Moving to the Homestead area question (Miami, Kendall: real estate, apartment complexes, rentals)

[aegion]

I recently accepted a job with Everglades National Park, and I've concluded after looking at a map that unless I want an ugly commute, I need to live in the Homestead/ Florida City general area. While I understand the area does have its crime issues, I am looking for specific information on which areas should be fine and which to avoid along with other things to look for.

I'm single and am not concerned about the schools for the moment, and have a willingness to accept living in areas other than the nicest ones, but I don't want to end up in the ugliest ones. While I understand many of the best parts of the Homestead area are to the east, in my case from a commuter perspective at least further west is preferable.

A related question is does anyone have any good information on how long it takes to drive along the road into the park from Homestead and reach the main park visitors center on weekdays? In my case of course I am talking about entering the park early in the morning. I can get driving time estimates from various locations from mapquest, but the question is how accurate they are.

I intent to rent rather than buy at least at first.

[unradical]

Just live East of the Turnpike (keys gate, etc...). Newer construction, lots of rentals, and it'll only add 5-10 minutes to commute (in my opinion worth it for the piece of mind). Homestead doesn't really have a lot of traffic, so I wouldn't worry too much about commute times.

[doggiebus]

There are tons of townhomes east of the Turnpike in Homestead/Florida City available. Your commute will not be bad. Keys Gate is a nice community with guard gates.

[crisp444]

Nice places to live with several apartment complexes and decent commutes to Everglades National Park:
-Homestead, east of the Turnpike in the new developments
-Kendall, along SW 88 Street (easy access to the Turnpike)
-Kendall, along SW 104 Street (easy access to either SR 874 or to the Turnpike via SW 120 Street)

Sidenote: Another decent area of Homestead is west of US 1 around and above SW 296 Street. It's pretty much all single-family houses, but you might be able to find one for rent.

[plantlover]

Welcome to ENP! I go hiking there quite often. I have lived in the Homestead area since 1978. I live in the older, north section of town. In the area from S.W. 296 St. (Avocado Drive) south to 15 St ( or S.W. 304 St) from Krome Avenue and including areas either up to 4 blocks west or east of Krome, it is a very nice, older part of town. There probably are some homes for rent. Most realtors handle rentals as well. Any further questions, just ask.

[jovitasantoyo]

Definitly check out Keys Gate... you mentioned you were single, perhaps an apartment would interest you... they have apartments for rent in keys gate for cheaap... as in $700 for 1/1 up to $1000 for a 3/2... amazing prices! you may want to check Realtor.com and put in "homestead, fl"..... it shows you pictures of the rental property, and it shows a map on the bottom so you can see how far it is from your job.. cool site =)

[tallrick]

Actually the best area of Homestead is west of Krome, especially west of roberts or redland road. East tends to be ghetto or cookie-cutter development. Some really nasty apartments between US-1 and the Turnpike. Follow the general rule of south Florida, the desirability of an area is directly proportional to lot size, tree cover and proximity to the ocean. Zero-lot line and condo properties are the most likely to become future ghettoes. Ingrahm highway to the park is rarely crowded and a commute there would be no problem except on heavy tourist days.

[plantlover]

My neighborhood is not cookie cutter homes or tiny lots. Many of the homes were built in the 1950's with a few of the homes built in the 1920's. My area is 3-4 blocks either west or east of Krome, from SW 296 Street south to SW 304 Street. I believe that the area tallrick is mentioning is not officially part of Homestead but in unincorporated Miami-Dade County not that it really matters much. In all the years I've driven to ENP, the Ingraham Highway has never been busy. You would have an easy commute!

[bzybz]

I second tallrick and plantlover advise. If you like nature, living in some gated community East of US1 is terrible. I would also suggest checking Craigslist and the rural areas in Florida City.

[Lmeyer9000]

Hi!
I have recently moved to Homestead, and have been looking at real estate, so I am pretty familiar with the area. I am a birder, so I go to the Everglades three or four times a week. The drive is not bad at all. From Rt. 1 in Florida City you are looking at maybe 15 minutes to the Visitor's Center. I would be glad to answer other questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me Moderator cut: Please contact via Private Message.