PhD student coming to Davie/Fort Lauderdale (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines: to rent, condo)

[JFMFT]

I'm looking for any information, suggestions, or thoughts from people here regarding the Davie/Fort Lauderdale area. I may be relocating there this summer and need information about places to look at living.

I am interviewing in March for a PhD program at Nova Southeastern University which is situated in Davie/Fort Lauderdale area. It's likely that I will choose to move to attend the 4-5 year program if I am accepted (which I think is likely as well). I am gay and have a partner. We're in our mid-20's and are past/over the partying sort of lifestyle; we're ready to settle in, work hard at our jobs, and spend time with people who have moved beyond the partying lifestyle. We'll probably not ever have kids, so we aren't looking to move to a particularly family-focused area, but we also don't desire to be in the middle of the college/single atmosphere. We prefer a bit more upscale, but nothing too pricey, and relatively safe (we know Broward county is known for high crime... which is a sad fact for such a beautiful area).

Can anyone recommend the best places for a couple like us to live? We don't have a preference in terms of hanging out with straight or gay people, so an area with a high concentration of LGBT people isn't necessary (though we'd welcome that, since my job is focused on doing therapy with LGBT couples). In terms of social needs, honestly I'll probably make friends with my classmates and co-workers, so a social life isn't really a problem. I've heard Pembroke Pines and Plantation and Hollywood were all recommended. It's likely I'll get a full-time job and have a decent income ($40k), and my partner makes a decent income of $60k. We're hoping to find a 3bedroom or bigger to rent (single family house... prefer to avoid a condo or townhouse) for $1600 or less per month. Is this possible or likely?

Based on our income, social needs, and me wanting to have a commute no longer than 15-20 minutes one way to Nova's main campus, what might be the best places to check out for us to live? I want to make a list for when I go down to visit and interview with Nova in March. Thanks!

[vigo]

JFMFT, I sent you a DM. I know of a place you might like.

[compelled to reply]

You would like Plantation. Just look anywhere at all west of the turnpike, and if the block looks nice, it probably is. $1600 a month would probably get you a patio-type 3 bedroom home, but $2000 would open up more 3 bedroom options.