my dad lives in Bradenton off of Route 64, Tampa is very busy and a lot of traffic, I am not sure about the tampa area as far as living. I would look at clearwater/st. Pete rather than tampa, again depending on the area in each.
Bradenton/Sarasota is a great area as long as you stay out of certain parts, St. Armands Circle is a nice area but $$$$. Bradenton Beach down to lido beach is all very nice even if you live more inland it’s like 10 minutes to a beach. If you choose this area then send me an address and I can tell you what it is like around there.