Moving to Miami- need the locals' opinions (Kendall, Coral Gables: wood floors, condos) - Florida (FL) -Miami-Dade County - City-Data Forum

Davachka · 09-26-2007, 05:17 PM

My husband, daughter and I are planning a move to Miami. My husband did his hospital rotations there a few years ago and we are somewhat familiar- but not enough- with the neighborhoods.

We were looking at 2 communities, both around 400K for homes. One says the address is Miami, the other says Homestead. However when I did a search, I think the "Miami" address may be closer to Homestead than the builder will admit.

Is this a high crime area? I typed in a search on the Florida Sex Offenders website and it said there were 170 offenders within 5 miles of the home???!!! How is that possible in a n'hood that starts at 400K?

Is this a big problem in South FL? Is crime heavy down there?
Are there any high patrolled neighborhoods that are still safe in Miami (that are below 500K?

I am a foreigner and diversity of culture and language is something we thrive on, however if anyone has advice on the safest areas and advice on the south Miami-Homestead area it would be much appreciated!!

BUBBAboyTM · 09-26-2007, 05:21 PM

Hi... if you give me an exact location, I can help you. For 400K, you can do MUCH better now in Miami than Homestead. I have seen houses that are only 1-4 years old in the paper with garage and 3-4 bedrooms in the Homestead area for about $275k. Almost new 3 bedroom condos can be had for about $150k. So, $400k for me in Homestead is WAY overkill! The only way to really enjoy living in Homestead is working there. If you have to commute into Miami proper, you will be in traffic for at least an hour... I have done it before and I actually switched jobs as I couldn't take it anymore.

BUBBAboyTM · 09-26-2007, 05:24 PM

If you can afford 500k, I would go to an area like Coral Gables. You will have to look hard for a house in that price, but it can be done. Other places to consider are South Miami, Westchester (if you like a heavy hispanic flavor) and an area with nice older homes name Miami Springs. As far as crime, Miami is a big city and stuff happens. Usually the "suburbs" don't have as much of a problem as Miami proper.

Davachka · 09-26-2007, 05:31 PM

The address is: 23401 SW 114 Pl Miami (Silver Palms) I'm not sure if its Miami or not.
I think its pricier b/c its a gated/patrolled community. Are there other communities like this in Miami that you know of?
Yes, I will be commuting to Miami- an hour ouch- sounds like too much.

I would really like to hear about the safest areas if possible- obviously a gated community is safe- at least theoretically.

Davachka · 09-26-2007, 05:35 PM

Thanks BUBBAboyTM...I'll look into those areas...trying to do everything on our own but it may be smart to get a realtor involved.
No, 400-430K is our limit, so coral gables may not be an option, but I will be driving to Miami everyday to take both myself and my daughter to school so the commute is important...

doggiebus · 09-26-2007, 06:24 PM

I looked that address up, but it didn't come up. Looks like it is probably one of those new subdivisions south of Goulds, am I correct? I am not sure what exactly that area is called as it is new. Its not Cutler Bay (Cutler Ridge) it may be part of Goulds or Princeton? It better be gated and patrolled in that area, as it isn't to far from Goulds not a good area.

For 500k try east Kendall, you may find a fixer upper in east kendall 400k -440k but I mean something with original 1960's stuff inside. If you are looking under 450k try in Kendall but west of the 874. Maybe Hammocks or Sabel Chase?????

Where in Miami will your commute be too?

As far as your question about high numbers of sexual predators, Florida does have a high number of sexual predators (someone once told me why, something with they have more protection or rights here????) They are not allowed to live in so many feet of a school. So usually (if they register) there shouldn't be any predators in homes near schools. to answer your question about how they live so close or in a 400k price area, because 400k in Miami isn't expensive.

As far as where are the high patrolled areas, they are where the crimes are. Cops told me, high patrolled areas are the ones that have high crime in them or have had a lot of recent crime in the area. Usually the areas that don't have crime the "safer areas" don't get patrolled because they are not needed there. The Miami-Dade police department is stretched so they can't just patrol areas if there is no crime in those areas (unless they get paid extra by the community it self, but under 500k you will not get a community like that).

Quote:

Originally Posted by faina00

The address is: 23401 SW 114 Pl Miami (Silver Palms) I'm not sure if its Miami or not.
I think its pricier b/c its a gated/patrolled community. Are there other communities like this in Miami that you know of?
Yes, I will be commuting to Miami- an hour ouch- sounds like too much.

I would really like to hear about the safest areas if possible- obviously a gated community is safe- at least theoretically.

BUBBAboyTM · 09-26-2007, 06:47 PM

I am familiar with that area... that is right after Goulds and before Homestead... If you are in a gated community, I wouldn't worry. You are right off of US 1 so you don't have to go through any bad neighborhoods or anything like that. I would be more concerned with the commute. Check to see where your job will be located in relation to the turnpike. You can catch the turnpike right near there and sail across Miami. For the money that you want to spend, I personally would invest in the South Miami or Westchester area. For your price point, you could only find a condo in Coral Gables. Westchester is actually very nice, very safe... lots of families... and is very centrally located. The main housing stock there are ranch style houses from the 60s to late 1970s. They are usually spacious with nice sized yards. Miami Springs is also nice... centrally located. Housing stock there are homes from the 1930s-1950s with wood floors, fireplaces and most are custom built... so they don't all look the same. Another area you might want to consider is Doral. It is a nice area that is centrally located and has lots of new housing stock. All communities in Doral all gated. Many of the people that live in Doral tend to be snooty...but the communities are truly beautiful and very safe.

compelled to reply · 09-26-2007, 06:49 PM

Uhh....I think we can guess where I would recommend

.

Oh and about the offenders, if you are under 25 in 5 miles,your generally doing good for anywhere. Its unfortunate, but the creeps live all over the country in large amounts. Florida in general does have a particularly high ratio of them though.

doggiebus · 09-26-2007, 06:50 PM

South Miami starts in the 700k for a small 3/2 under 2000 sq. ft. Unincorporated Miami-Dade areas around South Miami are in the 500k range.

Davachka · 09-26-2007, 06:51 PM

Yes, Silver Palms is south of Goulds, west of Biscayne , just off 91 and if you find silver palm drive it is near there, a couple miles south of the monkey jungle. Like the development, it is a new area, but was wondering if the surrounding areas had something to do with it being gated!

I will be driving my daughter to school and driving myself to FIU Law School (I'm still a student). My husband travels 40% of the week and therefore its just the 2 of us much of the time and so we're looking for an area where we will feel comfortable.

I will look up the Kendall area you suggested- we really don't have the time for a fixer upper- hopefully will find something newer, thanks Doggiebus.