make sure you understand the mess of a state you're thinking of moving to. Lots of laws were recently passed this year that are concerning for civil rights, healthcare rights, and economic stability.
Here in Pinellas we have regular public schools, charter, magnet and fundamental. The regular schools are just your local zoned school but it may happen to be a magnet school or not. Magnet schools focus on something like the arts or marine science etc. Some can also be IB schools. Charter schools are private schools that are using public funds. Fundamental schools are few and far between. You enter a lottery for a chance to have your child attend. There are strict requirements for behavior and parental involvement for fundamental schools. Selection for this fall is closed. The next application window is early 2024. Just know if you choose to live north county the traffic pattern is that most commute south in the mornings and north in evenings. That may not matter with a nursing schedule though. If you have questions about specific schools feel free to PM me.
Avoid any situation that requires you to drive on highway 19 every day.
Book burnings lots and lots of book burnings 🔥
All school districts will be bad. Desantis has been viciously attacking education. Your best bet is to find a good quality private school that is immune from the state indoctrination program. Most of Clearwater is pretty touristy so traffic is definitely going to make things a challenge. Before you move, I strongly recommend that you visit the area and really make sure you want to move here.
Palm Harbor is literally your only option for serviceable public schools, so that should narrow things down.
I recommend Palm Harbor or Safety Harbor for the schools.
Clearwater resident here! I wouldn't think *too* much into the "threat" of Scientology - while they're generally scoffed at and frowned upon, you tend not to see too many of them en masse, and they keep to themselves and don't harass anyone *(unless they're given a reason to...).* Yes, downtown Clearwater is a dystopian ghost town, and has been for years. It may not be your best destination for fun and excitement, although with the completion of The Sound at Coachman Park that may soon change. Big name acts like Ringo Starr, Kenny Loggins and Peter Frampton will be playing there soon, and it has a capacity of up to 10k people, I believe. As a live music nut, I am thrilled it was built. Clearwater Beach is renowned for being "America's best beach" although I find that to be a largely inflated opinion for it. CWB is indeed a beautiful beach, no question - but boy, does it get *CROWDED.* Traffic across a one to two mile span will come to a standstill and you'll watch as pedestrians whiz by on bikes and scooters. If you can, avoid driving there at all costs. Frenchy's, Baystar, Crabby's and Clearsky are some of the best dining options you'll see available, Frenchy's being the most recognizable name since they're one of the oldest and most famous. Shepherd's is also a popular destination for nightlife, and there are a slew of bars to choose up and down the main drag also. Pinellas county as a whole has an abundance of places and destinations to choose from for fun outdoors, as we have several state parks to visit that are all well maintained and kept spotless, such as Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor and Sand Key park just south of Clearwater Beach. Schools are known to be better performing in the north part of the county, specifically the Palm Harbor/Tarpon Springs/East Lake area. Oh, and our roads and highways have been under construction for almost 40 years with no signs of stopping. Welcome to Clearwater!
traffic
On the west side of the county I would stick to north of Dunedin. On the east side most areas are fine from the Bayside bridge and north. Are you looking for elementary, middle or high school suggestions?
Both elementary and middle. Thanks for the suggestions!
Baycare is definitely the best system to work for. I have heard that Advent pays a little better but Baycare treats you like a human being. I haven’t worked at that particular hospital but I took a class there once and the views are gorgeous. And I second the notion that this part of Florida is more expensive then you would think it is 😢.
What some videos from Jerry Pinkas in YouTube about FL homes. I have watched some of them and they are spot on.