Moving to Miami from not so far (Pembroke Pines, Kendall: fit in, rental)

[cyclops13]

Hello all. So due to my work I have to move from Jupiter in Palm Beach County to Miami. My kid goes to elementary school here and we are happy with the school, its got 10 rating and overall a good experience.

My new work location is in Fountainebleau on W Flagler, 3 miles from the turnpike. I will be renting a 2 bedroom unit, around $1500-1600 budget and while searching for areas good schools, I could only find 2 good options - Doral and Weston.

Weston is a bit far and probably an hours drive in the peak hours but the schools have great ratings and area is pretty similar to where we are coming from. The schools have good diversity and have around 50% Hispanic students (as per greatschools).

Doral schools have a good rating as well but one thing I noticed is that the schools have more than 95% Hispanic students. We are not at all bothered with the difference in diversity but none of us speak Spanish and we were not sure how well the kid will be accepted in the schools at Doral.

I am really confused about which option is better, Doral is less commute but more urban and not sure about the schools. Weston is longer commute but is more sub-urban and good schools.

Your expert advise will be really appreciated. Is there is any other place you would suggest considering my budget and schools requirement? Any particular communities or complexes in these areas? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

[AnnRyan]

Originally Posted by cyclops13

Hello all. So due to my work I have to move from Jupiter in Palm Beach County to Miami. My kid goes to elementary school here and we are happy with the school, its got 10 rating and overall a good experience.

My new work location is in Fountainebleau on W Flagler, 3 miles from the turnpike. I will be renting a 2 bedroom unit, around $1500-1600 budget and while searching for areas good schools, I could only find 2 good options - Doral and Weston.

Weston is a bit far and probably an hours drive in the peak hours but the schools have great ratings and area is pretty similar to where we are coming from. The schools have good diversity and have around 50% Hispanic students (as per greatschools).

Doral schools have a good rating as well but one thing I noticed is that the schools have more than 95% Hispanic students. We are not at all bothered with the difference in diversity but none of us speak Spanish and we were not sure how well the kid will be accepted in the schools at Doral.

I am really confused about which option is better, Doral is less commute but more urban and not sure about the schools. Weston is longer commute but is more sub-urban and good schools.

Your expert advise will be really appreciated. Is there is any other place you would suggest considering my budget and schools requirement? Any particular communities or complexes in these areas? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

How old are the kids? You definitely can find some 2 bedrooms in Doral for $1500... but that's definitely the low end of the rental scale, and conditions will be pretty basic.

Weston will be a longer drive, but definitely has more native English speakers.

There's advantages to each location. There are a ton of new construction projects being delivered in Doral over the next few months which are likely to drive down prices a bit How much? only time will tell. When are you moving?

[cyclops13]

Originally Posted by AnnRyan

How old are the kids? You definitely can find some 2 bedrooms in Doral for $1500... but that's definitely the low end of the rental scale, and conditions will be pretty basic.

Weston will be a longer drive, but definitely has more native English speakers.

There's advantages to each location. There are a ton of new construction projects being delivered in Doral over the next few months which are likely to drive down prices a bit How much? only time will tell. When are you moving?

Thanks for your response.

Only one kid, 2nd grade so need good elementary school. I need to move right away..

[Ben Barbosa]

Jupiter to Miami? Are you serious?

[BNBR]

Doral isn't a "good option" - and your instincts are right. You won't feel at home or comfortable and neither will your child. It's ENTIRELY hispanic/Spanish speaking. That's not a diverse crowd or healthy mix. Doral is a pretty terrible place, tons of traffic, no real identity, just "off"... It's ok for Miami, I guess, but yeah, no.

Weston or Cooper City would be the most practical for you if you want to be happy and your child comfortable.

[tallrick]

Doral is nothing but a bunch of ugly developments packed in a rural road system from 1960. You would be better off in Coral Terrace than the Dorazuela. Seriously, just try driving around Doral during working hours, it is beyond horrible! Weston is garbage too, but somewhat nicer,. In Broward your best options are in davie, or southwest ranches. Cooper city is not bad either, despite the corruption scandals in the past. Fountainebleau park is probably your best bet to rent because it's close to your job. Wow it must be a real bummer to go from Jupiter to Miami. I will pray for you.

[Ben Barbosa]

Originally Posted by tallrick

Doral is nothing but a bunch of ugly developments packed in a rural road system from 1960. You would be better off in Coral Terrace than the Dorazuela. Seriously, just try driving around Doral during working hours, it is beyond horrible! Weston is garbage too, but somewhat nicer,. In Broward your best options are in davie, or southwest ranches. Cooper city is not bad either, despite the corruption scandals in the past. Fountainebleau park is probably your best bet to rent because it's close to your job. Wow it must be a real bummer to go from Jupiter to Miami. I will pray for you.

This is a very realistic NON-PC (politically correct) post ... {Thumbs Up}

[shamrockfisher]

You will not be happy living near your work or sending your child to school there. Doral schools receive high ratings but I imagine that will not be a good fit as well. Much of Southwest Ranches utilizes west Pembroke Pines schools which are okay. If zoned for Weston schools you will be much happier. Likely living in Weston and making the drive will be your best bet if you are able to find housing in your price range.

[OptimusPrime69]

Agree with everyone. Try staying in Weston and commuting. It'll be a hell of a lot better than living in Doral...

While Doral may look decent at first glance... new communities, somewhat neat and clean. Trust and believe me gurl. It's awful. I live in Kendall, which TBH is a traffic hell, tho I thank my lucky stars I dont live in Doral. Really think about this. Your poor child will never culturally fit in down there. .... If u live in Doral, I suggest sedning your child to a private school.

[valicky]

It's a shame they're making you move. No chance of telecommuting and maybe coming down once or twice a month? No chance of changing jobs and staying where you are? That's what I would be trying to do honestly.