Bay Harbor Islands (Miami, Coral Springs, Miami Beach: to rent, condo, how much)

[ashuber]

I am from Coral Springs and was looking into relocating down to the Miami area (Bay Harbor Islands). Can anyone tell me about life on this little sandbar? I was looking into renting an older condo built in the 1950's. Are most of these places still in good shape, or do they have lots of problems?

How long would it take to commute to the University of Miami? Is traffic really horrible?

Also, I saw that there was a toll bridge to get off the island, does anyone know how much a year pass costs?

Lastly, is this place just for retirees or are there families with children on the island?

Thank You.

[harry chickpea]

I used to oversee the movie theatre there. The issues are lack of parking, super-strict ordinances (even though our carpet cleaner was working inside the theatre, his truck couldn't be outside before 8 AM), and neighbors that love to call and complain about everything. There was a large wharf rat that used to inhabit the storm drains in back of the theatre, and we used to get calls complaining about the "theatre rat" even though it had nothing to do with the theatre.

Getting across the causeway can be a problem at times, but you can go north and cross at 163rd st. I'd be outta there in a storm. Flooding can be a problem all along the beach, and the sanitary sewers can overflow.

[stat3man]

I think Bay Harbor Islands might be a little too far north and east to allow a tolerable commute to the University of Miami. Also, what campus of the University are you driving to? The medical campus is MUCH closer to BHI than the Coral Gables campus is. I would definitely not want to drive from BHI to the Coral Gables campus and back every day.

Bay Harbor Islands seems to be a quiet, nice place to live. I know a young professional couple who bought a house there. I think there's a mix of retirees (probably on their way out and not being replaced by new retirees) and young singles and families.

Hope this helps.

Rich.

[ashuber]

I would be commuting down to the Coral Gables campus. I think I would have to test drive the commute first.

[harry chickpea]

The commute is probably do-able. Our corporate office used to be in the Gables. The faster way was down to Byron-Carlisle, across, and then down 95.

[stat3man]

Well, you might as well try it out, but I personally would not want to drive back and forth every day between BHI and CG. It's just too far, and the traffic will only add to it. If you can stomach it, more power to ya'. Why not live in the Gables or South Miami, though? Even the Grove.

[ashuber]

I would love to live anywhere but we are an orthodox jewish family and there are places of worship in Bal Harbor which is were we would go to synagouge, its just a mile or so to walk on a saturday morning.

The other jewish areas are Miami Beach around 41st (too expensive), Aventura (too far), and North Miami Beach (too dangerous?). I've never been to BHI but it seems like a nice place at least from google earth. Sunny Isles and Golden Beach are also jewish but I don't want to live in a 15 story condo. I could handle a 2nd floor walk up though.

[stat3man]

well, that definitely limits your options alright. when i read that you are an orthodox jewish family, i was going to suggest the 41st street area in miami beach, but then i continued reading and realized you already looked into that.

you're right about bhi, though. it's a nice community, so it'd be a good choice, and probably the best one given your requirements.

good luck to you, and welcome to miami!