Help - Moving to Ft. Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood: rent , work, house)

[Walkabout55]

We are definitely moving to Ft. Lauderdale in a couple months and are planning to rent for the first year, preferably on the beach. Can anyone give us some advice about the safest and most family-oriented places to rent that are on the beach? Is it safe to walk/run along the beach? Any neighborhoods to avoid? What about LAuderdale-by-the-Sea or Sea Ranch Lakes? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[compelled to reply]

Can anyone give us some advice about the safest and most family-oriented places to rent that are on the beach?

Boca Raton (only because of the school districts, otherwise it's full of grumpy retirees) or Lighthouse Point. Otherwise, you really have to go west for a more family oriented lifestyle. South Florida is what it is.

Is it safe to walk/run along the beach?

No, you will be robbed by masked bandits. Just kidding, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

Any neighborhoods to avoid?

By the beach, no. West of US1, try to avoid Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, west Fort Lauderdale, the bad parts of Hollywood and Oakland Park. Out of these, only Pompano (speaking for Hammondville area) and isolated parts of Fort Lauderdale are horrifically scary during the daytime (albeit still not great spots to hang out for most), but at night all of these areas get very seedy.

What about LAuderdale-by-the-Sea or Sea Ranch Lakes? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

The former is nice but not family oriented. The latter could work for a family, but you need to be LOADED. Look into Lighthouse Point if you plan to use private schools, Boca if good public schools are a must.

[Walkabout55]

Thanks for your answer Compelled! Our child is still very young so schools are not on our agenda - we are just renting until we decide where to live permanently. Are any beach communities "walkable?" I read someone else's post about Wilton Manor and it sounded as though not many places in the Ft. Lauderdale area have community centers with shops/restaurants etc that one can walk to. Is this true of the beach communities? Thanks again!

[fauve]

Do check out the Hollywood Beach area. The downtown is walkable, plus there is a brand spanking new boardwalk along the beach that runs for over a mile with restaurants and shops. Plus an organic farmer's market on Sundays. I love this area - happening without being in the least bit pretentious - the anti-Las Olas.

[pammywhammy]

I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood. I like both of the beaches. mod edit