Moving to Miami and need advice - Miami-Dade or Broward? (Orlando: real estate, condo)

[BDK2008]

Thank you all for your posts...very helpful. Yes - we understand Miami is "diverse" and will not get "upset" - we will welcome it...

What do you know about the magnet schools in Pinecrest/Coral Gables that have language programs? Think it is Sunset Elementary and Ponce de Leon Middle? Bi-lingual programs? Is it too late to apply to magnet schools?

Also - if we bought an older home (1920's) in Coral Gables without a pool can we put one in? Or is there a club or community with a pool?

Thank you all again for ALL your comments - very much appreciated!

[305guy]

I would check with the City of Coral Gables Website for permits/code requirements. I know for a fact they make you cut through alot of red tape to obtain permits and inspections.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Yes, Coral Gables is famous for their city codes but I'm sure that is something that you can ask, many homes down here have pools. Some homes there are rather pricey , but with this economy who knows. Coral Gables will be much closer and urban. Pinecrest is more suburban, but it is a really nice area and it's not really that far. (maybe like an extra 15-20 minutes).

I know Ponce is a good school but I'm not sure about Sunset(I really don't know) Palmetto(in Pinecrest) is probably the best school we have down here. That was my middle & high school, and back then they had a large selection of Spanish Classes. I even took 2 AP Spanish classes. I'm sure they have more now. I'm not familiar with Magnet schools though. I think though, that over here they arrange school buses for that, but I could be wrong. You will be fine in both areas.

Broward is ok too but the only thing I don't like about them is their road system. They have a lot of expressways, and 3 lane roads that cross with 3 lane roads. There's big roads everywhere. Broward also has the some of most dangerous intersections in the USA, probably because of that.

[Mcsmith0210]

Palm Beach. Miami Dade and Broward are headed downhill fast.

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by BDK2008

Also - if we bought an older home (1920's) in Coral Gables without a pool can we put one in? Or is there a club or community with a pool?

Thank you all again for ALL your comments - very much appreciated!

Yep you can put in a pool, but Coral Gables has lots of rules on putting in a pool, so you would need to speak to Coral Gables if your lot is allowed to have a pool and if it is they will give you all the rules. Like how many feet from the fence, street you need to be away, etc. I meet someone it took him a year to get a pool approved by CG, and it was a small pool in the end.

Originally Posted by Mcsmith0210

Palm Beach. Miami Dade and Broward are headed downhill fast.

That is the sad truth...

[spealex]

Living in Miami my whole life, I can say that it has its pros and cons. If you choose Miami, I would go with Coral Gables. The schools are good and the surrounding infastructure supports its residents needs. Pinecrest is very nice but a bit further from things, but generally do have larger yards. Again, as a Miami resident, with two young kids, I now lean towards the Broward area. Miramar and Weston literally have everything you need or want within a 10 minute drive. New hospitals, fantastic parks, new schools and plenty of commercial opportunities. But again, with the budget you are stating, living in Coral Gables would be my choice. Just keep in mind here in South Florida. A $600K home in Coral Gables will have a high tax bill every year and insurance in South Florida is generally higher than most places. Keep this in mind when making the purchase. Taxes and Insurance can make a pretty hefty portion of your monthly expenses.

[MikeKendall]

Moderator cut: Flaming No diversity here. Alllllll spppaaaannnisshhh. You speeekee enlglishh??? Aalll spanish.

[Simmer222]

I can say my daughter and her family have lived in Kendall Miami Dade for the last four years and though it is a beautiful place it is all spanish speaking stores. It is the english translator they look for here. Even the perfume spritzers in the malls come talk to you in spanish. That day I told them english I speak english and they just looked at me. So it can be a challenge with the language thing. I remember some school spanish but not enough. My daughter's husband and in laws all speak spanish so they are real comfortable there. My kid does a great job blending in with her learned spanish I must say but even she says it get's tiring trying to think how to say what in spanish and even on her job. If you're up for the challenge the beautiful scenary and clean atmosphere might make it worth it though.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Originally Posted by Simmer222

Even the perfume spritzers in the malls come talk to you in spanish. That day I told them english I speak english and they just looked at me. So it can be a challenge with the language thing. .

That sounds so challenging. What your family didn't know is that stores in Miami only hire Spanish speaking only personnel, if you speak English or you are bilingual they will not hire you. Sorry your family didn't know about that.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by Mcsmith0210

Palm Beach. Miami Dade and Broward are headed downhill fast.

Palm Beach? First why don't you read what the OP said, she needs a place near Miami. Palm Beach would be about a 2 hour commute. Palm Beach is not as nice as Broward of Miami-Dade with the exception of the Millionaire and Billionaire rows.

IMO Coral Gables is the nicest community in the Miami area. It is modern, trendy, safe, urban and suburban. Safe quiet streets near a pretty busy and important Downtown Coral Gables area very close to Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Homes there can be expensive though but right now is the time to buy so go look for a steal!
Miami Lakes is another nice place but a bit too far north and west for my likening and a bit too fake/new looking but it is a nice place and home prices are not as crazy. With 600,000 you can get over 3,000sq Feet 3-4 bed room.