Hollywood or Melbourne? (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach: apartment, rent, daycares)

[akboy]

Hi Everybody,
I have decided to move to Florida this summer. Had my mind set on Melbourne since i lived at Satellite Beach as a kid. But now i have been researching Hollywood too. The pictures of Hollywood look great. I know the population is double of Melbourne.

I am 47 years old, so not looking for the night life or bars, every once in a while. I noticed rent is more costly in Hollywood. Not looking to buy a house or anything. Will be renting an apartment or room mate thing. I also do not have a car so will be walking or biking mostly.

I have ben working with kids mostly, been a cook at several daycares. I am sure those are there, but could also work at a hotel or restaurant etc.

I am sure fishing would be about the same as in Melbourne. So, i need your advice from people that live in Hollywood. Would this area be better for me than the space coast? Any comments will be appreciated. Thank You.

[Clark Park]

Originally Posted by travelingjunkie

I think Melbourne is a better choice, but I might be biased since I really hate Hollywood.

Well, I am biased too, because I really like Hollywood.

Of course Hollywood is more expensive than Melbourne ... it is prettier, more desirable, better located; in the Gold Coast right smack in between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Hollywood has a nicer beach, more and better restaurants, a much better cultural life, livelier, easier to navigate without a car because Broward County has better public transportation.

To me, Melbourne is a dull, boring, sleepy, redneck little town. After a week in Melbourne I would go crazy.

When I visit Florida, I ALWAYS stay in the wonderful downtown area which is so full of of dozens of restaurants of every description, cafes, coffeeshops, bars, nightclubs, wine tasting rooms, shops, drug stores, etc. I can easily take a bus to not only Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale but also Dania Beach and Hallandale. There is the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Hollywood.

If you want to stay in the cheaper place, stay in Melbourne.

[Nolefan34]

I could not pick two areas that are more different than Melbourne vs. Hollywood.

Melbourne= Nice, quiet, conservative, cheap living, sleepy, older population, no traffic, below average crime, predominantly Southern redneck culture.

Hollywood= Large population, dense, congested, Liberal, lots of New Yorkers, lots of Hispanics, diverse population of elderly/young, lots of tourists, lots of culture, lots of things to do, close proximity to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

[akboy]

I am liking Hollywood better and better now. Thanks for the great pictures.

[hurricaneMan1992]

I was looking a bit into the Space Coast because there's a possible job opening there (not very interested after I looked into it more...), and I found that their transit busses only run on a 1-2 hr headway, which is pretty much useless. Without a car, you'd be much better off in Hollywood (though it'll still be tough...). As for cycling, it is not very safe in South Florida, though Hollywood does have marked bike lanes so it's slightly safer. It's also likely more places would be in walking distance in Hollywood.