West Palm Beach vs Ft Lauderdale (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: rental, hotel, movie theater)

[craig10x]

Hi: Actually i posted also about this in the Ft Lauderdale thread....I live in NYC and was considering moving to South Florida...My dad lives in Deerfield Beach, which i like, but i wanted to live closer to a major, more vibrant, Urban Hub, like downtown West Palm Beach or downtown Fort Lauderdale...
In the other thread, most comments (didn't get many...lol) seemed to feel that living near downtown Ft Lauderdale would be the best choice, for maximum amount of entertainment stuff, eating places, etc and a pretty vibrant atmosphere....
Can anyone give me any advantages or reasons why they would feel just the opposite...that living near downtown West Palm Beach area would be a much better choice?
Thanks in advance for any input!

[brad23]

I doubt it.

[DaniellaG]

What about a job? That probably should impact what location. If it does not matter could you get a rental for a few weeks in each area and it can give you time to see what fits your needs? If you do it during season you will pay more but off season you may be able to find something pretty cheap or even if you stay at your dads and look around for yourself in both places. What one likes another may not

[goofykid]

I don't think theirs much of a difference between downtowns. West Palm got Cityplace and Ft. Lauderdale got Las Olas for most of the entertainment. They both have broadway theatres. However outside the downtowns Ft. Lauderdale has better location. They got the Hard Rock Hotel&Casino, Miami, South Beach are closer. What the above poster said is the best idea drive around see what fits you the most.

[craig10x]

job is not a problem, Daniella, as i am retired.....but as goofykid said...i guess it would be best to take another look at both areas.....and see which "feels" more right for me....

amenities are actually similar in the two areas...as goofykid mentioned.....
downtown west palm beach is "cuter" downtown fort lauderdale is "bigger"......

[lilred0005]

Hi, I'm glad you posted this as I have lived in both areas and have lived in the area all my life. I much perfered living in West Palm Bch. I lived off Palm Bch Lakes Blvd on Village Blvd and loved it. That area is alive and filled with many ppl in their 20s-40s. It was a bastion for young singles and fairly young marrieds excepting Bear Lakes C.C. which drew older wealthy folks. Downtown WPB has much to offer with Clematis St. & City Place being the main areas for entertainment. There are great restaurants, clubs, bars, and a lg. movie theater. People are friendlier, less rude or pretentious(sp?). Ft. Lauderdale is much more crowded and much more spread out with many undesirable areas all around. If you have more questions, feel free to send me a message and I can go into more detail if you'd like. Take care & good luck whatever you decide!

[Bette]

I grew up in Broward, just south of Deerfield Beach and I just have great memories. I especially like Lauderdale by the Sea myself. I now live in Boca but I guess I'm just used to Ft Laud.

[bocamom]

they are both cute cities and neither will seem like much but a cute little city after nyc

i'd rather live in west palm. i worked up there a long time and despite (perhaps because of) the smaller seedier sort of edge i liked it better. i worked in ft. lauderdale on las olas (old sun sentinel bldg) and did not like las olas' wealthier feel as much as the more street festival feel of clematis. i promoted shows in miami beach, west palm, and ft. lauderdale and actively did not like miami beach once they "cleaned it up" and much preferred ft. lauderdale seedier as well. and it isn't like I love seedy. i am from boca and as many times as i've been to cbgbs i was totally out of my element. . . it is just in the process of 'cleaning up" all these areas it all starts to look like mizner park. other than citiplace, west palm has managed to retain more character. but what do i know. i like lake worth and live in pompano

[bocamom]

Originally Posted by Bette

I grew up in Broward, just south of Deerfield Beach and I just have great memories. I especially like Lauderdale by the Sea myself. I now live in Boca but I guess I'm just used to Ft Laud.

i like laud by the sea, too. i am close to there and wish i were just a mile or two south as it is nicer down there

[craig10x]

I appreciate everyone's feedback....it has been most helpful....

I think it will likely be either Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.....I am tipping slightly in favor of Fort Lauderdale, though....When i go down to visit my dad, i will have to checkout the two areas again, and hopefully it will help me decide....