Help: Florida or Charleston? (Hollywood, Jackson: crime, home, job market)

[Mike4679]

Young couple looking to start a family and had our minds made up that we were moving to Charleston/Mt P area after a couple visits there. Have listed our home on the market and have been searching for work/making contacts. Out of nowhere I got a good offer for a company located in Ft Lauderdale, FL. With the current job market I have to give the offer serious consideration especially after watching career fairs in the Charleston area continue to be canceled due to lack of employer participation. I have not been to FL in 20+ years and really dont think that it would be the lifestyle we are looking for. We dont have to live in Ft. Lauderdale but all the surrounding towns dont seem too appealing either. No state income tax is appealing but.....people, culture, lifestyle, ocean are what we like about Charleston and think that a lot of that will be missing in the FL area? Any comments would be appreciated.

[designgal1229]

I grew up in the Ft. Lauderdale area so I will do my best to offer some advice. What is it about Charleston that you find so appealing? Is it the "southern" feeling, climate, people, type of housing, etc.? You may be able to find some of the same things Charleston has to offer just not all.

Ft. Lauderdale has changed quite a bit over the last 20 years! If you were to relocate to south Fl, I would go a bit west, such as the Weston area. I have a number of friends who live there and the commute time isn't so bad (30 min or so) to FTL. It began as a master planned community but has since turned into its own city. If you are planning a family, the schools are pretty good in that area.

The Las Olas area of FTL is where you will find the culture, nightlife, and south FL vibe. As far as beaches, well, I grew up on those beaches so to me they are the best!! But I also like my beaches with a boardwalk that has shops, restaurants, and bars.

You could definitely go further north to the Jupiter/Port St. Lucie area. Those areas have grown up so much over the years! You would however not be close enough to commute to FTL.

[moneill]

Not a huge expert on Florida but know that Fort Lauderdale has changed very much in 20 years. I like Charleston...but I would think spending time in both areas would be the best way to go.

[KarynO]

I love Florida and if I didn't have a young child I would live there in a minute but there seems to be a transient feel the pulls me away...I get the feeling that Charleston is an area folks can plant some deep roots and has a strong sense of community...but I have only observed this from the outside looking in.....that being said, my father raised his "second family" in Coral Springs and I thought those kids had a great life...they also offer great college opportunites for state residents.

[designgal1229]

Indeed, the Florida Prepaid College program is amazing. I know because that's how I'm doing college! My parents began it back when it started back in the 80's (showing my age here). Once you make your 1st payment, you "lock in" tuition prices. So basically, I'm paying tuition rates as they were in 1983! The program has since expanded to cover more than just tuition and if your child chooses to leave the state you can apply it to an out of state university or college. It's truly an amazing and affordable way to pay for your children's college. Florida Prepaid | Prepaid College | Florida 529 Plans

South Florida does have a very strong sense of community. I may no longer live there but I will always consider myself a south Floridian because that where my roots are. I would say south Floridians are like NY-ers...love their city and very proud to call themselves south Floridians!! Your best bet is to go and visit again. As with every city, there are going to be pros and cons no matter what.

[jesposito]

I've often said that I would consider a move back to Ft Lauderdale if the money was ridiculous but after being in Charleston for 3.5 years I will now retract that statement. I grew up in Cooper City, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, N. Miami, Ft lauderdale, (bounced around alot down there) and would never go back. Its a complete sh%*hole. The crime is off the charts (yes N Charleston is rough but very isolated, nothing like the sprawling ghettos of S Florida...they have entire ghettos the size of West Ashley) EVERY stoplight and freeway offramp has someone knocking on your window begging for money, I hope you speak fluent spanish... i would pass if i were you. I mean maybe if the $$ is absurd and you can live the lifestyle you want but i personally wouldnt do it. Charleston blows S Florida away on many levels.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by designgal1229

Indeed, the Florida Prepaid College program is amazing. I know because that's how I'm doing college! My parents began it back when it started back in the 80's (showing my age here). Once you make your 1st payment, you "lock in" tuition prices. So basically, I'm paying tuition rates as they were in 1983! The program has since expanded to cover more than just tuition and if your child chooses to leave the state you can apply it to an out of state university or college. It's truly an amazing and affordable way to pay for your children's college. Florida Prepaid | Prepaid College | Florida 529 Plans

I'm not a 'Floridian'...but that sounds good!!

Originally Posted by jesposito

the sprawling ghettos of S Florida...they have entire ghettos the size of West Ashley) EVERY stoplight and freeway offramp has someone knocking on your window begging for money

Where exactly does that happen? I rented a car and drove all over Miami-Dade and Broward County...and never even saw anyone doing that...although I have had it happen in other large cities.

I mostly just saw a lot of palms and strip malls everywhere.

[Mike4679]

Thanks for everyones thoughts. I would like to try and make a trip to Ft Laud. area but dont have the time to with the time frame this company needs a response. We have made many trips to SC and know we love the Mt P area and I would hate to pickup and move to South Fla. only to have thoughts of when we can make our move to SC.

I have read that S Fla. may lack some of the culture opportunities and is a great place to visit/retire but not live. We are not the type that is excited by a vacation to Miami Beach area although we have many friends who do go there. Would choose a more relaxing slower paced spot with sites, history, food etc. Thats why I have 2nd thoughts about the S Fla area.

[designgal1229]

If your hearts are in Charleston than that's where you should settle. I moved to Jacksonville, FL for a job and was unhappy for the three years I lived there. As they say, home is where the heart is! Good luck with your move!!

[flgrammie]

I left S. Fl. after living there for 30 yrs. Moved here to be closer to daughter. I have to say, I don't feel the sense of community here that I felt down there. I miss it terribly.