*Might* be moving from TX (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: fit in, to rent, condo)

[Rjeezie]

Might be moving from TX to Miami and just starting early research. Will probably be making high 60's, low 70's. Family of 5 (3 young children, as of now, homeschooled).

Any suggestions on areas to check out to live or areas to avoid? The only "bad" areas I've heard about right now are Opa Locka, Miami Gardens and Liberty Square/Little Haiti. I know it's all relative to a degree, but just want to get a feel from those who have insight. Thanks

[Bobdreamz]

Lots of info needed.....
Budget?
Renting or buying?
What type of commute are you expecting?
Bed/baths?
City or suburbs?
etc.........

[Rjeezie]

Originally Posted by Bobdreamz

Lots of info needed.....
Budget?
Renting or buying?
What type of commute are you expecting?
Bed/baths?
City or suburbs?
etc.........

Not sure of everything. Commute not necessarily worried about, might be telecommuting half the time. Probably 3/2, city/sub doesn't really matter.

Coming from TX would be a huge change. Land and housing is still relatively cheap, so I get we'll be cutting back a lot. I'm more interested in learning about areas...

Open to renting or buying. Renting to learn the area better before laying down roots. Or, if we learn enough and visit and know what I area we want, we're not opposed to buying.

Budget is harder to say because I'm not 100% sure yet of salary. I do know I'm not going to be making 6 figures or anything like that!

[ruski]

Family of 5, living on low $70s in Miami... ouch... You will hate it.

[AnnRyan]

Curious what kind of job is motivating you to make the move? Even from the few details provided, I'd suggest looking at the areas far southwest of Miami. You'll need a decent security system, as there is definitely some crime down there. But prices still won't be cheap, just cheaper. Another option would be to move to someplace like Loxahatchee in Palm Beach county, and commute a few days a week. Which would be a long, long commute, but prices will be more affordable. Just an example of the sort of home you might find up there... www.AnnRyan.Keyes.com/R10370760. In Doral, that same 2000 amount can get you a new 1 bedroom condo!

[BPt111]

I would move to Fort Lauderdale area it cheaper than Miami about 35 mins away.

[JacobMAX]

I'd definitely recommend looking in Broward (greater Ft Lauderdale) too. You can get a better place for less, if you get a place in South/SW Broward commute won't be so bad and most neighborhoods are very nice and safe.

I think it will be a bit tough on 60s to 70s in SoFL but you'll be well. My household income is not that different (family of 3 though), and I'm able to live in a large new 3/3 house in Lakes by the Bay (South Dade though), incredibly safe community, people get along well here, the city (Cutler Bay) does a great job in keeping our city nice, and we have some amenities by Old Cutler Rd (the only thing is that the commute sucks - if you go to the Downtown area).

[maverick5575]

Do. Not. Come. Here

[Rjeezie]

For those asking about job, I'm in non-profit. Not looking to move into the areas where you have to be making millions, ie, downtown or Miami beach area.

Honestly, just looking for 'general' information about the Miami-Dade county (as well as Broward).


Like in general, I can tell you about areas of Dallas that are extremely nice and wealthy, and I can tell you about areas that are impoverished, desolate and unsafe.

I know it won't be exact, but just a general idea.

[WrongStreet]

FYI - Liberty Square and Little Haiti are completely different areas of Miami, one is west of I-95 and contains a large housing project (Liberty Square). The other is largely single family homes east of I-95 and is in the very early stages of gentrification (Little Haiti).

As for areas where you might be able to live comfortably. I agree that South Dade or some areas of Southern Broward might be the best fit. You can look at Homestead and Cutler Bay, if commuting to downtown Miami or the Beaches isn't a huge deal it really might be the best fit in terms of larger homes for a decent price and relatively safe areas.

Otherwise, maybe Davie or Plantation in Broward might be a good fit, even Sunrise, though for 5 people you might be stretching things a bit price-wise. Commute to downtown Miami would be similar to Homestead, but you will more than likely be in a much smaller home. I would scratch anything near Fort Lauderdale or Miami proper off your list, if you were single making $70K you'd be fine in those areas, but for a family of 5 it's impossible.