Wilton Manors and Oakland Park (Miami, Hollywood: high crime, house, neighborhoods)

[happymccamper]

Any info on Wilton Manors or Oakland Park?

[compelled to reply]

Wilton Manors- Gayberhood. Older low density urban type neighborhood. Not a bad place to be at all, but if that bothers you, I wouldn't live there. On the City-Data top 101 lists, it currently ranks number 1 in gay population in the entire country. Ahead of West Hollywood, CA and San Francisco.
Oakland Park- Gritty, high crime, bland and tasteless. Worst city in Broward County.

[chisoxfan]

Compelled summarized Wilton Manors quite accurately.

As for Oakland Park, some of the areas in the eastern part of the city -- generally between Dixie Highway on the west and U.S. 1 on the east -- actually are pretty nice (of course, you'll pay more for housing, too). But west of Dixie Highway, Oakland Park is run-of-the-mill at best, ugly and dangerous at worst. There are better options.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by chisoxfan

As for Oakland Park, some of the areas in the eastern part of the city -- generally between Dixie Highway on the west and U.S. 1 on the east -- actually are pretty nice (of course, you'll pay more for housing, too). But west of Dixie Highway, Oakland Park is run-of-the-mill at best, ugly and dangerous at worst. There are better options.

I did forget about that area, but I can't think of a city in Broward County as all around sketchy. Actually, Pembroke Park is worse, I take that back.

[Lauderdale954]

i live in oakland park in a decent part..I live off of Andrews Ave. and 56th street..there isn't really any homicides in my neighborhood..the biggest problem though is fights and drug dealing

[DavyCam]

Location depends, as usual, on your level of comfort:

Oakland Park - some great neighborhoods north of Prospect/NE 44th St, east of Dixie or Andrews Gardens (Andrews Ave north of Prospect). More affordable than WilMa. Not so great west of I-95. OP Chamber is trying to get its act together and attract business as Wilton Manors has. Regrettably, OP PD has its share of bad cops in the news.

Wilton Manors (WilMa) - As someone said, gayborhood (someone recently estimated at 40%), but the diversity of families/singles, gay/straight, etc., works very well. People have stayed or been drawn here because people care about their neighborhoods and the town. Quite frankly, the redevelopment in the 90s sent most rednecks packing. We still have rednecks...except our rednecks aren't bigots. If, however, you have any qualms about living next door to a household that's not straight out of "Leave It To Beaver" or the "Dick, Jane and Sally" reader, you're better off in Naples, FL.

[sk071077]

Originally Posted by Lauderdale954

i live in oakland park in a decent part..I live off of Andrews Ave. and 56th street..there isn't really any homicides in my neighborhood..the biggest problem though is fights and drug dealing

Hey, 954 can you tell me more about your neighborhood? My wife and I are looking to buy a house and thats one of the areas were looking in. It looked ik when I drove around there. Is there a lot of fights and drug dealing going on there? Are they selling right in the street or is it low key? Are there gangs in the area? Is it an ok area to raise kids? North andrews elementary school has decent ratings. How long have you lived there? Is it racially diverse?

Basically would you recomend a 30 year old bi-racial couple who wants to start a family move to your neighborhood?

Thanks

[mental_complex]

Wilton Manors is the better of two if you can tolerate the gay population.. The crime in Oakland Park is crazy for a city of its size.

[beachlover954]

I lived in both Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Never had a problem with either.

[totalxindecision]

Can anyone provide any updated info on either of these cities? We're currently in Miami Lakes but are looking to purchase a home fairly soon and want to feel out other areas.

I lean pretty far left, so I am definitely looking for a more progressive/liberal minded area. We have a little one, so good schools and access to parks/kid friendly activities are very important.