Key Biscayne or Parkland? (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: fit in, for sale, insurance)

[jennnifer123]

I am moving to South Florida from California with my husband later this year. We are planning on starting a family soon. We are "anglos" and don't speak Spanish. We are interested in areas with good public schools, and where we will fit in. I've researched the area and visited several times, and think Key Biscayne or Parkland both seem like they would work for us. Looks like we can afford a nice condo in Key Biscayne or a house in Parkland. Does anyone have any thoughts on Key Biscayne or Parkland? Which would be better?

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by jennnifer123

I am moving to South Florida from California with my husband later this year. We are planning on starting a family soon. We are "anglos" and don't speak Spanish. We are interested in areas with good public schools, and where we will fit in. I've researched the area and visited several times, and think Key Biscayne or Parkland both seem like they would work for us. Looks like we can afford a nice condo in Key Biscayne or a house in Parkland. Does anyone have any thoughts on Key Biscayne or Parkland? Which would be better?

Key Biscayne is nice, but just make sure you watch out who your kids get involved with. The Key Rats as the kids on Key Biscayne are called have money usually and get in to trouble with drugs. But not all of course...The Key is very hispanic FYI. Friends of my parents are going to put their house on the Key up for sale next year because the key has just gotten so bad in their opinion. But each persons likes and dislikes are different.

I am not sure where Key Biscayne kids go to school. But I know that you can find that on Miami-Dade Public Schools website and then find out more info about the schools. I bet some of the kids on the Key probably go to private prep schools. The best schools in Miami Dade are south in Pinecrest Palmetto Senior High. There are some other good schools around Miami (like MAST on Key Biscayne, New World School of the Arts, Coral Reef High School) but they are charter schools so you will need to be excepted into their programs. I know you don't have kids yet, but...

BTW, I am sorry you have to leave Cali, that is where we are trying to move too.

[chisoxfan]

Parkland is very nice if you can afford it. Many of the houses are on large lots, which is a rarity in South Florida. It's served by Coral Springs schools, which historically have been among the best in Broward County. Population is mostly Anglo with a large Jewish influence, so non-Spanish speakers will not have a problem there. The only drawback I can see is if you have to commute to downtown Fort Lauderdale or especially downtown Miami -- Parkland's not especially close to anything.

[Musclehead]

Originally Posted by jennnifer123

I am moving to South Florida from California with my husband later this year. We are planning on starting a family soon. We are "anglos" and don't speak Spanish. We are interested in areas with good public schools, and where we will fit in. I've researched the area and visited several times, and think Key Biscayne or Parkland both seem like they would work for us. Looks like we can afford a nice condo in Key Biscayne or a house in Parkland. Does anyone have any thoughts on Key Biscayne or Parkland? Which would be better?

Key Biscayne is very beautiful and up scale , but insurance is super high due to the threat of hurricanes , also it is very hispanic ... many wealthy , Venezuelans , Argentines , and Colombians . You will hear a lot of Spanish spoken in Key Biscayne and it can be frustrating if you do not speak it . Parkland is a beautiful manicured community with nice parks and golf courses ... also mostly Anglo with a minority of affluent Hispanics ... so Spanish is not a problem you will actually feel like you are in the U.S in Parkland . If you have a family you will surely be better off on Parkland .

[ivcceo]

I live in Coral Springs and would recommend Parkland over Key Biscayne for your situation. There are great deals on houses right now and like the previous posters stated, it is a very upscale town. You may also want to check out Weston depending on where your employer is located.