Fort Lauderdale - good to raise our kids? (Pembroke Pines, Weston: houses, neighborhoods)

[June Paik]

I am a Korean descendant born in Brazil and my husband is Brazilian. We have 3 kids, ages 7, 5 and 1. We have thoughts about moving to Fort Lauderdale but we are worried about the high criminal stats, gangs and wheather or not it is a good place to raise our kids, specially because they are partly Asian. Although Florida is considered to be a great melting pot, I didn't see many Asians around. Would it be difficult for them, would they stand out? What neighborhoods are good, with good schools? Are the coastal neghborhoods more dangerous than the living inland? I would really appreciate some advice!!!

[runswithscissors]

I would say not. It's not worth the beauty of the water all over the place, ocean, canals Intracoastal etc. I can't speak to the cultural/Asian thing because it's not something that I look at. Meaning I'm from Phila so we don't think twice about diversity.

I'm referring to the annoyance of having to deal with fake or real thugs AND the issues of school and education. I'd just go North to a calmer less controversial area.

I always recommend Vero Beach wHere I live although there are other towns further south from Vero like Jupiter or Wellington.

In Vero you have the same Intracoastal and Ocean without all the drama. And people here are so laid back I don't think they even notice anybody's ethnicity. If you are looking to find a more Brazilian/Asian type culture, that's something I can't comment on. Don't know.

[Bette]

I live in Boca and see lots of Asians around. No problem. I think you would like Pembroke Pines though. My children had lots of friends who were of Asian descent and they didn't think anything different which is the way it should be.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by June Paik

I am a Korean descendant born in Brazil and my husband is Brazilian. We have 3 kids, ages 7, 5 and 1. We have thoughts about moving to Fort Lauderdale but we are worried about the high criminal stats, gangs and wheather or not it is a good place to raise our kids, specially because they are partly Asian. Although Florida is considered to be a great melting pot, I didn't see many Asians around. Would it be difficult for them, would they stand out? What neighborhoods are good, with good schools? Are the coastal neghborhoods more dangerous than the living inland? I would really appreciate some advice!!!

If you move to west Pembroke Pines they wont' stand out at all, actually nobody would stand out around there. Good schools too, but stay in West Broward High feeder schools.

[fauve]

I think Weston would be perfect - can't go wrong with the houses, schools or the population. Everyone is from somewhere else. And, it's safe and kid-oriented.

[June Paik]

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

I would say not. It's not worth the beauty of the water all over the place, ocean, canals Intracoastal etc. I can't speak to the cultural/Asian thing because it's not something that I look at. Meaning I'm from Phila so we don't think twice about diversity.

I'm referring to the annoyance of having to deal with fake or real thugs AND the issues of school and education. I'd just go North to a calmer less controversial area.

I always recommend Vero Beach wHere I live although there are other towns further south from Vero like Jupiter or Wellington.

In Vero you have the same Intracoastal and Ocean without all the drama. And people here are so laid back I don't think they even notice anybody's ethnicity. If you are looking to find a more Brazilian/Asian type culture, that's something I can't comment on. Don't know.

Thanks for your information, we will take a look at Vero, Jupiter and Wellington. My husband would love to live in the coastal areas but schools for the kids is a major concern. Any good schools around these areas?

[June Paik]

Originally Posted by Bette

I live in Boca and see lots of Asians around. No problem. I think you would like Pembroke Pines though. My children had lots of friends who were of Asian descent and they didn't think anything different which is the way it should be.

Bette, thanks for your help. We are open to suggestions and we will take a look at Boca and Pembroke Pines as well. Do you know if there are any good schools around these areas you've suggested? I learned that some neighborhoods are well known for its excellent schools and the kids will need a special school to embrace them, especially because they don't speak English.

[June Paik]

Originally Posted by fauve

I think Weston would be perfect - can't go wrong with the houses, schools or the population. Everyone is from somewhere else. And, it's safe and kid-oriented.

Thanks for your input on Weston, we will be doing some more research on the neghborhood!

[June Paik]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

If you move to west Pembroke Pines they wont' stand out at all, actually nobody would stand out around there. Good schools too, but stay in West Broward High feeder schools.

Thanks for your reply, I will take a look at Pembroke Pines!

[runswithscissors]

Originally Posted by June Paik

Bette, thanks for your help. We are open to suggestions and we will take a look at Boca and Pembroke Pines as well. Do you know if there are any good schools around these areas you've suggested? I learned that some neighborhoods are well known for its excellent schools and the kids will need a special school to embrace them, especially because they don't speak English.

CompelledtoReply will be able to help you specifically with this challenge. People moving here who don't speak English are not rare.

I assume you'll be paying for a private school to support those learning challenges? I'm confident there will be some around that'll meet your needs.