Relocating from Chicago to south Fl (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood: 2015, house, safest area)

[chicagochuck23]

Hello, my wife and I are looking to relocate from Chicago to the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood - Weston area.

The exact neighborhood or area is open.

We are looking for a safe area with good schools (K-12).

We love our current area in Chicago – we can walk to the supermarket, mall, and Costco is 5 min away. I'd like to find something similar.


I’ve been reading messages on here and other sites. I realize it’s going to be a lot hotter, more humid and tons more bugs.


We want to find our target area first, and then look at home prices.


thanks

[BocaRatongirl]

Parkland, which is more north has one of the best school systems in the nation. What's your budget?

[BocaRatongirl]

BTW, the weather now is beautiful. Upper 70's, no humidity and very nice! The summer on the other hand, is really hot! LOL

[cfbs2691]

Scratch being able to walk to anything but best of luck!

[Aaverso]

Everything is generally pretty spread out down here. Walking from one place to another isn't really doable in most parts. Parkland has great schools and is home to many of the best schools in Broward County. The home prices are generally higher there because of the school zone and the demand for the area.

[ruski]

Walk to Costco? Not going to happen. At least from any nice areas with good schools. Not that Costcos are in bad areas here, but still...

You have to drive everywhere here.

Where will you be working (geographically)? And what is your budget?

If you want a safe place with good public schools - Weston, Parkland and Cooper City will be it.

[FLAmy14]

I see Parkland was recommended. I happen to agree. I relocated to Parkland from New Jersey and it was the best decision I ever made! We did plenty of research before settling on Parkland. The schools have been great for my kids and it is walkable and also accessible by the many bike paths to schools, shopping centers, restaurants, depending on where in Parkland you live. We live in West Parkland and we walk and bike many places, and are walkable to elementary, middle and high school. Parkland was also recently voted one of the safest areas to live.

Parkland is also conveniently located right off the Sawgrass Expressway which leads you wherever you need to be.

I'd be happy to answer any further questions you may have. And yes, it does get hot and humid, but the beautiful winters make it all worthwhile

[TreeZoo]

For walkable neighborhoods, look at Lauderdale by the Sea, the Coral Ridge area or the Las Olas area. As far as skools, if you are serious about good education and opportunity, stay well away from public schools in Broward County. There are lots of private and parochial schools to choose from and the sacrifice is well worth it.

[Mr. Lee]

Originally Posted by chicagochuck23

We love our current area in Chicago – we can walk to the supermarket, mall, and Costco is 5 min away. I'd like to find something similar.
thanks

Possibly Plantation right off University Drive East on Peters Road, there are some nice homes in there and Costco is walking distance to the Davie store on University near SR84 and there is a Publix at 1223 S University Dr (supermarket) right across University Drive and a couple of malls heading towards Broward Blvd and Wells Fargo bank on the corner in that shopping center.
http://tinyurl.com/hwccrrs

Below is on house I found online in the general vicinity to use as a reference, University Drive is roughly 80th ave
1001 SW 75th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33317
MLS# F10030865. 5 beds. 2.0 baths. Single Family Home. Active
$2,777 in taxes (2015)
$428,000

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by chicagochuck23

Hello, my wife and I are looking to relocate from Chicago to the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood - Weston area.

The exact neighborhood or area is open.

What is your budget and will either of you be working/commuting?
(Why did you pick the areas that you did?)