[Lynnus]

My husband and I are considering moving to South East Florida. Our main concerns are good schools, safe areas to live and homes within our budget. We have a budget of around 450K for a 4 bedroom home. After some initial research we have narrowed down the areas we want to live in to the options in the poll.

We would want to be in the Miami metro area as my husband would commute to work in downtown Miami once or twice a week. Which of these cities are a good choice to raise 2 young kids in a safe, family friendly environment?

[Cameron60]

Parkland may be the best commute to Miami, don't know how much 450k will buy.
Weston is too far west but may be the best for the kids.
Forget Boca.

[doom1001]

Weston is closer than Parkland or Boca being further south but the commute from Parkland may be easier just taking the Sawgrass expwy and the turnpike south to 95.

[Lynnus]

Originally Posted by Cameron60

Parkland may be the best commute to Miami, don't know how much 450k will buy.
Weston is too far west but may be the best for the kids.
Forget Boca.

Why forget Boca? The commute is not our greatest concern to be honest. My husband travels about 50% of the time so he would only be making the commute maybe 30/40 times a year. The schools and safety are of greater importance.

[Cameron60]

Originally Posted by Lynnus

Why forget Boca? The commute is not our greatest concern to be honest. My husband travels about 50% of the time so he would only be making the commute maybe 30/40 times a year. The schools and safety are of greater importance.

I would think Weston would be best for family life. I see Boca as a place for retirees.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Cameron60

I would think Weston would be best for family life. I see Boca as a place for retirees.

Layoff the Seinfeld reruns. Boca Raton is very family-friendly and has an excellent school district with both high schools in the Top 50 in Florida. Search Florida High Schools | US News

[boston904]

Originally Posted by Lynnus

Why forget Boca? The commute is not our greatest concern to be honest. My husband travels about 50% of the time so he would only be making the commute maybe 30/40 times a year. The schools and safety are of greater importance.

If that's the case then Jupiter

[doggiebus]

All three location will be fine to raise children, Parkland or Boca would be my recommendation, if he's only commuting once a week. I just don't know if you'll be able to find something with 4 bedrooms in Parkland for 450k. Boca I know you'll be able to find something, it may be a fixer upper or older home for that budget. Boca isn't just retirees anymore, more and more families are living there. Downtown Boca is building more high rise rental buildings to attract younger people. It's a great location to raise a family. Parkland is super kid orientated, but again, I don't know if you'll find a 4bed home for that price.

[Coconut1]

Definitely Boca. Good post from Doggie. I'll add that it's much closer to the coast.

[Lynnus]

Thanks for the feedback, it has been very helpful. We have looked in detail at house prices in these areas and we have found some decent homes within our price range. I am planning to visit these areas at the end of July. Can anyone recommend a good realtor?