Coral Gables? Kendell? Pinecrest? (Miami, Pembroke Pines: apartment, to rent, condo)

[newmommy7890]

Hello All,

We're relocating to Miami soon. My husband will be working in Medley. I posted earlier about this but now that it's a definite move I hoped to get some additional info/advice.

We are considering Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendell areas. I know nothing about Kendell so feedback on that area would be helpful. We are looking for a very family friendly town that has lots to do for the little ones (we have a 2.5 year old and newborn) and commutable to Medley. We want an area that is safe with low crime also. Are there other areas to consider (or AVOID?)

Schools are also a HUGE factor. I'm not sure if we can afford the private ones so we want to be in a good area zoned for good schools. Could you please tell me what areas in Miami have great public elementary, middle and high schools. Or maybe there are other private schools to look into besides Ransom and Gulliver?

Recommendations for great preschools would also be helpful since we'll be starting at that level for our children. I've heard of Alexander Motessori, Granada Day School and Growing Place. Anyone have any experience with these?

Thank you in advance!!

[gymbuff]

Since you are working in Medley, the closest of these three areas will be Coral Gables. It's also the most beautiful, but I think also the most expensive. Pinecrest is stunning but quite far from Medley. You will have to take the Palmetto to and from work, an experience you might not like. Kendall might be the most affordable, but you will have to endure quite a lenghty and grueling commute. If you choose the Gables, you will be able to "cut" through Miami Springs, which is not highly trafficked, all the way to Le Jeune, and head on south. Also, as far as schools are concerned, Coral Gables is closest to the schools you asked about.

[newmommy7890]

Thanks for your feedback. My husband is willing to commute to work up to an hour. He was told about a town called Parkland in Broward County. How grueling of a drive would that be for him to commute to Medley? Is it worth the drive? we've heard the schools are excellent there.

Thanks!

Anyone else have any info/advice on Pinecrest/CG/Kendall?

Thanks again!

[kevinkagy]

Originally Posted by newmommy7890

Thanks for your feedback. My husband is willing to commute to work up to an hour. He was told about a town called Parkland in Broward County. How grueling of a drive would that be for him to commute to Medley? Is it worth the drive? we've heard the schools are excellent there.

Thanks!

Anyone else have any info/advice on Pinecrest/CG/Kendall?

Thanks again!

Parkland is really nice and an excellent area to live, but it's really far from Medley. I have a friend that drives from Deerfield Beach to Medley everyday and it's atleast an hour's drive. I wouldn't want to do that, so I'd highly suggest you stay from areas that far away. A good alternative could be Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miami Lakes, Miami Springs, Doral, Davie, Cooper City, etc.

[doggiebus]

The best advice I can give you is, live as close to his work as possible. Don't have him spending 2 hours out of his day sitting in traffic. So if the Gables is the closest, move there.

As for Parkland, its nice yes, buts its really far out there. Its on the Palm beach Broward county line out by the everglades.

[crisp444]

Originally Posted by newmommy7890

Hello All,

We're relocating to Miami soon. My husband will be working in Medley. I posted earlier about this but now that it's a definite move I hoped to get some additional info/advice.

We are considering Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendell areas. I know nothing about Kendell so feedback on that area would be helpful. We are looking for a very family friendly town that has lots to do for the little ones (we have a 2.5 year old and newborn) and commutable to Medley. We want an area that is safe with low crime also. Are there other areas to consider (or AVOID?)

Schools are also a HUGE factor. I'm not sure if we can afford the private ones so we want to be in a good area zoned for good schools. Could you please tell me what areas in Miami have great public elementary, middle and high schools. Or maybe there are other private schools to look into besides Ransom and Gulliver?

Recommendations for great preschools would also be helpful since we'll be starting at that level for our children. I've heard of Alexander Motessori, Granada Day School and Growing Place. Anyone have any experience with these?

Thank you in advance!!

Add central Kendall and The Crossings/Calusa Country Club area (central/west Kendall) to your list. Both are accessible to the Turnpike and you can get to Medley pretty quickly by just exiting at Okeechobee Road. Elementary schools in ALL of Coral Gables, ALL of east/central Kendall and the Crossings/Calusa area, and MOST of South Miami are good.

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by newmommy7890

Hello All,

We're relocating to Miami soon. My husband will be working in Medley. I posted earlier about this but now that it's a definite move I hoped to get some additional info/advice.

We are considering Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendell areas. I know nothing about Kendell so feedback on that area would be helpful. We are looking for a very family friendly town that has lots to do for the little ones (we have a 2.5 year old and newborn) and commutable to Medley. We want an area that is safe with low crime also. Are there other areas to consider (or AVOID?)

Schools are also a HUGE factor. I'm not sure if we can afford the private ones so we want to be in a good area zoned for good schools. Could you please tell me what areas in Miami have great public elementary, middle and high schools. Or maybe there are other private schools to look into besides Ransom and Gulliver?

Recommendations for great preschools would also be helpful since we'll be starting at that level for our children. I've heard of Alexander Motessori, Granada Day School and Growing Place. Anyone have any experience with these?

Thank you in advance!!

Coral Gable and Pinecrest are beautiful areas ... avoid West Kendall and look at East Kendall near Pinecrest as well .

[himain]

How much money do you have to spend on a house will determine where you will actually be living..

[velecico]

How about renting for $1500 to $1700 , can you get a nice place in Coral Gables , Cocounut grove ?

[rubybelle]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

The best advice I can give you is, live as close to his work as possible. Don't have him spending 2 hours out of his day sitting in traffic. So if the Gables is the closest, move there.

As for Parkland, its nice yes, buts its really far out there. Its on the Palm beach Broward county line out by the everglades.

I don't live in Miami, however I have a child who attends the University of Miami. She LOVES all things Miami and quite frankly, so do we. I wish we had moved there from Scottsdale, AZ ions ago! The U of M is in Coral Gables. As far as I can tell and have heard, nearly all of Coral Gables is an excellent area. I see kids riding bikes and playing outside all the time.
I have one piece of advice that I am learning as we speak. My DD is looking for an apartment to share with a friend or two off campus. However, finding something safe and not too expensive is a task. What I have learned is:
I would rather she be in a less fancy apartment or house in a super SAFE area than be in the fanciest place in a less safe area. You can change the way your house/condo looks, but you can't change it's location.
We were thisclose to allowing her to rent a condo at Gables Court (located at 6831 SW 44th Street and 69th Ave, zip 33155. But even though the condo itself is GORGEOUS, the area in which they would live is just not safe enough for young girls to live alone.
If I am wrong about this neighborhood, I apologize and would love other opinions. But from driving to it (and it's only 4 miles away from the University) and seeing where it's located in relation to other places. I don't think it's a safe place for a young girl.