Moving to Florida this summer...Boca,Weston,Parkland?? (Miami, Coral Springs: spring break, rent)

[Cluele$$]

We are coming to Fla over Spring Break to take a look at these areas and see which will fit our families needs best.
We have 3 children: 19 yr old daughter in College, soon to be 17 yr old son who is a Wrestler and Lacrosse player & 8 yr old son who loves everything....Schools are important to us. I am worried about my oldest son transitioning to a new High School his Senior yr.
We are not sure if we should rent or buy first. I am concerned about Renting first then moving to a different area/school district...thus moving my 8 yr old to a new school again.
My husband will be working at Miami Airport and is ok with a commute, as he does it now in Northern Va and is used to it, although I hear traffic is bad. He will work different shifts, so it may be worse on some days and fine on others. He retires in 4 yrs so it won't be forever. I am a Nurse and will look for work eventually when we are settled.
Any ideas on what to see to make our final decisions would be great. I was planning on visiting the schools, but they will be on Spring Break as well....so that won't work out
We would like a home with a pool in a family oriented community, close to shopping, restaurants etc...Thanks for your insight and help!

[Swimmom32]

My best advice is rent first we are glad we did....You cant tell by just visiting if an area is where you want to live...Weston, Parkland and Boca are totally different Areas and with different feels and different opinions...

Good Luck to you

[Cluele$$]

Thanks for responding. What is your honest opinion of each area. Feel free to private message me if you like. I appreciate your input, as it is so difficult relocating so far away.

[wizrap]

I live in Weston and have friends that live in Boca and Parkland. I am happy living in Weston and my friends are happy in Boca (central, east and west) and Parkland. I do not have children but my neighbors who do are happy with the schools here.

My friends in Parkland have children that are now grown, but also were happy with the high school (Marjory Stoneman Douglas). My friends in Boca were happy with the schools -- one has a young child (east Boca) and as the child is older, will probably send to private. Overall, I think you can't go wrong with any of the three places -- all are considered cities that are home to mostly upper class/upper middle class people -- all are considered "safe" (by South Florida standards) -- all either have, or are close to, fine dining, shopping, parks and amenities. There are no "sketchy" areas in any of these cities, IMHO. All have that family-friendly vibe. All are home to hospitals/medical plazas/urgent care centers so you have job opportunities as a nurse in all 3.

Each city is criticized for the following -- Weston: some people do not like to hear spanish spoken a lot (Weston has attracted the well to do from South America, mostly Venezuela). Parkland: a bit off the beaten track, wedged between Boca and Coral Springs, but far to the west -- not a lot of industry in the city so homeowners contribute greatly to the tax base. Boca? For some reason, Boca gets a bit of a bad rap for a "keeping up with the Jones' mentality" but to be honest, all 3 cities are guilty of that -- there are mansions and high end developments in all of the cities and you are going to find a good level of conspicuous consumption in all 3. I had one client whose (adult) daughter was spending her into a river of debt and her comment to me was that her daughter lived in Boca and had to have the Boca lifestyle -- "it is the Boca way." But again, all of the 3 cities you mention are guilty -- I see it in Weston too (and Parkland). Flashy new cars, home improvements, doggy day care -- on and on.

Boca is larger (about 200,000), then Weston with 60000 people, then Parkland with 25000. Your husband will have a much better commute from Weston -- I had an assignment in Doral earlier this month and my commute took me about 40 to 45 minutes, and I left around an hour after morning rush hour. Parkland would add another 20 minutes or so (at least). Depending on what part of Boca, about another 10 to 30 minutes (at least). If your husband doesn't mind it for the next 4 or so years, then of course that is for you two to discuss. Hope this helps.

[Swimmom32]

My DH commuted to Doral for years and it was horrible from Central Boca we are in between the Turnpike and 95

[THX 1138]

Originally Posted by Swimmom32

My DH commuted to Doral for years and it was horrible from Central Boca we are in between the Turnpike and 95

Brutal commute I agree.....even from South County...

[Cluele$$]

Thanks for the great info, I really appreciate it!