[iluvflorida]

What would be some of the best areas to live in in Southeast Florida? Preferably with reasonable living costs...

[LSW]

I Say Stuart Because That Is Where I Have Always Lived. It Is Beautiful With Low Crime. As Far As Living Costs Go, I'm Not Sure What You Would Consider Reasonable. Here Is My Example Of Living Costs: I Own A 3/2 Home With 1 Car Garage And A Pool, 1330 S/f Living Space (not Including The Screened-in Porch). We Are On Almost 1/3 Acre Lot In A Nice Middle-class Neighborhood. 2 Years Ago We Bought This House For $220,000, Now It Would Probably Sell For $300,000. Living Expenses: Electricity Bill In September Is Close To $300, In The Winter Our Lowest Bill Has Been Around $150. Utilities (here That Includes Water And Trash Pick-up) Could Be Anywhere From $40 To $60 Depending On How Much Rain We Get And How Green We Want Our Lawn. Our Property Taxes This Year Are Slightly Over $3000 And I Just Renewed Our Home Owner's Insurance For Just Over $2500/year.hope This Gives You A Good Idea.

[iluvflorida]

Thanks LSW...what county is Stuart in? What kinds of things are there to do there?

[Need_affordable_home]

I think Stuart is in central Florida but if so, its just miles away from being in south Florida. House prices arent cheap anywhere in Florida, especially not south! Hurricane insurance is very expensive now! I cant afford Florida myself.

[lulu]

The Kendall area (by S.W. 88 st/Kendall Dr.) still has some areas that are nice...and reasonable as far as S. Florida prices go - down in Dade County. Kendall is big...so it takes some driving around to see where you might fit in.
You might be able to negotiate now something for the 300's for a 3/2 single family home...and bear in mind that one has to ask about the updated taxes when purchasing as it won't be the same as the sellers. Also, as you probably know by now, the insurance costs down here are a big issue with the residents as they have sky rocketed. If it's a condo or townhome it might be lower in price, but then one has the HOA fees to consider.

[SoFlaGuy]

Originally Posted by LSW

(here That Includes Water And Trash Pick-up)...

You forgot to capitalize your "h" South Florida is Palm Beach county and south. Stuart is in Martin county. As far as best in southeast Florida, I like northwest Broward, but nothing is reasonable here ::shrug::

[iluvflorida]

Thanks for your input everyone I was thinking about the Broward area. I have been to Hollywood and i really liked it. Hollywood Beach is nice. How are apartment prices down in this area?

[SunnyDog]

Originally Posted by iluvflorida

Thanks for your input everyone I was thinking about the Broward area. I have been to Hollywood and i really liked it. Hollywood Beach is nice. How are apartment prices down in this area?

Prices start around $200K and up to buy in the Hollywood Beach area, and start around $800/mo and up to rent.

[Delilah]

Hollywood is nice, but mixed school ratings, so if you have kids look into it. I like Coral Springs, Davie & Weston for good schools & suburban life. However not sure what price range you are in & if you are looking for a single family house or condo.

[ready2move]

cooper city also has "A" rated schools and good sports programs.