Exciting but safe area for college grad (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: rentals, condo)

[Foursnow]

I am a recent college graduate renting and working in Plantation, FL. I like my condo but the area is a little too suburban for my taste. I'd like an area with more bars, shops, restaurants, etc in a close range.

I'm open to a condo anywhere within a decent commute (maybe under 30 min), preferably ocean or lakefront. I've looked at Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas but I'm not too familiar with the area to know whats safe, or good for young people.

My price range is between $800-1300. Let me know any recommendations, thanks.

[DCkid]

Simple answer to your request:

1. Downtown Fort Lauderdale
2. Youngs Circle area in Hollywood

Both of those areas meet all of your mentioned criteria.

[planetsurf]

I agree with DCkid -- if you are working in Plantation, that eliminates most of Dade.
The only 2 suggestions in Dade would be NoBe (~45 St) and Aventura area.

May not be worth the drive north for you though.
I have a great friend who lives in Aventura and commutes to Weston everyday -- not a bad drive at all for him.
And I've worked in Broward and lived in CGables and never had a problem going Northbound on 95 for the commute, so it isn't out of the question.

Downtown Ft Lauderdale, I'd look east on Las Olas, along the canals. Some really nice rentals around there. Note it's a pretty gay area (not there is anything wrong with that!).