How does Miami compare to Palm Beach? (Coral Gables, Palm Beach Gardens: neighborhoods, college)

[mboyle1988]

Hey all! My family lives in Palm Beach Gardens, but I go to college in North Carolina. I think Palm Beach County is absolutely perfect. I love the beach, the weather, the friendly people, the roads, the lack of traffic, CityPlace, the island of Palm Beach, and just the feel of the county. Unfortunately, there are no job opportunities in my field in Palm Beach County. Miami, however, is an option, and seems like my best option to be honest. That said, am I overestimating the similarities between Miami (Coral Gables area) and Palm Beach Gardens?

[observer]

First of all, I highly recommend for you to see for yourself. That is the only way that you will get a better feel for the area. I do not mean drive to south beach or the grove and leave. What I mean is explore the different neighborhoods, go to the grocery stores, restaurants, drive during rush hour, drive during different hours, etc.

As far as my personal opinion goes, the overall feeling of Palm Beach County is probably comparable to what Miami Dade felt about 25 years ago. Yes, 25 years ago. For one, look at the population statistics. In the 2000 census Palm Beach County reached over 1 million people. I believe it was 1.1 million. Today it is estimated that the population is over 1.3 million people.

Miami Dade on the other hand had a little over 1.2 million people in the 1970 census and surpassed 2 million in the 2000 census. In other words Palm Beach's county population today is comparable to Miami Dade's population in the early 70's, over 35 years ago. However, due to the fact that south of Dade is the keys and not much traffic compared to the surrounding counties around Palm Beach where heavily populated Broward is to the south and St.Lucie county to the north, I would say it is comparable to Miami Dade in the early 80's. I live in Miami Dade, but have family and friends in Palm Beach and go there often and this is my opinion based on my many trips there as well as driving during different hours.

Bottom line, yes there is still a considerable difference in the pace, the traffic, and congestion between the 2 counties. However, Palm Beach more and more is beginning to look like Dade. Not yet though.