Possible relo to Miami - help! Lots of questions (Coral Gables: rent, crime rate)

[tigerllo]

I like the idea of renting, but I have moved so much recently that the thought of having to move twice more just doesnt appeal to me. I guess I will have to see what I find if I decide to go. The only good part is that I have spent a lot of time in S Florida so I have general ideas about the areas, but more like a tourist than a resident. Thanks so much! All of this is great information.

[joeandmich]

Originally Posted by tigerllo

I like the idea of renting, but I have moved so much recently that the thought of having to move twice more just doesnt appeal to me. I guess I will have to see what I find if I decide to go. The only good part is that I have spent a lot of time in S Florida so I have general ideas about the areas, but more like a tourist than a resident. Thanks so much! All of this is great information.

It would really suck if you purchase in the wrong neighborhood and then you'll be stuck. You should really do the prudent thing.

Heck you may move next door to the Miami Zombie without knowing it.

[tigerllo]

I thought that I had settled on Pinecrest, but then I read horror stories about the commute. My office is right on the runway of the MIA airport. Would Pinecrest be totally out of the question? What are the traffic flows like? Are you going against traffic going northbound or does it just not matter?

[JacobMAX]

Originally Posted by tigerllo

I thought that I had settled on Pinecrest, but then I read horror stories about the commute. My office is right on the runway of the MIA airport. Would Pinecrest be totally out of the question? What are the traffic flows like? Are you going against traffic going northbound or does it just not matter?

I actually lived in Pinecrest a few years ago, it's not much far from MIA and the commute should be fine (not great, Miami has a lot of traffic, and you wouldn't be going against traffic), probably something like 35-45 mins more or less. From Pinecrest northbound to Downtown it was about 40-50 mins in my experience. The problem now is roadworks right in that area of the Palmetto X Dolphin near MIA.

And it's a very good neighborhood Miami-wise, definitely one of the best.

[joeandmich]

Originally Posted by tigerllo

I thought that I had settled on Pinecrest, but then I read horror stories about the commute. My office is right on the runway of the MIA airport. Would Pinecrest be totally out of the question? What are the traffic flows like? Are you going against traffic going northbound or does it just not matter?

The Village of Pinecrest is a higher end location with beautiful Key West style architecture and large lots but some distance from MIA. Eventually you will get used to long drives. I used to commute over 3 hours a day because of family and work so I simply would go to the library and get audio books to pass the time.

Good luck

[xrcal]

You will be working near the airport? I think the best thing for you is to rent in Coral Gables. Less commute, and nice area

[tigerllo]

I keep thinking about Coral Gables, but I also know that it is very expensive. Is there a part of Coral Gables that you would recommend but is still affordable? I am trying to stay under $700K (or the equivalent rental).

Also, is Coral Gables High School very good?

[doggiebus]

I've heard mixed reviews about Coral Gables high. While it's in one of the nicest area of Miami-Dade, many of the wealth residents of that area tend to send their children to private school. Allowing the county to bus in children from further away to attend this school. Have you look at Pinecrest?

[grandcentraluk]

Originally Posted by tigerllo

I keep thinking about Coral Gables, but I also know that it is very expensive. Is there a part of Coral Gables that you would recommend but is still affordable? I am trying to stay under $700K (or the equivalent rental).

Also, is Coral Gables High School very good?

I would not recommend sending your child to Coral Gables High School, especially when you can afford to be in the Palmetto High district. CGHS' population is very different from the population of the City of Coral Gables and while a lot of good kids go there, there are some bad elements. The school has been overcrowded for years and there have been issues with crime from petty (theft) to serious (stabbing resulting in the death of a student by another student). That said, the International Baccaulaureate program at CGHS is fantastic but other schools offer that same program without the other issues.

Pinecrest, especially north Pinecrest, isn't that much farther south than Coral Gables. Yes, you'd have to cross US1 to/from work which is a PITA but if you have a child going to high school, I say sacrifice the drive time and live in the best high school district you can. 700k will get you something pretty good in Pinecrest - not the higher end homes but a nice ranch with a pool and some land.

I also think your money goes further in Pinecrest than Coral Gables. There's a premium placed on living in the Gables and that drives prices up. Coral Gables homes are smaller as are the lots (you won't find a pool in most homes like you would in Pinecrest), they are old and have character but lack some modern conveniences like a two car garage (or a garage at all - many have been illegally or legally converted into bedrooms), decent sized closets, etc. As far as where to live if you do settle on Coral Gables, generally the further south you go the nicer the area. Anything north of Obispo will put you closer to your work but also closer to 8th street and most people would rather not live near that thoroughfare. South of US1 will get you more residential neighborhoods but will also put you further away from work.

[doggiebus]

^^^^ +1 Great post!