Best Town to Live in South Florida (Miami, Boca Raton: HOA, townhouse)

[JerseyGirl69]

I'm 39 irish woman looking to relocate from Jersey to Florida....I want an area that is SAFE yet affordable; the "safe" & "affordable" part may be difficult in south florida - are there any places?..I also enjoy things like yoga, tai chi, metaphysical and spiritual groups, and I like to go out now and again (not too often) to see some live music or Irish Pub, but I don't want to live right near heavy partying, as I also like my tranquility...but like to be in close proximity to shopping, nice stores, and downtown area, and close to the beach.

[beentheredidthat]

Whats affordable to you? here's my list of recommendations...After 20+ years in SoFla i cannot recommend any other areas really...The further south you go the worse it gets...

1) Palm Beach Island
2) Palm Beach Gardens
3) Singer Island (very nice area, you will have to drive through a bad area to get to though)
4) Juno Beach

[Rae the Chef]

I would actually scratch Singer Island off that list. As you mentioned, you have to drive through a bad area to get there. I just wouldnt live that close to Riviera Beach. The zip code there out in Riviera Bch, atleast a couple years ago, was the most violent zip code in the United States.

[kevinkagy]

Anywhere in Miami/South Florida sounds good. I'll split it up by county, my best suggestions:

Palm Beach:
-Boca Raton (pretty expensive though)
-Downtown West Palm

Broward:
-Las Olas
-Victoria Park (safe and affordable)
-Wilton Manors (very popular with the gay community, safe and affordable)

Miami:
-Downtown (lots of parks, semi-safe, affordable)
-Brickell (Clean, lots to do, safe, but expensive)
-Miracle Mile (expensive, but very safe and lots to do. Very scenic)
-Dadeland (Safe and affordable)
-Miami Lakes
-Aventura
-Midtown

[JayGent]

I have lived in Palm Beach County all of my life. I would suggest South Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Briney Breezes, or DelRay Beach. The downtown scene in DelRay on Atlantic Ave. is very cool. A mixture of balmy island flair with Euro cafe style. There's an Irish Pub and many other nice restaurants and unique shops as well as live music. The crowd is mixed with retirees, vacationeers and young people as well as locals. DelRay Beach has a Bohemian feel which may very well resonate with you.

[kevinkagy]

Originally Posted by JayGent

I have lived in Palm Beach County all of my life. I would suggest South Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Briney Breezes, or DelRay Beach. The downtown scene in DelRay on Atlantic Ave. is very cool. A mixture of balmy island flair with Euro cafe style. There's an Irish Pub and many other nice restaurants and unique shops as well as live music. The crowd is mixed with retirees, vacationeers and young people as well as locals. DelRay Beach has a Bohemian feel which may very well resonate with you.

Great suggestion! Downtown Delray Beach is very nice.

[Kapalua]

To the poster, are you aware of the Thunderstorms they have in Florida in the summer months? And what is the population in Delray Beach? Thank you.

[Jonotastic]

Palm Beach Gardens or Boca Raton

[AD98]

I have lived in Palm Beach County for over 20 years in different zip codes. Personally, I think Jupiter is the best. You mentioned that you like your tranquility and there are some very nice, quiet neighborhoods in Jupiter that would fill the bill. It is a drive from West Palm, but not too bad and still convenient to everything. My second choice would be Palm Beach Gardens. I lived in a townhouse there a few years ago that was wonderful and very convenient to shopping. I rarely ever even go to West Palm anymore after moving up here.

[Blondie621]

Originally Posted by AD98

I have lived in Palm Beach County for over 20 years in different zip codes. Personally, I think Jupiter is the best. You mentioned that you like your tranquility and there are some very nice, quiet neighborhoods in Jupiter that would fill the bill. It is a drive from West Palm, but not too bad and still convenient to everything. My second choice would be Palm Beach Gardens. I lived in a townhouse there a few years ago that was wonderful and very convenient to shopping. I rarely ever even go to West Palm anymore after moving up here.

Where is PBG's? I am looking to move south also. Was looking in WPB at the historic area but it is too $$$$. Want to house with charm. Not a HOA either.