Working in Downtown Fort Lauderdale; Where to Live (Miami, Hollywood: home, restaurants)

[bencheli]

I'll be working in downtown Fort Lauderdale and am trying to figure out where to live. Single guy, 27. I spent some time in Fort Lauderdale, and the downtown is nice, but really not my scene (I've seen fewer places in this country that are more pretentious than Las Olas).

Basically, I've got to keep my commute to 30 minutes or less each way (otherwise, I'll go crazy). I work strange hours, so I'm never really on the highway during rush hour. I usually head to work around 10am and don't leave the office until after 8 or 9 at night. Some days, I work from home (especially if my boss is out of the office and doesn't need me there in person).

You guys gave me some great advice on Coral Gables (basically telling me that the commute would be insane). You were right.

So where can I live? Are there any nice parts of North Miami? Would the commute from downtown be reasonable? What about somewhere like Hollywood? I really need:

(1) Under 30 minute commute
(2) Lots of excitement near by (bars, clubs, restaurants, etc)
(3) Lots of young people... especially women.

Thanks.