Moving to work at Miami VA Hospital: places to live in Miami/Broward area with pitbull mix dog?

[fauve]

It really depends on where in West Pines. Pines Blvd headed west to 75 can get REALLY backed up. I used to live in Grand Palms (has rules against pitbulls), which is essentially next to 75, so I can tell you from there, going South on 75, to east on the Gratigny to NW 27th ave South to the Jackson area took me about 50 minutes. The 27 Ave shortcut is essential to keeping your time down (by avoiding 826 and 95), but the area is very rough (you're driving through Liberty City) so you have to keep your doors locked. Audio books make it a doable commute, but I would think as residents, you would want to live much closer to the hospital (like next door).

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by fauve

Another tip - expect that most gated, homeowner association-run communities will have rules against pitbulls, and the nice areas of Pembroke Pines and Miramar are basically made up of these types of communities.

Thus the Cooper City recommendation. There are a few areas near Pembroke Lakes that are also no HOA and well kept, but good advice.

[fauve]

I like Cooper City, assuming a commute to Miami isn't involved. It just isn't anywhere near a major road, so it could take a good 10-15 minutes drive in the am before you even get to 75 or the turnpike.

[Nina1970]

Renting with a Pit bull/mix is hard. Most people refuse to rent when Pit bull/Doberman/Rottweiler, etc are part of the package, and the ones who do will be very crappy places. If you are very responsible with the dog, and purchase the liability Insurance (so the property owner is not liable for the dog) you may do OK in Broward. In Dade, if someone complains about your dog, and it has enough of the "Pit bull look" you may face moving, or having to give up the dog.

I would find a house in Broward, and prove to the owner that I have purchased Insurance for the dog. As long as you are honest and responsible, you should fare OK.

[walter65]

Just retired after 32 years at the VA-Miami. Do you really want to work there? What area do you specialize? Will you be in shift work or straight tour?

Rental prices are high, traffic is horrible. However, there is a light because housing prices are dropping throughout Dade County. Many people have migrated to Broward County and as one would expect the housing prices have increased or held somewhat steady (although there are still decreases in value).

Living in Dade County might be offset by lower housing prices and, perhaps, a shorter commute.

[TannerMan]

Originally Posted by walter65

Just retired after 32 years at the VA-Miami. Do you really want to work there? What area do you specialize? Will you be in shift work or straight tour?

Rental prices are high, traffic is horrible. However, there is a light because housing prices are dropping throughout Dade County. Many people have migrated to Broward County and as one would expect the housing prices have increased or held somewhat steady (although there are still decreases in value).

Living in Dade County might be offset by lower housing prices and, perhaps, a shorter commute.

Two incorrect statement, first Broward actually lost over 13,000 in population while Miami-Dade gained over 10,000, so whose moving where? And Im almost sure Dade is slightly more expensive on average, but yea prices are dropping everywhere.

[compelled to reply]

I was just going to say that. Broward is shrinking and Dade costs more. It's still 400k for a 1500 square foot concrete fortress with a paved lawn and bars on the windows in Sweetwater. 400k in Broward gets you 2000 square feet with a pool and a larger than average lot in Weston. Sounds cheaper relative to other factors to me. And remember, there is always an immigrant family willing to pair with another family and pay that ridiculous price. Broward isn't attracting enough immigrants to boost the prices so it's just shrinking because it's way overpriced. 1000 a month rent gets you a craphole 1 bedroom apartment in North Miami Beach. 1000 a month in Broward gets you a 1 bedroom almost anywhere now. Maybe 10 years ago his statement could of been correct, but the price declines (and population declines) in Broward are huge. Dade has been falling but not at a jaw dropping rate like Broward.

[shell242]

Originally Posted by Jrv712

Near the beach would be awesome... but where do you mean when you say near the beach? I hear that east broward county is VERY unsafe. We LOVE the beach, but assumed that Broward county east would not work due to the crime rates, etc.

East Broward is not unsafe. These areas began to change years ago when Nick Navarro came in as Sheriff. If you want to be closer to the beach you can look in areas like:

Wilton Manors: This is considered somewhat of a "gay" area, but if you are ok with that it is a wonderful area with a strong community base. You can also find great deals on rentals (including single family homes). This would put you less than 10 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach. I rented a 2 bedroom house with a large fenced in backyard for $1200 (it took me about 8 minutes to get to the beach). My boyfriend & I loved living here (I'm a girl...)

Victoria Park: Just east of US1 and North of Broward Blvd. This is a great, trendier residential area that puts you between downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beaches.

If you come here to look around, ask someone specifically for these 2 areas and then start here and expand outward (you will be able to see when the area is changing).

I've lived in both of these areas and they are very, very dog friendly (I have a 93lb American Bulldog). If you are interested, I would find a realtor close to downtown Fort Lauderdale...they will be very familiar with these and similar surrounding areas.

I personally like here over most of miami (except Miami Beach of course). I work in Key Biscayne and take I95 all the way to the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne every day. Its do-able. If I leave before 7am, I will be at work by 8 (unless there is a MAJOR accident on I95...and that isn't every day & even if there is an accident, it may not affect your drive...plus I95 is much better during the 3-months of summer). Good luck!

Also a bonus...Broward has lower car insurance rates. My rate living in Miami Shores (the good part) was $137 per month...it dropped to $88 when I moved to Fort Lauderdale).

[major k]

On mar 16, 2009 miami dade court ruled that the 20 year old pitbull k9 ban is unenforceable. All pit owners should get a copy of miami dade news paper article and/or court order and keep a copy handy until word of the court ruling is finallycirculated to all enforcement agencies. No longer be afraid to walk your dogs or seek medical attention for them. Good luck, god bless...

[Leovigildo]

Originally Posted by TannerMan

Two incorrect statement, first Broward actually lost over 13,000 in population while Miami-Dade gained over 10,000, so whose moving where? And Im almost sure Dade is slightly more expensive on average, but yea prices are dropping everywhere.

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