New to Miami (Kendall, Largo, Homestead: section 8, rent, new home)

[Chitown60005]

Hi all! I am moving to Miami from Chicago soon. I will be working in Florida City but I have no clue where to start looking for a place to live. I'm looking for a safe neighborhood with rent around $1100-$1400. I don't know what traffic is like either so someplace within an hour drive would be nice too.

[somebodymiami]

Umm Florida City lol... well the immediate areas arent too great around there, are you black by any chance hah?

[Mcsmith0210]

Eh- you could get by living in Homestead or Pinecrest. Stay away from anywhere with the "Section 8 OK" ads.

[Chitown60005]

I'm a white female...I could work on my tan though. What about Key Largo? Is it safe?

[dadeguy]

homestead is probably your best choice. what work do you do in fl city?

[somebodymiami]

Originally Posted by Chitown60005

I'm a white female...I could work on my tan though. What about Key Largo? Is it safe?

Yea Key Largo is pretty safe Homestead is alright too but it isnt the best place and some areas arent that great.... Either way i see it you are gonna have a long ride and working in florida city, probably travel through some bad parts.

[gymbuff]

Try looking at West Kendall. Go as west as you can. I am not sure if the commute will be within your 1 hour limit, but check it out. Homestead and Florida city have their sketchy areas.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Originally Posted by Chitown60005

I'm a white female...I could work on my tan though. What about Key Largo? Is it safe?

I wonder if some people here are really THAT familiar with some areas in Miami. I go to Homestead on a regular basis and I have never ever stopped in Naranja or leasure city for anything. I mean you have to use common sense sometimes. You don't even have to go through those areas if you take the turnpike.

I don't like that Key Largo/Homestead commute though. I don't know if they have changed the highway(too much construction going on down there) but for me two-way streets at high speed are very dangerous. I mean going to the keys on weekends it's great but an everyday commute it's too much. A lot of people feel the same way about that commute.

I think the new homestead (East of US1 would be your best option) because it would be cheaper and closer.

You can also consider west kendall. You can take either the Turnpike or the back streets (147 ave) I live in W. Kendall and it takes me 20-25 minutes to get to homestead(I go there on a regular basis) The only problem is that this is a very family oriented community and homes area rather big (3 rooms or more) You will not be able to afford all homes but you will find some.

[kevinkagy]

I'd look in Homestead. You want to keep your commute to a minimum. Unfortunately, that area of Miami-Dade is really rural, so there aren't many things to do. Many times, you'll find yourself driving north into Miami to go shopping at malls and stuff, but that is changing slowly as Homestead grows.

[Chitown60005]

I will be working at the hospital there in Florida City but Homestead sounds like a good area and I have been looking for a house there. Thank you all for your help and if anyone else has suggestions please let me know.