homestead -- homestead villages?

[airforceranger]

thanks for the advice guys.... one more question for you... my wife is VERY social... and she's worried about being able to find a group of friends down there... she just doesnt want to be surrounded by ghetto people, u kno... is it really that bad in homestead? is it all poor migrants, and the no-speaky english type? race has no issue... just dont really associate ourselves with ghetto people, u kno

[doggiebus]

Homestead is a mix. Yes there are poor migrants, spanish people who don't speak english, ghetto mentality. But there are also plenty of people she will be able to communicate with. Tell her that she will be able to make friends outside of Homestead too, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, etc are only 20-40 minutes north. I am sure you guys will meet plenty of people through the base. I know a few normal people that live in Homestead so you guys will be fine.

[plantlover]

Homestead, especially the older part, has long-time residences. Your wife might be able to meet lots of nice people through volunteer work. -- I work at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and we have many volunteers. Have her check out our website.

[SunAdenium76]

Welcome to Homestead, and thank you for your service, AirForceRanger. The Villages is a nice, neatly landscaped, slightly older (compared to most of the recently built homes in that area) neighborhood with winding roads and jogging paths. The homes, varying in size and style are single-story, two-story, and townhouses. Several of my old friends from Homestead Sr. High School (back in the 90's) used to live there, and I was usually their ride to and from school, so I have been in some of the houses and have driven through the development at least a hundred times. Homestead Sr. HS is right there, within short walking distance, and there is also another new school on the side of the Villages, across the main path. Around Christmastime, many of the neighbors in the Villages will get together and decorate their homes with beautiful lights. I would often drive over from my own neighborhood just to see THEIR Christmas lights! People would be walking up and down the streets with their kids, admiring the rainbow of twinkling dots and cheerful displays. And the location is convenient to shopping and restaurants. If you're a race car fan, then you'll appreciate being so close to the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Oh, and further down from the track (SW 328th ST) is Homestead Bayfront Park (South Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park). It's a nice place to relax and watch the boats from the little beach area, unless you have your own boat or would like to be taken out on a charter tour. The new Homestead Hospital is also very, very close. I have been living in Homestead since 1985. My family is retired military from Homestead AFB when it was a full base. We stayed here after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to rebuild our home. The place has changed a lot... some good, some not so good, I'm not going to lie. Personally, I would now prefer living in an area that is a little cheaper and a lot quieter, but I cannot complain about the South Florida weather, or the convenience of being so close to everything I need. I happen to enjoy the outdoors and fishing and boating, so I like that part. Our traffic is quite congested, though, so that could be a shock if you are not used to it. About the people down here... well, overly friendly is definitely not how I would describe most of the folks I've come across while out and about, but I'm sure your wife can make some good friends within the military family community here, and surely if she can find some local clubs or activities to participate in. There is always something to do down here. Good luck in your transition to Homestead!