I have searched and read... but still need help!!

[Sharkey514]

It sounds like the OP has kids and needs schools. Think about the area, the schools, the neighborhood future. Agree with previous posters, on being careful about location. I have friends who have lived in Pompano for 20 years. They live East near the water -- they are too old to move now and won't sell in this market. Here is my take on Pompano and some other areas in Ft. Lauderdale....The houses in Pompano are horrid - unless you are spending a lot of money to live on a canal. I drive through Pompano every day to work and to my kids' school - it depends on the area -- it can vary from slum-like to quite beautiful (East by the ocean or on pricey waterfront). Almost all houses need a lot of work. Yes - even those over-priced 2 million cheap builder Tuscan B.S. McMansions with the faux-painted walls! You should check out the low-class "mall" and the Movico scene on Federal Hwy & Copans. Have of those stores are empty - it is creepy -- that will give you an idea of the neighborhood for your family. Go by the grocery stores in different neighborhoods and see who is there. Can you picture yourself taking your children out of their car seats with these people? If so, then you found the right neighborhood. Would you feel safe walking your dog at night on your block? If so, move in...Don't forget to drive by the bail bond places on Atlantic. The public schools around there are bad. High crime rate. You should drive around these areas at dusk or at night. If you are moving here, you need to decide if you have the money and time to fix up a house.

Most of the houses for sale in this market need work - even the new ones - they have been sitting empty. Realtors are trying to sell, so you can't really go by the photos on the websites. IMO, there is cheap construction down here compared to houses in other parts of the country. If you want family neighborhoods and good schools (even if you choose to go private school route), you should look in western part of the county. In general, the houses in this area of Florida are not very good - they all look cheap and worn. Yes, even the houses that are only a few years old. Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood has some sketchy areas. Even the expensive pockets of neighborhoods are surrounded by trash - way too expensive for what you are getting. Look at the transients hanging out along A-1A to Federal Highway. Look at the strip bars along Federal Highway in Ft Lauderdale. There are some heavy-duty homes that are 4 blocks from porn shops and strip clubs. The prices have not come down far enough. Think about the number of losers selling in this market. Who do you think is selling now in this market? Good luck...We are giving up and heading north to Jupiter.

[Tungsten_Udder]

Originally Posted by Sharkey514

It sounds like the OP has kids and needs schools. Think about the area, the schools, the neighborhood future . . .

Wow does it sound like you and I have different world-views, lol.

[Sharkey514]

TUngesten - we do have different world views. I actually live here. It states on your posted location profile that you are in Jersey City, 1.5 miles from the WTC. Are you looking to relocate here? If so, you should buy in Pompano, as it will make you feel like you are back in Jersey City (lol)

[TimFtLaud]

I live in Imperial Point and there are some good deals on houses in the area. My boss has two children 9 and 16, and she likes the schools they attend. One is McNab Elementary and the other is Northeast High. It is convenient to most everything, and the beach is a 15 minute bike ride.

[Tungsten_Udder]

Originally Posted by Sharkey514

TUngesten - we do have different world views. I actually live here. It states on your posted location profile that you are in Jersey City, 1.5 miles from the WTC. Are you looking to relocate here? If so, you should buy in Pompano, as it will make you feel like you are back in Jersey City (lol)

Yes, I'm relocating back there. I grew up in Florida--did all my schooling there (grade school, college, etc.), lived and worked there as an adult, etc. I've been up here for 15 years now, but all of my immediate family (and now lots of extended family with their kids and such) is still there, and I've visited up to a couple months per year in the interim. I don't think I've been in Pompano since I moved, but I do like Jersey City.

[Sharkey514]

I was in your position - grew up here - moved to NYC for schooling and work ( know your area and worked on that Colgate factory deal back in the 80's)....lived there for 20 years - now back here. This is a better place to raise the boys -- NYC is just too $$...This placed has changed a lot -- it's still fun...We feel lucky we knew this area back in the 1960's and 1970's.