Young family may be relocating to Ft. Lauderdale are... (Coral Springs: short sale, apartments)

[ericacamp]

My husband may be relocated to Pompano Beach through his company. We are both early 30s, we have a 2.5 year old and a baby due in a few weeks. I am trying to gather some information about the area so we have an idea of a minimum income we would need (I stay at home) and safe, family friendly neighborhoods within a reasonable commuting distance from Pompano.

If the relocation happens, the plan is to rent for at least 6 months and look for a home in the meantime. I am anticipating our cost of living to go up dramatically, especially housing. Are there any resources to figure out how much things like utility bills, grocery prices, etc compare? We currently enjoy a low cost of living near Chattanooga, TN.

Any help would be appreciated. If you need more information please ask.

[MissShona]

You can Google 'cost of living' calculator. I don't think I can link because they are competitor's sites.

[vr2]

Oh, my, God. What did they tell you about Pompano? It's the worst, most dangerous city in the county. Granted I have a place on the ocean there and east of the intercoastal is marginally ok, especially as you head more south towards lauderdale by the sea.

Anyways, if you want to be in a reasonable area with a house, you'll need a minimum $80k to be comfortable. Otherwise you'll end up in troubled cheaper areas, which you'll think look ok when you come to visit, until you live there for a few weeks and realize what you got yourself into.

Right now most people are leaving the area to go to the South (TN, NC, SC, etc.). If you can afford it and stay out west though, (Davie, Southwest Ranches, West Sunrise, West Coral Springs, Parkland, Boca) the area does have a lot to offer. Just don't expect low cost of living.

[ericacamp]

Thanks for the heads up. The company hasn't said anything about the area, but I have been doing some research. We have already decided that we won't relocate for less than 75k, he will get bonuses on top of this, so hopefully that will work out. Neither one of us are thrilled about the location, but it would be hard to turn down a promotion in this economy. We won't know if this move is actually happening for at least another week.

We plan to rent an apartment for the first 6 months so we get a feel for the area before we commit to buying a house. Is coral springs a reasonable commute from Pompano Beach? We are hoping that this will be a five year stop so schools might only be an issue for k and 1st grades, but that area seems to be a nice combination of family friendly without being too far out of the way.

[StEt0417]

With young ones, I would stay out west the schools are better out there. Coral springs isnt far. It takes my husband about 15 minutes from P.beach to get to work. Parkland is nice too but its expensive. Weston, P.pines, cooper city are nice too but it is a hike if his job is in P.beach. I think coral springs or boca is your best choice. The schools are much better in Boca. although coral springs is nice, it does have some seedy parts like all of south florida and I would choose west boca schools over coral springs. Either way you cant go wrong with those two areas, lots of family things to do.

[vr2]

Ditto. Coral Springs (depends which part) and Boca are your best options.

[Beccamomof2]

Highly recommend Coral Springs (most parts) and Parkland area if you can swing it. The Hampton Apartments are a good place to rent. We love it! And if you are coming from the midwest, expect to have some sticker shock when it comes to housing.

[Girlymomof2]

We just relocated from Charlotte NC & are currently renting in Parkland. Very family-friendly & schools are supposed to be great. Our kids are 2 & 4, so we aren't in elementary yet, but have heard good things. I stay at home as well, and am having a little trouble finding a preschool comparable to the one our girls attended in Charlotte. Our kids went to a half day program at a Presbyterian church. Seems like most preschools here offer half day programs, but mostly serve as full day childcare for working parents. Anyone out there have preschool suggestions near Parkland?

[compelled to reply]

Boca Raton is probably the closest (especially eastern areas) and best option but can be pricey. Coral Springs is a good second choice. With one child, a minimum yearly income of at least $70,000 dollars is ideal. Expect to pay about $250,000 for a 3 bedroom single family home in a good school district, or put a higher percentage down on a cheaper foreclosure/short sale.

[Nolefan34]

Pompano is safe enough to work in. Just lock your doors when you drive through the western half of Pompano west of Dixie Highway. Anything near I-95 or the Turnpike is ghetto-land. Chances are, your job is in a safer area of Pompano or on a secured campus of some sort. Don't drive down Hammondville Road or wander into backstreets in any areas west of Dixie Highway. Stay on the main roads such as Atlantic Blvd, Copans Road, or Sample Road.

As for areas to live, Coral Springs, Parkland, Boca Raton, and Coconut Creek are all only 15-20 minutes away in any direction from Pompano Beach. They are all good family areas considered suburbs.