Recommendations about Miami (Tampa, Hialeah, Orlando: job, homes, crime)

[Mumuq]

Hi, I'm new posting in this forum but have been using for reference and information for a while. The time has come for me to move from where I am to a new area. Forgive me if I don't post all the details but I my situation has many unique details and I don't want people to be able to identify me. I have a very good job offer in the Hialeah area. I visited the place recently and the job itself its fine, its the area that I'm not convinced about. I have been reassured by the people that wants to hire me that there is nicer areas that I can live at (they mentioned Miami Lakes, M Shores, etc...) that will be safe for me and my family. I have a small child and plan to have at least one more. I also have good (not as good as the one in Hialeah) offers in the Tampa and Orlando area. Any opinions about this? I really liked the Miami scene when I went there, but can a family be safely raised there? Lastly, I am fully bilingual (Eng/ Spanish), I know its a big deal down there. Thanks

Mumuq

[diddiyo]

Hi, you might want to check out this Thread, maybe you can find some answers

[doggiebus]

I have to say this, that many friends of mine that have children have left Miami to raise their children in better/safer places. One friend said she wanted a place that her kid could ride his bicycle outside and she wouldn't have to worry about him. And that he could be able to ride his bike to school, which she would never let her son do here in Miami.

There are nice places to raise your kids in South Florida, but would I no way... And the job location in Hialeah, ughhh, but its just a job I guess. As far as Orlando, from what people say on these threads they are having issues similiar to Miami. Now Tampa, that would be a better choice, friends of mine that live there have great things to say about Tampa and its burbs, I would look into Tampa before Miami.

[eaglecall]

If I had to raise a child, I would definitely stay out of the Miami area. Miami is pretty, there are a lot of places to see, things to do, but even if you stay here, Hialeah is not the place to live. Is one of the few places in Miami where homes are completely fenced and windows look like jail windows. That has to be for a reason.

[compelled to reply]

Amazing, nobody had recommended Weston or Cooper City yet, which are 20 minutes from Hialeah even in rush hour. Just turning into another Miami poopathon. Just because their in Broward County and not cesspools doesn't mean they don't exist! You all really choose to just wallow in the dirt without acknowledging both sides of the truth, its incredible. I agree Hialeah/ Dade County (except Pinecrest) is no place to raise a child, but for gods sake there are suburbs outside of every city and Miami is no exception. I was about to go on exile but I just had to respond to this before I do.

To OP, do a search on Weston, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, West Miramar, Davie. Look into the schools, Weston actually has a blue ribbon rated elementary. Thats right, blue ribbon, the highest accolade a school can possibly achieve. Look at the crime, fairly to very low. They have a clean appearance. They have plenty of family sponsored events. The only thing stopping you from efficiently raising a family in these communities is yourself.

And also, definitely consider Tampa. IMO Weston, Cooper City exceeds any suburb in the Tampa area but in general Tampa can be a more pleasant, more affordable place to live than South FL. It's less crowded, friendlier, more affordable, and has an "older" and more stable feeling. Do NOT consider Orlando; its like Miami without its redeeming aspects. But even there, sure Orange County is a craphole but you can raise your kids in Seminole County and its fine. Here yeah Dade is "different", not very family oriented, but you can raise your kids one up in SW Broward. Except the traffic isn't nearly as bad here, even in Miami.

I would overall recommend Tampa over South FL but we actually do have advantages, and for you an advantage sounds like your career.

[Mumuq]

Thanks for the replies, that is what I'm afraid of. I am originally from Puerto Rico, been in the mainland for 7 years and probably won't go back to live there due to all these problems. I would hate to move to Miami to face exactly the same thing, might as well move back to PR and be close to family. Again, thanks, keep it coming. Mumuq

[PBCboy]

If you want to live with lots of Puerto Ricans you can try the Haverhill section of West Palm Beach,but I must warn you they're not very friendly nor are the neighborhoods very safe.

[blackklight]

the only thing i'd say that is wrong with hialeah is that there is a lot of "recent arrivals" who don't speak english either at all or very little. they tend to gossip and can get very annoying with the scratchy high pitched cuban spanish.

there are good elementary and middle schools in the hialeah area and a lot of hialeah is drastically improving. a new bridge was built and they re-did a large portion of 103rd street and others. new trees are being planted and a lot is being done; if you want to learn more pm me i live here.

[Mumuq]

Question, If I take this job, I'll probably live in Miami Lakes (as recommended by most people there). My job will require me to occassionally drive late a nigth to my work place in Hialeah. I know driving late at night its always dangerous, but is it more dangerous than usual from ML to Hialeah?
Also, I've read about middle and high schools being a rpoblem in ML, is there any good private schools nearby?

Thanks,

Mumuq

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Mumuq

Question, If I take this job, I'll probably live in Miami Lakes (as recommended by most people there). My job will require me to occassionally drive late a nigth to my work place in Hialeah. I know driving late at night its always dangerous, but is it more dangerous than usual from ML to Hialeah?
Also, I've read about middle and high schools being a rpoblem in ML, is there any good private schools nearby?

Thanks,

Mumuq

Miami Lakes is a pretty nice area, but if I were you, I would take the extra 15 minutes on 75 and head for Cooper City mainly due to the schools, although it helps that it has literally half the crime rate. The middle schools are actually good, and even the high school isn't bad. As far as it being extra dangerous to drive at night, not in particular, it's a well lit urban area that you would be driving through to get to Hialeah from Miami Lakes. From SW Broward, you take I-75, which is a semi-rural 8 lane expressway (I know, what an oxymoron) that is NOT lit at night, as well as very thin traffic past 11, so that wouldn't be as safe.