[Meg518]

I'm moving to Boca Raton for work on VERY short notice (i.e. about a week) from Ohio. I've heard horror stories about Florida landlords, as well as urban legends about horrible roommates. Since there's no way for me to come down and look for a place before I move, would you recommend going online to find someone who's looking for a roommate or trying to get an apartment over the phone. I just graduated and this is my first move ever, and I'll be doing it on my own so any advice would be MOST appreciated

I can afford to pay up to about 900/mo so it's not necessarily which place would be cheaper, but which is smarter/less headache.

Also, what are taxes, etc. like if I'm bringing in a car from out of state? Am I better off just buying one in FL?

[s_staniforth]

Hi, Well, if you can afford something by yourself then you might as well get something by yourself. If you need a roommate, then you might want to let your new company know that you are looking for one. There might be someone in the office who is looking as well. I moved down here a year ago from the north. I chose an apartment sight unseen. I was fortunate enough to have a family friend in the area who looked at it near me and my boss directed me towards some of the better complexes in the area. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the places can look beautiful in the pictures or even in person, but are in a bad area or have other problems. This website may help you in your search. Apartment Ratings - Apartments for Rent with Ratings and Reviews from Actual Renters
Good Luck!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Meg518

I'm moving to Boca Raton for work on VERY short notice (i.e. about a week) from Ohio. I've heard horror stories about Florida landlords, as well as urban legends about horrible roommates. Since there's no way for me to come down and look for a place before I move, would you recommend going online to find someone who's looking for a roommate or trying to get an apartment over the phone. I just graduated and this is my first move ever, and I'll be doing it on my own so any advice would be MOST appreciated

I can afford to pay up to about 900/mo so it's not necessarily which place would be cheaper, but which is smarter/less headache.

Also, what are taxes, etc. like if I'm bringing in a car from out of state? Am I better off just buying one in FL?

900 a month will get you an OK 1 bedroom in an OK part of South Florida. Truthfully, complexes here are bigger nightmares than landlords. The landlords for the most (at least down here in Broward County), seem to be fine, unless they are renting out condo-conversion units. Boca Raton should be doable at 900 a month for a 1 bedroom, although don't expect luxury. If you can't afford Boca, try nearby Coral Springs. I have no clue about the moving taxes, though :/. To make you feel better, Boca Raton is a nice area, yet still doable for a 1 bedroom.

[ivcceo]

Boca has an FAU (Florida Atlantic University) campus so there should be some rentals around there in your range. I live in Coral Springs and there are also nice rentals here. Just check the clauses of the contracts as they require a 30 day notice before the lease ends.

Check this link for the car stuff. If you are bringing an older car, I don't think you will pay tax.

Florida New Resident-DHSMV

[ncbound]

you can try roomates.com or palmbeachpost.com and click on classifides.I live in northeast boca and love it here. Good luck!