Problems in Boca Raton (Orlando, Pembroke Pines: YMCA, schools, income)

[compelled to reply]

I was joking on the polo part, but I managed to extract some good advice for the OP . Wellington is a great area but it still has a little bit that uptight south "OC" meets Long Island vibe to it that I find in almost all of the livable parts of PBC, although it's more down to earth than Boca for sure. Not denying that.

Also, the income level in Wellington is higher than Boca, yet it still doesn't feel as flashy. Nuff said.

Weston acutally earns a little more than Wellington. About 10 thousand higher, but I don't know, the vibe is just different. I'm not going to say it feels any more affluent but it seems less "in your face", with the exception of SOME of the wealthy Venezuelans (and I DON'T like to generalize). Which leads me to say that also have that heavy Latin thing here though...don't have as much of that in Wellington. Wellington and Weston are very similar areas, in fact in a few ways Wellington is a little nicer. Weston feels more resort-y and Wellington feels more ranch-y. Weston also feels less congested, as it doesn't have a 441, but then again 10 minutes away Pines Blvd/Pembroke Pines is the same thing.

I think Wellington Green is upper-middle end. They have Coach, Nordstrom, etc. It's not Town Center but it's not Boynton Beach Mall (word up foo!) or Broward Mall (true middle-of-the-road mall). But I have been there numerous times (actually I went there the week it opened) and the people still seemed superficial and uptight and there are a few upper end stores, although it's a beautiful mall.

[Movin2Boca]

I am sorry your not having luck meeting people in Boca, but you will most likely have the same problem anywhere you go. I am actually moving back to boca just to raise my family since I loved growing up there. Since you have a newborn, I suggest you and your wife join a mommy/daddy and me class or a My Gym, The library also has story time and baby activites. It is always nice to meet other couples from those type of places. For starters, you already have something in common. Good luck

[shadow9d9]

We have looked for median ages in the local areas and North Lauderdale, Coral Spring, Lakeworth, and Lauderhill look decent. Coral Spring and North Lauderdale are the youngest of them. Can a place so close to Boca really be that much different?

[compelled to reply]

North Lauderdale is pure working class, so yes. Total 180 of Boca. Clean, but working class.

As far as Coral Springs, go visit yourself.

Lauderhill is one of Broward's more high crime areas. I would avoid living in that area. Lake Worth is dangerous and run down.

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by shadow9d9

My wife and I are 25, with a newborn, living in Boca. We have been here for 3 years and have found the people to be unfriendly to the extreme. Selfish, materialistic, shallow, and no one cares to have anything to do with one another. Additionally, there is no one in our age group.

Any suggestions of alternative places to live within an hour or so from here? We want a place with some life and friendly, outgoing, relatively young people!

Hi Shadow,
I know my location says TN but I lived in FL for over 30 years. I do know SF very well.

Boca can be like that. I never liked it for that reason. Wellington was mentioned and is a good choice, but I think most families there would be older than you as well. I think Palm Beach Gardens would be a great choice. My daughter is 25 and that is where she lives. She has tons of friends there and loves it. Jupiter would also be a good choice. Don't know if you are renting or if you own a home. Gables Monticieto in PGA is a mixed use development and has lots of young families.

Good Luck in finding a better environment for you and your family.

[shadow9d9]

Originally Posted by Kim918

Hi Shadow,
I know my location says TN but I lived in FL for over 30 years. I do know SF very well.

Boca can be like that. I never liked it for that reason. Wellington was mentioned and is a good choice, but I think most families there would be older than you as well. I think Palm Beach Gardens would be a great choice. My daughter is 25 and that is where she lives. She has tons of friends there and loves it. Jupiter would also be a good choice. Don't know if you are renting or if you own a home. Gables Monticieto in PGA is a mixed use development and has lots of young families.

Good Luck in finding a better environment for you and your family.

Aye, I agree. We will be checking out Wellington.. PBG has a median age pf 45 though.. Any experience with Coral Springs?

[Ladywithafan]

So freaking true!...as in going to Miami Beach and then in 10 years you're too old for the action!

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by shadow9d9

Aye, I agree. We will be checking out Wellington.. PBG has a median age pf 45 though.. Any experience with Coral Springs?

Don't put too much stock in those numbers. PGA is loaded with young people. I lived not to far from there, I worked in the area and was there a lot due to the fact my daughter lives there. Check it out. It can't hurt. Coral Springs is a nice middle class neighborhood in Broward, but I don't believe you will find as many young people your age there as in PGA. I also worked in Wellington and found more older families there. Even the one with young babies were older couples in their 30's or older. Probably due to the expense of purchasing a home there.

[2goldens]

Shadow9d9,
Do you have any hobbies? What do you and your wife enjoy doing in free time?

[shadow9d9]

Hobbies- computer gaming, board gaming, sports(volleyball, softball, tennis, ping pong, football), Music(phish, pink floyd), reading, sci fi fan.

Wife plays piano, does theater, and shares my interests.