snowbirds from nj to ftl..what are safe zip codes? (Fort Lauderdale: real estate, rent)

[pinklady627]

Hi, my husband & I are retiring & looking to buy a home/condo in ftl/hollywood area. We are 55 years old with some unmarried kids who would also like to vacation there. So we are not looking for a 55+ community. What are some good, safe areas/zip codes that I can forward to my agent, as well as some communities that might be good for us "snowbirds". Thanks in advance!!!

[solseeker]

im from nj also, we looked and looked, we found beautiful double wide on a canal beautiful place and view LOVE the very safe neighborhood so close to everything!!!!3 miles from beach, we have clubhouse pool and boat ramo 33334

[casualobserver]

Zip code isn't a very effective method of delineation. 33301, 04 and 05 have arguably FTL's most desirable living areas at their eastern edge and some of the toughest neighborhoods along their western edge. You can also find pricing to vary by literally millions within each. If you have the dough, the most dependable broad delineation for "safe" is "east of Federal and west of University." Although, "west of University" is living "out in the suburbs", not living in FTL. And living east of Federal is still pretty much urban-feel living, since even a classically nice neighborhood like Bal Harbour is only 3-4 blocks deep. Everything else is almost knowing areas street by street and block by block like Vic Park or Rio Vista.

I'm here over 3 years and still doing my own personal mapping by riding a bicycle up and down streets.

I think there are only 2 failsafe methods for selecting real estate around here (assuming school districts are not part of the equation). Rent for a year or two and find what suits you or, if you know you can do condo living at the beach and be happy, buy there.

Sorry, but solidly homogenous neighborhoods are tough to come by within Fort Lauderdale city limits unless you can buy for 7 figures. I'll be interested to see if anyone else here has better advice.

As far as Hollywood goes, I know little about it except for the beach area.

[Bette]

33308
33306
Also include Laud by the Sea - could be 33308 or 33062 in that one

[Jormane]

I currently live in Artesia (renting an owner-owned unit), which is in Sunrise across from Sawgrass Mills. It's a bit removed from FLL and Hollywood, but to its credit, it's just in front of the 869 Sawgrass Expressway which connects to all the major freeways. Downtown FLL is about 20 minutes, Hollywood about 25. Artesia is a BEAUTIFUL development that feels more like a resort. Three pools, two tennis courts and a deluxe clubhouse. The prices on the homes are decent (keep in mind also that I come from California with its overpriced everything...so So Fla seems like a bargain), but from what I hear, the HOA fees can be quite high.
Also take a look at TAO Towers across the street which is more of a high rise with a 5 star hotel ambiance.
Both places offer homes to purchase, although Artesia has more variety in sizes and models.
Zip code for what its worth is 33323

[vigo]

What price range are you looking in? I'm very familiar with Hollywood but much depends on what you want to spend.

[retiree1]

I live in 33308, A1A around Oakland Park Blvd. It is very nice and convenient. Good shopping and, of course, right by the ocean. I recommend it to you. You should be able to find a condo in any price range, and possibly single-family homes, too.