If You Had to Do it All Over Again... (Pembroke Pines: real estate, condo)

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by Mr.Kurtz

I would NEVER raise kids in So. Florida.... NEVER.

I'm single. No kids ( Thank you Jesus - Thank you Lord ).

However, for families, I advise ANYWHERE in Central and North Florida. Ocala, G-ville, Port Orange, even Tampa area.

Great suggestions. Central Florida is a step above South Florida in many ways. I know you and I may be off topic, but you have valid points.

[rkumar3]

Originally Posted by vsmoove

Are there communities within Cooper City that have homes with decent land -- about 1/2 acre?

A few and far between... Most homes have smaller lot sizes. What is your budget... i can look it up.

[OptimusPrime69]

Cooper City has got some great schools. Also, Davie and Plantation might be worth considering as well.

Avoid Pompano Beach, it's not all that bad, but it's not all that nice either.
"The Springs" aka Coral Spring....been there, done that.

Miramar? That's like too close to Dade county if u ask me.

[vsmoove]

Just saw some decent properties in SW Ranches but I don't know much about the area... schools, shopping, youth activities??

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by vsmoove

Just saw some decent properties in SW Ranches but I don't know much about the area... schools, shopping, youth activities??

Your kids will most likely be in schools in Davie (for elementary) and you'll have to do your shopping in either Pembroke Pines or Weston. It's mainly a residential area, with plenty of space (along with wildlife ) but little to no amenities in SW Ranches proper. Decent amount of acreage, and space, but little else to do.

Again, you failed to mention your budget for a house. $250k-$300k will get you nothing in that area (SW Ranches). No such thing as nice sized property in SW Broward at these prices. You'll get cookie cutter with little to no yard space in a subdivision. If you have more money, look into Chapel Trail. My parents own 2 properties there, with decent yard space (good by South Florida standards). The houses built at the time offered more space before other developers came in and started squeezing houses in small lots (shameful).

No real backyards in SW Broward when comparing to Atlanta and Central Florida. However, take advantage of the parks in the area. There are plenty.

How long has it been since you left South Florida? Again, good luck with your move.

[vsmoove]

Range is up to $475K or so... it's been about 4 1/2 years since I left... just when the housing market was crashing. I didn't have any friends in this area and so I never became very familiar with them.

Originally Posted by MisterNY

Your kids will most likely be in schools in Davie (for elementary) and you'll have to do your shopping in either Pembroke Pines or Weston. It's mainly a residential area, with plenty of space (along with wildlife ) but little to no amenities in SW Ranches proper. Decent amount of acreage, and space, but little else to do.

Again, you failed to mention your budget for a house. $250k-$300k will get you nothing in that area (SW Ranches). No such thing as nice sized property in SW Broward at these prices. You'll get cookie cutter with little to no yard space in a subdivision. If you have more money, look into Chapel Trail. My parents own 2 properties there, with decent yard space (good by South Florida standards). The houses built at the time offered more space before other developers came in and started squeezing houses in small lots (shameful).

No real backyards in SW Broward when comparing to Atlanta and Central Florida. However, take advantage of the parks in the area. There are plenty.

How long has it been since you left South Florida? Again, good luck with your move.

[bcmom10]

Stay in Georgia, The schools are outstanding compare to the ones in South Florida.
The big back yard don't exist unless you have a lot of money.
And 500 it is not a lot of money in south florida

Find a good location to leave, but don't count on the schools.
private is the only way to go,

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by bcmom10

Stay in Georgia, The schools are outstanding compare to the ones in South Florida.
The big back yard don't exist unless you have a lot of money.
And 500 it is not a lot of money in south florida

Find a good location to leave, but don't count on the schools.
private is the only way to go,

Georgia public schools are ranked even lower than Florida .

[jhlcomp]

I have to echo Momma_bear vis a vis Cooper City. While we don't have children, many of our friends do. I believe it's a toss - Plantation or Weston. Good luck!!

[vsmoove]

Exactly... they are both generally terrible with pockets of good districts... I won't be missing anything in that arena by moving... I think we've ruled out Plantation for the schools and Cooper City for the look/feel... looks like we are focusing on Coral Springs (again), Pembroke Pines, Davie and Weston...

Originally Posted by Rock Newman

Georgia public schools are ranked even lower than Florida .