Middle-aged white folks relocating to Miami - neighborhoods? (Hialeah, Miami Beach: high crime, homes)

[nicsma2002]

Originally Posted by ♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥

Sorry I meant Miami Springs not Miami gardens

I don't recommend renting an apartment in Miami Springs. Those areas are rather dicey. It's best to rent/buy a house there, and if possible, not on the periphery of the neighborhood. The few times there are break-ins, they tend to happen there. The deeper in you go into the neighborhood, the more insulated you are.

To the OP: Regardless of what neighborhood you move to, you should also be prepared to expect smaller home square footage size & lot size compared to what you are probably used to.

[valicky]

You get a lot more for your money in Phoenix compared to here in housing. The real estate tax is higher here and the homeowners insurance is much higher. No state income tax here so that helps a little. Water's cheaper here too.

[compelled to reply]

If you don't mind a Los Angeles like commute, you might want to look in to Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, and some other areas in Broward County. There would be zero culture shock in relocating to these areas, if you are trying to avoid that, and rent costs are more affordable. Otherwise, you might want to stick with Aventura, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, but don't expect 4 bedrooms for that money, and expect somewhat more chaos than you are used to.

[gymbuff]

Originally Posted by Jenesis76

Thanks, but on my map it looks like Miami Springs / Virginia Gardens area is immediately north of the airport, on the opposite side from hubby's new office. What would the commute be like?

It will be a very short commute, except that the area immediately around the airport is constantly under construction. As far as miles, well under 10, maybe even half that.

[JasonInMiami]

Jenesis76,

No need to be afraid of moving to Miami--as far as you think of enjoying the all year long sunshine and beach time! And all other positive factors.

I had been lived in Miami for 6 years, and I loved it. I had to relocate to a much higher living expense place in California due to a job change in 2011, but I do miss the time we spent in Miami a lot!

***MOD CUT***

[Mrsalvarez1101]

I LOVE my neighborhood so I'm always going to recommend it to someone who is looking for a nice neighborhood. It's called Country Walk. It's off of SW 137th Ave and SW 152 St. Zip code is 33186. I love my neighbors! Everyone you see says hi when you walk by which is hard to come by in Miami. The houses are not typical looking to Miami because they have wood on the outside. It's about 10 minutes from the Turnpike which you can take to the 836. It's going to be a drive I won't lie, probably 45-1 hr, but to me it's worth it to live in a nice neighborhood. We have two Publix's close by, the Zoo, restaurants, and stores like TJ Maxx, Costco, Walmart, Target near by.

[doggiebus]

Country Walk is a nice area, though aren't some of the homes still there stick built not CBS?

[straight shooter]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

Country Walk is a nice area, though aren't some of the homes still there stick built not CBS?

Yes, I believe that not all of the homes there a CBS.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

Country Walk is a nice area, though aren't some of the homes still there stick built not CBS?

Yes there are still wood homes there. I would maybe rent there and evacuate during hurricanes but I would not recommend buying a wood home. Insuring it must not be cheap. Also some of those country walk homes have 2 or 3 HOA.

Well if you check most properties in CW, they were resold after Andrew for $10-$15k, basically the lot size value Residents collected their insurance money, bought somewhere else, especulators bought those homes, kept the same structures and made Mickey Mouse fixes, and then resold them years later for the same price as a concrete home. In other words evacuate during a strong hurricane because most homes will be destroyed.

But there are plenty of concrete homes in that area, just avoid buying in country walk itself. But traffic will be tough (45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours)but you might find a more affordable home for the same reason.

[valicky]

Really? Wow! I thought all Country Walk homes were rebuilt with CBS. I can't believe after what happened there that they rebuilt with wood.