Moving and looking for your thoughts on Miami Lakes (Kendall: rentals, condo)

[mpr19]

Moving from N. FL to Miami with my wife and baby. New job in Miami near 8th St. and Douglas Rd. (In the C.G. vecinity). Can anyone comment on how bad will this commute be? and any recommendations on communities to live in? We would like to find something around $1600-$1700/mo, at least a 2/2 with a yard.

We looked into C.G. and surrounding areas, but these are too expensive. Also heard that Miami Lakes is a family oriented place with newer SFH/townhomes and with relatively good schools.

Thanks for your comments!!!

[crisp444]

Miami Lakes is a nice place. If you're going to be working in Coral Gables I would also recommend that Kendall area. In Miami Lakes, $1600-1700 per month will get you a 2/2 condo or an older, attached townhome unit. A townhouse will have a small patio (not much of a yard though) in the back. For a detached house, your budget would need to be $2000+. Prices are similar in Kendall, except you may be able to get a 2/2 or 3/2 house will a small yard in Kendall for around $1800.

[mpr19]

What about the commute from Miami Lakes to 8st/douglas rd... how bad will this be during rush hour?

[heydade]

Miami Lakes is very congested and you will have a long drive. Believe me. I would look into renting in the BRICKELL area of Miami...very close to where you would be working.

[compelled to reply]

Head up one city to Miramar. Better schools and you won't hit any more traffic than you would living in Miami Lakes, although your commute would still pretty much suck. Look into communities west of I-75, which have the best schools. You could even head further north and get better schools, although decide for yourself if it's worth adding an extra 15 minutes of highway driving (doesn't sound like much, but when your sitting in traffic when you get on the Palmetto and just want to go home it is). Miami Lakes does have one key advantage- it's less cookie cutter and more pleasant looking.

[heydade]

compelled to reply is correct....Miramar is not that bad either, but....it it is in Broward County..right on the dade/broward line and to me, is still a very long commute to Coral Gables. If you do decide to live in Miramar, make sure to avoid anything east of 130 ave. I work in Miramar........I know.

[heydade]

Here is the answer to your prayers...Palmetto Bay. Very upscale family oriented community. One of the best in Miami....no joke. Drive around the streets and you will see what I mean. Very good location...right off US 1 and pretty close to coral gables. Here is a listing I found. Move fast ! This is rare.

¤16961¤ SW¤ 92 CT***PALMETTO BAY****** (broken link)

[heydade]

Another real treat...very close to coral gables too !!

Historic jungle cottage: walk to Downtown Kendall (broken link)

[tallrick]

You would not like the commute, trust me. In Miami-Dade county you need to avoid any commute that crosses major canals, expressways or large inaccessible tracts like the airport. Nothing goes through from the 826 to Le Jeune north of the 836. West of there is Doral, a traffic flow nightmare. Tamiami Trail and 37 ave is far from any useable highway. I would think there are plenty of rentals north of 8th street as that is a relatively low-class area and not the Gables.

[mpr19]

heydade and others, thanks so much for the help. We were sort of hoping Miami Lakes would work out since in the near future we might end up working further north in Miami. Do you think the commute to work from M.L. to around 8th and S.W. 27th will be more than 45 min? Thanks again