Broward County vs. NY/NJ (Fort Lauderdale, Parkland: how much, homes, job market)

[JJdogg]

I'm a native northerner currently "in between" homes, and considering moving to Broward County (primarily for the warm winters). However I'm drawn to NYC / Northern NJ where I lived for 5+ years and had the best time of my life. I love NYC and the small towns of Northern NJ, which I know can't be replicated in South Florida. We have a 4-year old child and my main considerations are (1) the best environment to raise and educate my child and (2) cost of living. I am self employed and work out of my home, so the local job market is not a relevant factor for me. Are there any former New Yorkers/New Jerseyites out there living in Broward who can share their experiences, positive or negative? Thanks.

[HowGoesIt]

JJdogg, most people I meet anymore in Fort Lauderdale are from NY/NJ/LI. It's almost strange when you come across someone who ISN'T from the northeast. It's kind of sad that most native Floridians have moved out of south Florida, but I guess that's life. You should fit right in if you relocate to Broward County as it's become a mini- NYC. Broward has a fairly fast pace feel to it and has a very "me first" mentality. It's also VERY diverse.

The school system is good in some towns and bad in others. If you wanted a more city life and live in the the city of Fort Lauderdale, I'm sure private schools would be a better option. Cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but MUCH lower than NY/NJ.

[RicKaysen]

Maybe Broward is fast paced compared to other parts of Florida, but everytime I visit from NJ, I have to adjust to what I perceive as a much more relaxed attitude. I'm making plans to move to the Fort Lauderdale area and I'm also struggling with how much I'll miss heading into Manhattan for entertainment. From what I've been able to calculate, my cost of living will be lowered to the point where I'll be able to visit NYC more often than I am now able to visit South Florida.

[HowGoesIt]

Yes, the cost of living in much lower. Also, the taxes are considerably lower.

The relaxed attitude is a good thing, as long as your not going 50 mph in the left lane on the turnpike. That drives people crazy!

[RicKaysen]

I have noticed the local police are pretty strict about speed limits. The one thing I can't get used to is people actually doing 40 in a 40 mph zone! Just gotta suck it up if you don't want to be labled as an out of state &$@?*!

[pahkthecah]

Since you don't have to worry about finding a job, Broward is a good bet. Right now, there is plentiful housing, and rents have gotten stable and somewhat more affordable.

There just isn't as much to do here as in the NE-Even when it's not hot, having the Florida sun pounding down on you gets old. Most of the activities here center around the water and being outdoors, but once you see all the boaters and beachgoers who look like old shoe leather after a few years outside, you may re think how much time you want to spend outdoors.

In the NE, you are in easy driving/train/bus distance of other areas, but South Florida doesn't have the same transportation options, and if you want to drive out of the state, it's a mind numbing almost 500 miles to get to S. Ga, which is not much better, IMO.

If you have the means to get out of the state a couple times a year, by all means do it. If money is tight, being here without a change of scenery can be a huge drag and rut. Drive 500 miles in the NE, and you can easily go from the beach to the mountains, from one major metro area to another. 500 miles here just gets you scrubbier looking palm trees.

[dedemoving]

Hi there- just moved from north/central NJ to Broward county, Parkland, last week!
First impressions, cost of living overall cheaper so if you have a steady job no problem with finding housing & living well. It does seem like a typical NJ suburb except - none of the older charming type neighborhoods we were used to with downtown area (most housing seems from 1990 forward, & lots of box store malls). You get a lot of "house" but little "yard/space" .
So far this seems to be a very family oriented area, we have only explored a little but there is a lot to do if you are into nature & I know they are into their sports teams. But I am not so sure about the arts- really what can beat NYC- broadway, opera, museums, etc. (I am already planning for a trip home over the holidays to get a fix).
You definitely need to look at each town separately for the schools, many in Broward county are good, but some are rated very poorly.
Good luck with your decision!

[Nolefan34]

RicKaysen>

The cops are strict on speeding in local areas. But when you're on the expressways there are virtually NO speed traps in Broward or Dade. South FL is NOTHING compared to central FL or northern FL, or Georgia for that matter in terms of speed traps. You can do 90+ on the Turnpike or 95 on a regular basis with little or no consequence. It is common for people to speed excessively on the high-speed expressways here. In fact, I've visited NYC, Long Island, and NJ several times and have driven around. People in FL drive way faster than NJ/NY on the interstates. The difference is that on the local roads in NY/NJ the drivers tailgate a lot worse than South FL. But most of the local roads are 35 mph there. Here, the local roads are mostly 6-lane highways with 45 mph speed limits and less congestion.

[namomof3]

I am a midwest transplant and since you don't have to worry about work I say you are good! HOWEVER-- look into each school- the "broward county" school district is as diverse as South Florida itself. 2nd- everyone LOVES the "warm winters" but do NOT underestimate the hot humid weather the haunts us for months. My kids were used to "playing outside" all summer back home (not here unless in a pool and even that sucks after a few hours). The kids can't play until after 7pm IMO (my kids go out for 5-10minute sputs during the day). It's a give n take just like any other geographical region...

[JJdogg]

Thank you all for your responses!