Oakland Park-Suggestions, Opinions, and Advice on Safe Area's in OP (Fort Lauderdale: crime, house)

[dashn1]

I have an opportunity to purchase home in Oakland Park, and am trying to get information about the safety of that area, being a transplant from New York, dont know much about area. I am a single, 47 years old, recently divorced male with 14 year old boy, who I hope will live with me full time, but for now, at least part time. It has been suggested that I would feel most comfortable within area that has the most feel of New York, and was informed that Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, and Ft. Lauderdale, have that City feel, but with better weather and sunshine. We have all been affected with the current econmoic crisis, and we can all tell some war stories, but financially it's most economical for me to reside in Florida, do have Job down there, and can spend approximately 100-150,000 for a single family home. Coming from New York, and I dont care what part of NY, there are good, and bad area's, but most of all there are area's that are safer than others. Dont want to be in an area, where drive by shootings are a way of life, so trying to do the best with my budget, Thank You
PS: Was informed by some people that safe section is East of 95 to N. Dixie Hwy(811) between
NW 44th St. and W. Oakland Pk. Blvd, All opinions would greatly be appreciated

[Kalbo]

The area of NW 44th St. and W. Oakland Pk. Blvd is fine. As you said no area is crime free. The area you mention is on the outskirts of Oakland Park that border the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Good luck with the move.

[howgr8]

Thank you for your reply. The house is on 34th, and was told that the closer to Wilton Manors should make it more desirable. Some have stated that stay away from the corridor between N. Dixie Hwy and US1, but I dont know if that applies to Oakland park and east of it, I think they referred to more North area's. If you can expand on any more info that would be great. Thank You

[RicKaysen]

I'm a recent transplant from NJ who has spent an awful lot of time in NYC. I'm currently living in Oakland Park on NE 34th and I can tell you that if you're expecting it to have a NY feel, you're in for a culture shock. Not that it's a bad thing. I visited the area frequently and came here to escape NJ. Oakland Park doesn't feel like NY to me at all and Wilton Manors, while very interesting is the heart of the Gayborhood...again, "not that there's anything wrong with that". Sure Fort Lauderdale proper might have the urban feel you want, but you won't be able to buy anything with the budget you mentioned.