Relocating to Broward from Denver- Looking for tips to find good housing. (Fort Lauderdale: rental market)

[mikosflower]

I am relocating at the end of this yr, beg of next and am looking for some ways to get a good place. I have looked at other threads and the map of the county w/the good/bad areas is totally awesome but I have some further questions. My budget is 800 for a 1br/1b, hopefully somewhat nice in a safe area. I have dogs, so somewhere pet friendly and I am accustomed to farmer's markets around all of the time, so that would be great too. I have heard varying things about the music scene, so are there any good spots for live music? Thanks so much for your help everyone.

[StilltheSame]

I would look close to downtown/ Las Olas and perhaps Wilton Manors

[DenverCOResident]

Grew up in S. Florida...spent 2 years in Denver, and am now back in E. Fort Lauderdale....it's a totally different world here but fortunately, the 'green' movement, and farmer's markets and the like are starting to pick up steam. Not sure how far $800/month will go as the rental market is quickly rising here. If you're looking for walkability, east is the way to go but rents will generally be higher and there are some more sketchy areas where you'd likely want to avoid. The western cities tend to be cleaner and more suburban. Not sure if you're going to school or working, male or female, but check out Ft. Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Plantation (around Pine Island Road), and areas of Hollywood. Generally speaking, google the 'Florida Sex Offender' registration map...the more offenders concentrated in an area, the more likely rundown and crime ridden (and poor) the area usually is...I know it sounds crazy but it's a quick easy way to immediately rule out specific areas. S. Florida is very bizarre in that there's often (more so east) a short geographical distance between wealthly and poor areas. Good luck and feel free to email if you have any specific questions.