Holiday Park? (Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise: sales, foreclosures, violent crime)

[celcius]

Hi everyone,

I know the market's going down, but I still have bad feelings about the cheaper foreclosures.

I saw a few listings on trulia.com in a neighborhood around Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale that were disgustingly cheap. Tons <$50,000, some even <$20,000. Is this a high-crime neighborhood or is there something wrong with them?

Better yet, do I have reason to believe any neighborhood is bad if I see some listings this cheap?

Thanks.

[casualobserver]

You'll need to better refine your definition of "around Holiday Park" for me. I live within walking distance of Holiday Park and yes, there are some cracker boxes one street west of Route 1 and one block north of Sunrise "around Holiday Park" that will fall over if a passing car backfires. Go three blocks east of Route 1 at similar latitude and if you can buy houses for $20-50K, I would advise you borrow against your grandma's social security checks to buy as many as you can for that price since you are entering into Victoria Park proper.

As a former Yank myself, I can quickly admonish those who think there is homogeneous zoning in South Florida to stick their wallets in a safe until you live a few months here acquainting yourself with the absence thereof.

There are no "steals" to be had within 2 miles of the coastline. Sales are taking place based on the land value alone in this zone regardless of what structure sits on top of it. If there is a lot selling for 20K, then there is likely a pawn shop, tatoo parlor or adult novelty store on the abutting lot.

[celcius]

Originally Posted by casualobserver

You'll need to better refine your definition of "around Holiday Park" for me. I live within walking distance of Holiday Park and yes, there are some cracker boxes one street west of Route 1 and one block north of Sunrise "around Holiday Park" that will fall over if a passing car backfires. Go three blocks east of Route 1 at similar latitude and if you can buy houses for $20-50K, I would advise you borrow against your grandma's social security checks to buy as many as you can for that price since you are entering into Victoria Park proper.

As a former Yank myself, I can quickly admonish those who think there is homogeneous zoning in South Florida to stick their wallets in a safe until you live a few months here acquainting yourself with the absence thereof.

There are no "steals" to be had within 2 miles of the coastline. Sales are taking place based on the land value alone in this zone regardless of what structure sits on top of it. If there is a lot selling for 20K, then there is likely a pawn shop, tatoo parlor or adult novelty store on the abutting lot.

OK thanks. The neighborhood I was talking about is south of E Sunrise blvd, and south/east of Federal Highway, seemingly directly east of the park.

I'm aware that homogeneous zoning is generally reserved to the gated communities or otherwise upscale areas of S. FL. That's why I posted here - trying to find what other than the market and the house itself makes the price so low. I've been to Ft. Laud and the area many, many times but have not paid much attention to neighborhoods other than my own. I'm just researching and trying to get a hold for the future.

Thank you for your input! If you know more, please tell.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by celcius

OK thanks. The neighborhood I was talking about is south of E Sunrise blvd, and south/east of Federal Highway, seemingly directly east of the park.

I'm aware that homogeneous zoning is generally reserved to the gated communities or otherwise upscale areas of S. FL. That's why I posted here - trying to find what other than the market and the house itself makes the price so low. I've been to Ft. Laud and the area many, many times but have not paid much attention to neighborhoods other than my own. I'm just researching and trying to get a hold for the future.

Thank you for your input! If you know more, please tell.

bad things happen in that park, bad things *shutters*.

Do you live down here? Maybe go take a drive through there to see for yourself. If you give me some addresses IF I have time this weekend I can go through, takes some pictures and post them in the picture thread for you.

[Momma_bear]

My kids play lacrosse in Holiday Park sometimes. It doesn't seem any worse than any other urban park in the area. Maybe it's different at night?

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by Momma_bear

My kids play lacrosse in Holiday Park sometimes. It doesn't seem any worse than any other urban park in the area. Maybe it's different at night?

we have kids who frequent these boards so I wont go indepth. All I will say is, don't let your kids go to those public bathrooms in that park by themselves.

[casualobserver]

Well, celcius, due east of the park is fine, in fact if due east is considered to be at 3 o'clock, the heart of Victoria Park is at 4 o'clock. You should probably make sure your lots are not actually backing up to Sunrise on the north (1 o'clock from the park), but if these are a couple of blocks south of Sunrise, you are either looking at a scam or the buy of a lifetime.

[RJP3]

Wild Style --- that is a rather open comment.I suspect you are referring to gay cruising as Victoria Park is a very nice and very gay neighborhood.While 100% not supporting of cruising in public areas - there is a huge difference between that and violent crime that should impact a buyer's decision.If it is drugs / rape / gang activity say so --- if not say so.My understanding is Victoria Park / Holiday Park are very nice, very safe and very gay.