Move to Miami (Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach: to rent, insurance, condo)

[nameone]

What can you say about moving to Miami city. My husband is an software engineer, and we have 2 minor children to raise. I like some beach, out door sports, and fine dinning, good school system, safe for the kids, I want to buy a 2 story house. It this realistic?

[rkumar3]

If he makes 6 figures, it is possible. However i would personally go north to Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beach area. BTW, even with 6 figure income you will be living about 15 minutes from the beach... no within walking distance

[lulu]

I'll try to make this short. I suggest if you really want to consider Miami, it's best to rent first, & feel your way thru different areas ... to get a sense of where one fits in and what one can afford. Lots of spanish is spoken in some areas.
There are jobs but they don't pay much compared to other states. We do have plenty of beaches & lots of fine dining places. As for schools, I don't know anything about that. Crime depends on the area you live in - some are better than others. Housing has gotten very expensive as the insurance+taxes. The average 3/2 single family home start like in the mid 400's and this is for one that is not close to the beach. Maybe, one can consider a small 2 story townhouse or condo...& then you have to take into account those additional mo. condo assoc. fees & the special assessments they spring on you from time to time- for painting, fixing things, etc. If one buys a townhouse or condo it's best to stay away from the older buildings that require more upkeep.