Palm Beach County - pedestrain friendly, good schools & family activities? (Miami: for rent, low crime)

[BrightonFamily]

We are a family moving over from the UK to Florida this summer just in time for our little boy (4yrs) to start school. Job based in FL is secured

Are there any areas in Palm Beach County (maybe in Boca Raton) where you can walk to the shops like what you can do in UK?

So far it seems that Boca Raton, Coral Springs or Cooper City might be suitable based on what I read about these places. Crime is everywhere but we'd like to steer away from areas run by gangs. A decent neighbourhood where you can walk at night and leave the Uzi and Kevlar vest at home.

We'd like an area that is pedestrian friendly that is close to good schools and not so far from the beach or shops. An area also where there are activities for the little guy so that mum can take him to a park or some activity without needing a car. I've been over to the US several times and know that the country is built with the automobile in mind but I know pedestrian areas do sometimes exist.

We'd be renting a 2/3 bedroom home. Furnished or part-furnished so any agents are welcome to send me your details if you think you can help us.

Thanks
Ross

[hat456]

I have been directing people toward Jupiter, FL. I am in touch with a realtor there, and he is from CT (like me), so we both have the same viewpoint. Many have told me about the quality of the town, schools, etc... Haven't seen a negative comment yet. The town goes out of its way to try to preserve quality of life there. Its beautiful.

Cooper City is nice, but you are surrounded by some 'patchy' areas. Not much of a walking environment. Boca is nice with good schools and a large Jewish community, plenty of shopping, etc...
Don't know about Coral Springs.

Good luck!

[Swimmom32]

Jupiter is beautiful but I dont know about walking Areas..there are some areas of boca you can walk too..the Beach in Boca depending where u live can range between 10-20 Minutes...I do love the schools in Boca which was our Main Reason for Moving there besides it fit what we were looking for..

[TriMT7]

The Abacoa neighborhood might be right up your alley. Jupiter schools (very good), low crime, walk to "town center" for restaurants and shops, community pools, a skate park, baseball stadium.... lots of townhouses and homes.

BUT...where is your job located? Did you mention cities in Broward County because you'll be working in Ft. Lauderdale area? Jupiter will be a far commute for that.

[BrightonFamily]

Thanks for everybody so far for your input.
I'll be working up & down the Eastern Seaboard of the USA, with occasional trips midwest or further so for me I need to be close to a well connected but swift airport.

Wife seems to like what she sees so far of Fort Lauderdale, mainly because it’s a bigger city which would have more options for activities and schools. Keep on hearing good things about Bora Raton but its population is half that of Fort Lauderdale.

I think our category would be middle class or upper middle class I suppose, income I would expect to be around $115k but I’m not entirely sure how far that goes in FL.

Our priorities are:
· Good schools
· Lots of things to (parks, sports, museums, aquariums)
· Decent shopping areas
· A city feel rather than a small town feel
· Within range of Miami for occasional trips
· Homes that I can afford (2-3bedroom plus garden) – for renting initially
· Easy access to nice beaches
· Water Taxi, Trams or any other fun public transport
· Near decent airports

Perhaps that clarifies things a little better.

[brinked]

Jupiter. Go with abacoa so you also get the great dining and shopping of palm beach gardens