[aylinap]

Originally Posted by wizrap

I'll give you my input on Port St. Lucie and Jupiter, and also Boca Raton since you are also interested in that area, as someone who just moved from South Florida, having lived there for nearly 30 years.

Boca Raton--affluent, safe, largely manicured city with great dining, beaches, shopping. Very few "sketchy areas" -- mostly along the southern edge of 44i and a section called "Pearl City" just north of downtown Boca. Not bad, just run down compared to the rest of the city. The whole city is a mix of families and retirees. The city can be divided into 3 sections--the eastern part, near the beach, with the best dining and shopping and entertainment (and corresponding high property values), the western part--along highway 441, which gets better the further north you go. This area contains the most affordable real estate but it is not within the Boca Raton city limits so there are some city services that residents do not receive, but instead get from the county, and the central, middle part--not too far from the beach, but not way out west either. Boca is not considered to be a diverse city (you mentioned diversity was important to you, as your husband is Hispanic). About 80% of the city is white; about 10% or so is Hispanic. About 5% black. It is considered to be heavily Jewish--about 20% of the population is estimated to be Jewish, which is similar demographically to NYC. There's nearly 20 synagogs in Boca. The city is a popular choice for its highly ranked schools, beautiful parks and beaches and all around safety (at least by South Florida standards). My caveat -- you haven't mentioned your housing budget, but if you are looking at Boca, you need to consider HOA (Homeowner's Association) fees. Many, if not most, of the homes in Boca are in HOA's, and the fees can range from just a few hundred a quarter on up to a thousand dollars or more per quarter, with some requiring mandatory memberships of some kind. Many of the HOA's have gated security (staffed or not), community pools, golf courses, exercise centers, tennis courts and clubhouses. A realtor is going to be your best bet to guide you towards homes with HOA's in your budget (or if you don't want an HOA, steering you towards those types of homes).

Port St. Lucie--this city is part of the Treasure Coast, located in St. Lucie County. It's about as far north as you can get and still be considered within striking distance of the greater South Florida area. Most affordable area for real estate because it's basically one big housing development divided up into different communities. There is an older section on the east side of I-95. West of that is where the newer developments are, nearly all HOA's. General Development Corporation bought large swatches of land in the county several years ago and the city is one housing tract after another, particularly on the west side. So much land and so much building have kept prices down compared to other parts of South Florida. Many choose to live up there because it's affordable, and it's a slower pace. No major malls--no fine dining--none of the city sits on the beach--you have to go through Jenson Beach or Stuart--no city center per se. It's trying to develop all these things, and should make strides as the South Florida population increases as there will become a situation where there will be no place left to go. A nice section that I don't think has much of an HOA is the Midway Road area--nice large homes on nice pieces of land. Schools are not as highly rated as Boca. That is a big knock against the area. The city is considered very safe--it's just not considered to be as sophisticated a city as Boca Raton--totally differently feel and personality. But overall, less expensive housing than Boca. More Hispanic than Boca--about 20%.

Jupiter--this is the city that many in South Florida look to move to if they want or need to still be in the South Florida area, but want to get away from the hectic pace. This city strives to maintain its beachy, small-town atmosphere, but it's a losing battle. The Wyndham Grand opened up there a year or so ago--it's really the only luxury chain hotel in the city so far, and may be for a while yet. Lots of mom and pop places for dining, shopping and lodging (there are some chain hotels/motels there but not anything like the Wyndham). Great beaches--known for it's free off-leash dog beach. Beautifully manicured, much like Boca. A few sketchy areas, especially off of Indiantown Road and I-95. Lots of HOA's, many super expensive. Overall excellent public schools. Largely affluent area--much like Boca. However, it is really trying not to be another Boca with the malls, shopping and entertainment. For that, if you're serious, you really need to head south to Palm Beach Gardens. Expensive real estate. You get less home for your money in Jupiter--less property too. About the only affordable area is Jupiter Farms for single-family-homes. That's out west, farther from the beach--rural in character. Like Boca, lots of retirees and families. Slightly more Hispanic than Boca but not as Port St. Lucie. "Whitest city" of the 3 you mentioned--less than 5% black.

Overall, your real estate dollars go further in Port St. Lucie. But I have no idea about your budget. Good luck!

Thing is bigger cities means somebody is more likely to land a job. My husband isn't worried since he can in South Florida, but I'm worried about finding a job for myself. So it looks like leaning towards Boca Raton is better despite the low Hispanic population..either that or Miami. Port St Lucie seems like a great choice for housing, but I'm worried about work..if I can't find a job within the city will I need to go out a long way to drive somewhere else to work? I mean things might change there within 2 years, but still not sure.

[wizrap]

Yes, job prospects definitely are better in Boca, compared to Jupiter & PSL. If housing budget is a concern, you will want to target West Boca. You are an office manager--what type of industry? The big ones here are health care and tourism/travel.

[wasel]

I vote for downtown St Petersburg. If you are worried about flooding, there are ways to research how much the area floods. If that doesn't interest you, Gainesville FL is a nice university town and only about an hour from Cedar Key.

[aylinap]

Originally Posted by wizrap

Yes, job prospects definitely are better in Boca, compared to Jupiter & PSL. If housing budget is a concern, you will want to target West Boca. You are an office manager--what type of industry? The big ones here are health care and tourism/travel.

I'm an office manager for a food distributor/wholesale company.

[wizrap]

Does this link work below -- it's a list of the major employers in Boca.

Boca Raton