Deerfield Beach? (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs: apartment, motel, neighborhoods)

[MunysGirl]

I currently live in Washington, DC I received a job offer in Deerfield Beach. Is Deerfield Beach a good city to live in or should I consider surrounding areas? I currently pay about $1100 a month for a 1 bedroom, can I find something cheaper there? Also, this may seem like a silly question but what about snakes? I am terrified of snakes, are snakes a big problem? For instance, would I encounter a snake while I'm leaving/entering my home

[Nolefan34]

Don't limit yourself to Deerfield, but don't rule it out either. Consider surrounding cities such as Boca Raton, Coconut Creek, Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Pompano Beach. Those cities/suburbs are all very close within a 15-20 minute drive from Deerfield. For $1100, you have a good number of options for one-bedrooms in those areas.

First, how old are you? Are you married or single? Do you have kids? These are important questions because these factors will determine which cities/communities are best for you. If you are young and single, Deerfield might be a little boring for you. I would recommend living east close to the beach, or close to downtown Fort Lauderdale where the entertainment is. For $1100, you may not find any one-bedroom apt's on the beach or in downtown that are decent, but you can find nice studios for that price. One place I would recommend is Port Royale Apt's in Pompano Beach near US1 and Commercial Blvd. Their 1 bedrooms are less than $1100. They are nice apt's close to the water and the beach, and maybe a 15 minute commute to/from Deerfield.

If you are married with kids, or are middle-aged or older, you would be better of living in a western suburb such as Coral Springs, Parkland, Margate, Coconut Creek, or West Boca. Those communities are quiter, more family-oriented, with less traffic, less crime, and generally have better public schools than the eastern cities. There is an abundance of places available in those areas due to the market conditions, and the prices in western suburbs are cheaper than eastern suburbs that are close to the ocean. But you are further away from the beach and nightlife/entertainment.

There are snakes here, yes this is FL and we live in what used to be the Everglades. But most of the area is highly developed so the chances of running into one if you reside in an apartment is unlikely. Snakes generally tend to live in areas close to fresh water such as lakes, canals, retention ponds, or areas that are heavily wooded with thick brush and lush vegetation. Basically, the same places that alligators are found. Absolutely DO NOT swim in any freshwater bodies here in FL. They are infested with alligators and snakes. If you stay out of the woods and stay away from inland bodies of water, your chances of running into a snake are greatly reduced. During times of flooding, the poisonous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin snake is commonly found in flood waters in flooded ditches and sewers in residential neighborhoods. So if we have flooding, stay away from ditches or low-laying areas of land that are filled with flood water.

[MunysGirl]

I assumed that snakes wouldn't be a big issue in an apartment community, but I wasn't sure. I am 27, without any kids. This is very helpful, thanks!

[Nolefan34]

Honestly, I wouldn't worry at all about snakes. Like I said just stay away from lakes, ponds, canals, and flood waters. But if you ever go on a trip to the Everglades or on a hike through the woods, you are likely to encounter a snake. May I ask why you are so afraid of snakes? Did you get bitten by one or something?

[MunysGirl]

Actually, I went to Orlando recently and there was a snake in the parking lot of the motel that I stayed in; it spooked the heck out of me. But snakes aren't my only concern... crime, housing costs, and things of that nature would ultimately affect my decision.