Oakland Park - in transition? (Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors: real estate, apartment, renting)

[kidyankee764]

Hi all. I currently live in the northeast but our family owns a place in south FL. My cousin is 28 and recently landed a job in Delray, but wants to live close to Fort Lauderdale. She told me she has done extensive research on the area and has come up with Oakland Park, where she seems to be setting her sights. I only know what I have googled, and the crime rate is concerning. I expressed those concerns to her and she said she’s been told from locals that Oakland Park, east of 95, is experiencing rapid transition. I have also found that real estate east of 95 is crazy high - 400k for a dated ranch. She’ll be renting but eventually will buy.

Can anyone comment on Oakland Park east of 95, and its future, so I can pass along? Thanks all.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Hi all. I currently live in the northeast but our family owns a place in south FL. My cousin is 28 and recently landed a job in Delray, but wants to live close to Fort Lauderdale. She told me she has done extensive research on the area and has come up with Oakland Park, where she seems to be setting her sights. I only know what I have googled, and the crime rate is concerning. I expressed those concerns to her and she said she’s been told from locals that Oakland Park, east of 95, is experiencing rapid transition. I have also found that real estate east of 95 is crazy high - 400k for a dated ranch. She’ll be renting but eventually will buy.

Can anyone comment on Oakland Park east of 95, and its future, so I can pass along? Thanks all.

Every time I ride through there or go to Funky Budda I think about how lovely some areas of Oakland Park are becoming.

No, I would not live there. It's still industrial and sketchy.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Every time I ride through there or go to Funky Budda I think about how lovely some areas of Oakland Park are becoming.

No, I would not live there. It's still industrial and sketchy.

Thanks for your reply. Why wouldn’t you live there? I know industrial isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but is it dangerous?

Any insight on if Oakland Park is headed in the right direction? A friend just told me people are being priced out of Wilton Manors, which is why Oakland Park is seeing changes. Thoughts?

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Thanks for your reply. Why wouldn’t you live there? I know industrial isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but is it dangerous?

Any insight on if Oakland Park is headed in the right direction? A friend just told me people are being priced out of Wilton Manors, which is why Oakland Park is seeing changes. Thoughts?

Wilton Manors still isn't as expensive or as nice as Victoria Park but most people choose Poinsettia Heights or Lake Ridge over Oakland Park. Both are nicer.

Oakland Park just isn't a nice neighborhood yet but that is just my opinion.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Oakland Park just isn't a nice neighborhood yet but that is just my opinion.

I don't know anyone who thinks Oakland Park's a nice neighborhood.

[ruski]

Originally Posted by cfbs2691

I don't know anyone who thinks Oakland Park's a nice neighborhood.

I think it is better than it used to be. And it keeps on improving.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by cfbs2691

I don't know anyone who thinks Oakland Park's a nice neighborhood.

After my initial concerns, I spoke to a few friends who live in the area. Both said the area is slowly up and coming.

[Rumann Koch]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

After my initial concerns, I spoke to a few friends who live in the area. Both said the area is slowly up and coming.

The eastern parts of the city of Oakland Park, east of Dixie Hwy, have some nice, well-established homes with middle class families. Only blocks from the main North/South thoroughfare US-1(Federal Hwy) are shopping centers, restaurants, clubs, and Holy Cross Hospital. I-95 is also nearby, accessed at Oakland Park Blvd and Commercial Blvd. And the ocean is just one mile to the east.

I have some friends that live just on the other (west side) of US-1 in a section called 'The Corals'. There you can find some of the nicest homes in OP. All the roads have recently been repaved after upgrades to the water and sewer systems. Many of the homes have been renovated from their original 1960's design, adding pools, enclosed garages, and custom landscaping. There are several large lakes connected by canals with access, albeit only for small water craft, to Middle River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

But I would not recommend any other areas of OP (west of Dixie Hwy) to move to, especially if you have children as the schools are not too good. Sadly Oakland Park Elementary School, the oldest elementary school in Broward County, is only rated a 2!

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Rumann Koch

The eastern parts of the city of Oakland Park, east of Dixie Hwy, have some nice, well-established homes with middle class families. Only blocks from the main North/South thoroughfare US-1(Federal Hwy) are shopping centers, restaurants, clubs, and Holy Cross Hospital. I-95 is also nearby, accessed at Oakland Park Blvd and Commercial Blvd. And the ocean is just one mile to the east.

I have some friends that live just on the other (west side) of US-1 in a section called 'The Corals'. There you can find some of the nicest homes in OP. All the roads have recently been repaved after upgrades to the water and sewer systems. Many of the homes have been renovated from their original 1960's design, adding pools, enclosed garages, and custom landscaping. There are several large lakes connected by canals with access, albeit only for small water craft, to Middle River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

But I would not recommend any other areas of OP (west of Dixie Hwy) to move to, especially if you have children as the schools are not too good. Sadly Oakland Park Elementary School, the oldest elementary school in Broward County, is only rated a 2!

This is very helpful and I’ll pass along. Thank you.

Any idea when the apartment building will be finished adjacent to downtown? Read about it in the SS newspaper.

[tom77falcons]

I sure hope so cause Wilton Manors is right next to it.