Looking for a house in Tampa area

[chriscat53]

I am an older (55) Pittsburgh RenFest Playtron and Italian Ren/Elizabethan garbista (see Chris Catalfamo on Facebook) who also does Italian pirate mama of Giovanni Passero. Both my daughters (twins age 21) have been RenFair cast members and also do Ren dancing. We are talking about buying a small house in the Tampa area and I am just writing to connect with some area Ren folks. We are coming down to look for 10 days, but I have to plan kidney dialysis so I don't know how the timeline will play out. I am just touching base. This may not happen but I wanted to check out the local Ren Fair.

[Caligo]

You may want to consider something outside the immediate bay area. Outside Hillsborough county is generally less expensive, although right now all of FL is less expensive LOL
I would look at some of the bank foreclosure and pre-foreclosure sales. Some very good deals to be had.

[chriscat53]

My brother-in-law lives in Brandon. We are going to look in Brandon, Apollo Beach and maybe Fort Richie.

[Anna Iram]

Hi Chris. Yes, Florida real estate can be had for cheap just now, just be sure to factor in our sometimes outlandish taxes and insurance rates when you find something you like. In some markets (such as Sarasota) taxes can be nearly $3000 for a $175,000 home. Not so much in other areas.


Hope you do make it to our faire. Be sure to let us know if you have a particular day planned and certainly stop by "Things from Rings" a chainmail shop owned by LadyFair and Dave. They are our official Meet and Greet point where everyone ends up at some time in the morning to see who else is about.

[Squire Mickey]

Also you may want to look up north in Pasco County. That's where I am. There are the full range of communities, everything from New Port Richie to Land O Lakes  (where I am).

[chriscat53]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! New Port Richie is also on our list and I will print out everyone's suggestions. Lots of pirate activity down your way I can see! I also do ca. 1690 Italian pirate mama, so that will be fun. What is the best pirate restaurant/bar down your way? Oddly (being Italian) I don't drink, but I'd love to go to a theme bar that has sea shanties.

[Cpt. Black Shadow]

gaspars grotto be the bar for the if i remember correctly.

[Lady DArbanville]

I live in Lakeland, which is a smaller town, but has everything. What I like about it is that if I drive West I can be to the Tampa area (BARF) in 30 minutes.. or if I go East I can be to Disney World in 30 minutes. Best of both worlds. Good prices as well.

[Caligo]

I didn't realize you were local Lady D'arbanville.

[chriscat53]

I am in Brandon and hope to make it to the Fair Saturday. Unfortunately I won't be in garb--that would have been another huge suitcase. I will probably be in my usual black wearing an Elizabeth I t-shirt.
Can't wait to visit a brand new Fair!

[Squire Mickey]

I am in Brandon and hope to make it to the Fair Saturday. Unfortunately I won't be in garb--that would have been another huge suitcase. I will probably be in my usual black wearing an Elizabeth I t-shirt.
Can't wait to visit a brand new Fair!

Always a good opportunity to shop!

[Escarlata]

Chriscat, are you just here visiting still or will you be around for other weekends? I would like to meet you but won't be back at faire until St Patty's weekend (Mar 14/15).

[Lady DArbanville]

I didn't realize you were local Lady D'arbanville.

Yup, have been going to BARF for um... let's see here... *counts on fingers*
Ran out of fingers!  13 years? LOVED LARGO!