Is homelessness a big problem in Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood? (Miami: house, look for a job)

[NowSoFlorida]

You don't see a lot of homeless, you don't see people sleeping on the streets at night on park benches or in front of businesses. You see a lot of people begging for money on the on ramps with traffic lights to get on I-95. They know not to bother anyone for the most part because if they cause trouble their gig is up I don't see people giving them money usually, but obviously some do or they wouldn't be there all day. They don't look dirty like you would expect from a homeless person. I think they are just people looking to score drug money or to get some cash without working and are not really homeless,

But the job situation is really bad and there is so much competition for work that employers can pay minimum wage or close to it. I would not tell anyone to move here if they don't have at least 6 months living expenses including renting at least a studio apartment.

[TotallyTam]

Originally Posted by NowSoFlorida

You don't see a lot of homeless, you don't see people sleeping on the streets at night on park benches or in front of businesses. You see a lot of people begging for money on the on ramps with traffic lights to get on I-95. They know not to bother anyone for the most part because if they cause trouble their gig is up I don't see people giving them money usually, but obviously some do or they wouldn't be there all day. They don't look dirty like you would expect from a homeless person. I think they are just people looking to score drug money or to get some cash without working and are not really homeless,

But the job situation is really bad and there is so much competition for work that employers can pay minimum wage or close to it. I would not tell anyone to move here if they don't have at least 6 months living expenses including renting at least a studio apartment.

Thanks for the extra info. I will pass it on!

[cfbs2691]

You can look on Indeed.com and other employment websites and see what jobs are available and what they pay.
I agree with the other poster who suggested he wait until the spring.
Also, to rent an apartment, there will be many deposits he'll have to pay just to get the unit, electric...registering his car...you can also call ahead to find out how the move will effect his car insurance rates.

[TotallyTam]

Originally Posted by cfbs2691

You can look on Indeed.com and other employment websites and see what jobs are available and what they pay.
I agree with the other poster who suggested he wait until the spring.
Also, to rent an apartment, there will be many deposits he'll have to pay just to get the unit, electric...registering his car...you can also call ahead to find out how the move will effect his car insurance rates.

Thanks... does not own a car, so not a factor.

[Fiona13]

He'll need a car down here. I would definitely budget for that. It cost me about $300 to register the car in FL, get FL plates and switch my license. You also need car insurance and I would recommend adding on renter's insurance.

[cfbs2691]

He will definitely need a car.

[MaryleeII]

Originally Posted by TotallyTam

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I appreciate the input. We have been trying to convince him not to go just yet as he certainly has no job lined up. He has a decent resume and work history (plus a university degree). After quitting his long-term job in the UK and emigrating & moving here---he's been looking for a job in the US for two years. The gap in employment is widening and the longer it goes on, the harder it will be, IMO. But he's bound and determined to do it anyway. He has a considerable amount saved, so I don't expect he'll end up on the streets---but staying in an extended-stay hotel will get pretty expensive if he doesn't begin to have money coming in fairly soon after arrival. He hates the midwest winters and just wants to get somewhere warmer. I guess it's the weather and beaches that draw people fo Florida---ah well....

I'm not from the area so I can't comment. But if he is looking at staying in an extended stay hotel, search for coupons. I've found coupons good for 10% off. also, if he stays more than 30 consecutive days, they don't charge sales tax. That can add up!

[Nolefan34]

Originally Posted by TotallyTam

Thanks... does not own a car, so not a factor.

Based on everything you've told us, I think it would be a terrible mistake for him to move here. He has no job, no car, a 2 year unemployment gap, and not enough cash saved up. He is going to need a car here and we have some of the highest insurance rates in the nation. He has experience in the education industry and our education system here is low paying and not many jobs.

You also mentioned he is frugal. Can you remind me again why he wants to move here so badly? This isn't an area someone frugal would want to live. Just my opinion.

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by TotallyTam

Thanks... does not own a car, so not a factor.

He cannot move here if he does not have a car. It just isn't realistic to live in Broward county without a car.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by Momma_bear

He cannot move here if he does not have a car. It just isn't realistic to live in Broward county without a car.

Absolutely needs a car