Chicagoan just returned from Miami/PBC - was exploring relocation-too many or too few ppl-Are my impressions correct? (crime, gated)

[chisoxfan]

Couldn't help but stumble across this thread, having grown up in the Chicago area. I think Chicago vs. South Florida is an apples vs. oranges comparison. In metropolitan Chicago, the driving force is the central city (although boosters of places like Schaumburg and Naperville might argue that). South Florida, on the other hand, is three distinct counties/metropolitan areas that form a megalopolis.

And I also agree with another poster that if you're looking for a Chicago/midwestern flavor in the populace, Florida's west coast is the place to be. In South Florida, depending on where you are, the influences are Latin America, New York and New Jersey -- and, to a lesser extent, other areas in the Northeast such as Boston, Philly and western New York. I mean, it's almost impossible to get a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza here -- Pizzeria Uno withdrew from the area years ago.

[suzanah]

I just moved to Delray Beach very nice quaint house in a very nice area. Within two weeks family member was mugged while leaving a restaurant on Atlantic ... he had foolish parked his car in a dark area off just one block away.
He was stabbed, beaten with a baseball bat and of course everything was stollen including his car. He is still in the hospital recovering.......welcome to Delray Beach!

Now we know that GANGS are rampant in the area.........they sure don't print that in the brochures.

Crime is actually higher here than in Miami........I think the recommendations for Miami are right on! Good Luck!

[Scientifical Madness]

Originally Posted by chisoxfan

Couldn't help but stumble across this thread, having grown up in the Chicago area. I think Chicago vs. South Florida is an apples vs. oranges comparison. In metropolitan Chicago, the driving force is the central city (although boosters of places like Schaumburg and Naperville might argue that). South Florida, on the other hand, is three distinct counties/metropolitan areas that form a megalopolis.

And I also agree with another poster that if you're looking for a Chicago/midwestern flavor in the populace, Florida's west coast is the place to be. In South Florida, depending on where you are, the influences are Latin America, New York and New Jersey -- and, to a lesser extent, other areas in the Northeast such as Boston, Philly and western New York. I mean, it's almost impossible to get a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza here -- Pizzeria Uno withdrew from the area years ago.

Orlando's the same.

[Kellhashc]

Originally Posted by Native51

And in terms of crime, if people are genuinely afraid to leave their house at night because they feel they'll get shot or robbed then they really need to move north because that's no way to live life. Stay away from the high crime areas that have been mentioned ad nauseum on this site and you'll be fine 99% of the time.

Is it really that bad? I'm considering a move down there from New Orleans. I can't imagine its as bad down there as it is here. Here you truly are taking a big risk by driving through or even walking down the street at night in certain areas. Robbery, kidnapping, hit and runs, catching a stray bullet, or even being executed for witnessing something are real possibilities here if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time (a lot of gang activity here). I've lived in St. Louis as well (south city/the hill) and compared to New Orleans, the crime in St. Louis is like a walk in the park and they have the 2nd highest murder rate behind NOLA. I really need to get down there to see how bad this crime is people speak of. I'd think crime here is more in line with certain areas of Miami.

[Jamiemoving]

This is GREAT. My first time on, and I too was / am considering moving...And wanted to read re various cities. This was an awesome Thread. I want to now go read re West coast of Fla, and since I am from Chicago, I should stay in touch with dreamer 312. I am 42 SWF ready to relocate...Losing job, and house is on market now! Wish me a sale here quick!, Please!

[sheena]

Everytime I pop on here looking for something encouraging it seems to get worse

[Liberty911]

Originally Posted by Manny561

tequesta (who the hell lives in tequesta?)

I live in Tequesta after living in Brisaine, Austrailia, Honolulu, Haleiwa and Hilo (HI), Newport Beach and Huntington Beach (CA), West Palm Beach, to name a few, and woud not live anywhere else. My girlfirend also moved from Chicago to Tequesta nine years ago and wouldn't live anywhere else. I really like the fact no one wants to move there. Keep up the comments on Tequesta so it remains unchanged!

[rvchat]

Wow, Boca boring? I don't agree.

[m5*]

I love Tequesta!

[runswithscissors]

Originally Posted by Liberty911

I live in Tequesta after living in Brisaine, Austrailia, Honolulu, Haleiwa and Hilo (HI), Newport Beach and Huntington Beach (CA), West Palm Beach, to name a few, and woud not live anywhere else. My girlfirend also moved from Chicago to Tequesta nine years ago and wouldn't live anywhere else. I really like the fact no one wants to move there. Keep up the comments on Tequesta so it remains unchanged!

Ditto you. I L O V E Tequesta. My mother lived at Broadview siince 1979 before the townhouses next door were built and before the stupid car dealer and the few McMansions down on the water.

It's my number one place to move "back to" in the future. Broadview, as a matter of fact if it's in my price range. The view is great. Although I really like Vero too, but Vero is bigger and I prefer the village of Tequesta vibe.