Working at and living near the University of Miami (Hialeah: middle-class, apartment complexes)

[Marissa4usa]

Hi all,
I just got a job offer to work at the University of Miami - absolute dream job, but not neccessarily well paid.

I would like to live as close as possible to the University. My salary, however, will be in the mid to high 20k area. I don't intend to spend much time in my apartment, so I don't need much space. A studio/efficiency is perfectly fine. I would also be okay having a roommate. I'd like to keep rent (excluding any utilites) under $600. I have a car so I will be able to commute, however, I'd like to keep that commute under 10 minutes, 15 at the very most. Obviously, I'd prefer a nice over a not-so-nice area, but I don't mind ethnically diverse areas as long as I am safe walking around on the streets.

What areas should I look at? I know that I am on a tight budget but any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[flyers29]

UM's in a pretty good area so you shouldn't have to look too far (though there is a small area around South Miami Hospital that's a bit sketchy). The area is pretty costly on the whole though, however you might be able to find something in your price range with a roommate.

[santiago33]

Look around 67th Ave from Sunset Dr to 40th St. That area is packed with apartments. There are some new apartments on 57th Ave, but probably more expensive. There are some apartments by US-1 right across the street from UM.

[perry335654]

Rent a room and put stuff in storage, this may allow you to live closer to UM for $600/mo.

[Marissa4usa]

Originally Posted by perry335654

Rent a room and put stuff in storage, this may allow you to live closer to UM for $600/mo.

Rent a room as in sublet? I have two cats so that would most likely not work out. I don't mind living with roommates and I don't mind putting stuff in storage but I do want to be equal to the person I live with if that's what it ends up being.

I am happy to have a commute to the university, as long as it's reasonable. Under $600 would be ideal, if it's a bit over, I guess I'd be fine with that as well. I just don't want to have to move every few months.

Any suggestions?

[perry335654]

Studio Miami Apartments for Rent - Find Studio Apartments in Miami, FL

Here is a list of studio apartments for rent.

[Marissa4usa]

Originally Posted by perry335654

Studio Miami Apartments for Rent - Find Studio Apartments in Miami, FL

Here is a list of studio apartments for rent.

Thanks, however, those seem to be primarily apartments owned by cooperations which I like to avoid if possible. I am not totally against it, I just feel that they overcharge you shamelessly. I prefer to rent from a private person or smaller apartment complexes. But I am open to anything. As a general rule, I'd also like to avoid having to sign a lease (but again, I am not totally against it).

[Hialeah_Rules]

Private renters are not gonna rent to a tenant with two cats.

Get rid of the cats or get a 12 month lease in the ghetto. $600 is not enough.

[Marissa4usa]

Originally Posted by Hialeah_Rules

Private renters are not gonna rent to a tenant with two cats.

Get rid of the cats or get a 12 month lease in the ghetto. $600 is not enough.

While I agree that this is the case a lot of the time, I am living proof that this isn't always true.

Again, $600 is what I would like to spend. If it ends up being more, I guess I have to deal with it. It obviously doesn't make sense to get a cheaper place far away from where I work and then waste money on gas. I don't need to live in walking distance, either, so it's okay if I have to commute. I just would like to know about decent neighbourhoods in a reasonable distance where I am not broke after paying rent. Getting rid of the cats isn't an option. And if I have to sign a lease, then that's what I'll do. I am just stating my prefered ideal situation to see what the options are that most closely resemble this ideal scenario.

[Marlin331]

Marissa:

If you want to live alone, I'd suggest looking for studios (when attached to a private home or in a small building, they're usually called "efficiencies" in Miami) in the Coral Terrace, West Miami, Westchester, and Coral Way areas. These are middle-class, quiet and safe areas where rents are quite reasonable. Look the the local classifieds, look at the messageboards at the entrace to Winn Dixie or Publix, look on Craigslist, and ask around to see if any of your coworkers or friends know of anyone who is renting anything.

Another option would be to just share a 2-bedroom apartment. You can find a place where $600 will be your share in many older, smaller buildings in South Miami, East Kendall, Coconut Grove and even Coral Gables.