Physician moving to work at Joe DiMaggio, Miramar Memorial and Memorial West (Weston: mortgage, day care)

[ShellMitch]

I can see from this thread that you've pretty much narrowed the search down to being out West, but before you decide, I'd just like to throw out one more area.... Emerald Hills. This little area is in central Hollywood just north of Sheridan Street and may have what you're looking for. There are mature trees, good Elementary schools and you could ride your bike to Memorial! The middle school is not so great, but most Hollywood kids end up switching to either private or magnet at that time. It is situated right near TY park and so super close to 95. Easy access to the beach & downtown.
It is much less "suburban" than the areas you've been discussing but still safe. The neighborhood is great for running and the park too.
Search the area from Sheridan Street north to Stirling and 95 west to 56th

[BNBR]

Which elementary in Emerald Hills is good? And this just rehashes what has already been said. Sure, you can find an area east with a good elementary school (I'm still not sure which one you are referring to), but who wants the mess when they get to middle/high school. You split your children and their friends up to send them off to a new school, etc. Why would anybody want to do that?

[BuffaloMD]

Shellmitch, thank you for your suggestion. I have looked at Emerald Hills a bit. But as others have mentioned, there are certain intagiables in decent suburban communities that are hard to match (I can't believe I am saying this - I was a condo kid). Education and some what safety comes to mind. If I were single or didn't have little ones, it would be a no brainer... I would live as close to the ocean as I possibly could.

I have called a couple of charter schools, one in Hollywood and another in Fort Lauderdale. They sounded like it was very hard to get in their systems; and younger siblings are not grandfathered in. I also called some private schools and I was not impressed with the phone conversations I had with them. After some research, I just realized that in our case, as is with most families with kids, it would be less complicated to live in suburbia as opposed to a more urban area. Now, how happy will I be with a long commute and without the "glitters of a big city"? I don't know, only time will tell. But, that's why I will be renting first.

[BuffaloMD]

Does anyone know what time does the traffic around Manatee Bay Elementary get bad?

[ruski]

Originally Posted by BuffaloMD

Does anyone know what time does the traffic around Manatee Bay Elementary get bad?

I think it is 7:30 to 8:00 AM.

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by BuffaloMD

Shellmitch, thank you for your suggestion. I have looked at Emerald Hills a bit. But as others have mentioned, there are certain intagiables in decent suburban communities that are hard to match (I can't believe I am saying this - I was a condo kid). Education and some what safety comes to mind. If I were single or didn't have little ones, it would be a no brainer... I would live as close to the ocean as I possibly could.

I have called a couple of charter schools, one in Hollywood and another in Fort Lauderdale. They sounded like it was very hard to get in their systems; and younger siblings are not grandfathered in. I also called some private schools and I was not impressed with the phone conversations I had with them. After some research, I just realized that in our case, as is with most families with kids, it would be less complicated to live in suburbia as opposed to a more urban area. Now, how happy will I be with a long commute and without the "glitters of a big city"? I don't know, only time will tell. But, that's why I will be renting first.

You wouldn't find Emerald Hills any more "urban" anyway. It's not remotely urban feeling or close to any glittering city lights. In fact, probably less amenities around it compared to the western areas.

[ruski]

Originally Posted by BNBR

You wouldn't find Emerald Hills any more "urban" anyway. It's not remotely urban feeling or close to any glittering city lights. In fact, probably less amenities around it compared to the western areas.

And surrounding areas...

I'd much rather have the Western suburbs' surrounding areas.

[BuffaloMD]

Sounds like if I leave by 7:15am I should be able to bypass the Manatee Bay elementary traffic. How is the current real estate situation in Weston? Is it considered sellers market now?

[ruski]

Originally Posted by BuffaloMD

Sounds like if I leave by 7:15am I should be able to bypass the Manatee Bay elementary traffic. How is the current real estate situation in Weston? Is it considered sellers market now?

It looks like the sellers still think it is a sellers market, but they aren't what they are asking. Sort of a tail of a sellers market, but no dramatic shifts in either direction. I am observing regular downward price adjustments after the initial listings.

This Trulia market trend page gives a pretty good idea

Real Estate Market Trends for Weston, FL - Trulia.

[BuffaloMD]

Thanks for the link, ruski... one more reason for me to rent first.