Relocating to South Florida / Keys area

[joh]

I'd look at Broward County before the Keys, although I am sure some Keys folks would disagree.

Broward cost of living (housing in particular) is much more affordable, and the area is more liveable IMHO. Housing prices in nice family areas are still discounted from the crash. Some areas (Cooper City, Plantation, Weston) are known for good schools. There are numerous hospitals in Broward which will give you more options in finding employment in the nursing field. There are a wide variety of places of worship, and the shopping opportunities abound with good malls everywhere (which I do my best to avoid in order to keep my diving account stocked )

I live in central/southern-ish Broward County (Plantation, Florida) and dive often. I just went on Saturday, in fact. There are plenty of good dive charters and beautiful reefs, and the drive down the Turnpike to Key Largo for diving is about 1.5 hours. Miami-Dade would be even closer to the Keys and your sibling, but in my opinion the county is less liveable, and you and your child may not be up for the culture shock of the communities and schools there (then again, your child would pick up Spanish quickly!)

The forum at City-data.com should also be very helpful for you, in finding a community that meets your needs. Good luck and let me know if you have more questions.

 

[Wookie]

I'm sorry if I've given the impression that I don't like the keys, I'm a relative newcomer here, and I LOVE living here. I wouldn't bring a Middle School student/raise a child here, but I wouldn't raise a child anywhere. I'm amazed at how low the taxes are (I have a $200k home in Houston on which I pay over $5k per year) and how inexpensive the gas is in Key Largo. Key West meets my needs nicely, but I'm not trying to raise a child here. Yes, The keys are full of alcoholics, but they tend to congregate in bars, so if you don't like drunks, stay out of the bars. Key Largo has some options for private education, but the Monroe County School District is a hotbed of intrigue and a regular Peyton Place. Politics here can be just like any other third world country, and the further south you go, the more third world it is. Here in Key West, they still think like pirates, and if you want to do real business here, you better come with a big sack of cash and a willingness to spread it around.

I just wouldn't raise a child here.

 

[conchrandy]

24/7 gridlock in Dade and Broward. Not to mention the language barrier. I grew up in Coral Gables but don't miss it a minute when I look at the sunsets in the Florida Keys. Nonsense about substandard schools in the Upper Keys. Top rated for Florida. Baptist/Mariners Hospital in Tavernier is very highly regarded. Had surgery there and the care was second to none.

C'mon down!

 

[SheilaRee]

Thanks, everyone for your responses. I have friends around Singer Island and that area is nice and I've heard good things about Boynton Beach and Dania Beach. I have heard good things about Key Largo schools. Cost of living is about the same as where I am now. I'll probly concentrate my search from WPB down to Key Largo. I actually live on an island now. I enjoy the small town feeling but near enough to a larger city. I will definitely check Plantation, FL. Sounds intruiging!

 

[Splitlip]

Although some may not consider it South Florida, I recently purchased a 2nd home in St Lucie County over on the east coast. I am approximately 2 hours south of Orlando, 1.5 hours north of Fort Lauderdale and about 3.5 hours from Tavernier/Islamorada where I like to dive when in the Keys. The area is much nicer than the Keys as far as infrastructure is concerned and I don't think you have to worry about getting "island fever" which I have been told about. We were able to secure a home at a very reasonable price, much less than it would cost to build and it is in a gated community. Choose wisely but if you want to be closer to your sibling then it sounds like the Keys it is for you. I am not sure about the school district but you can do a search for Port St. Lucie Florida Schools. Good luck.

I know a little off topic, but you are an hour or less from Jupiter. Hope to see you here.

 

[sheeper]

i'll echo what jar546 said. We came to Indian River County (just north of jar546) in Vero Beach. We're on the barrier island...literally a block away from the ocean. we have one of the best school systems in the state, real estate prices are in the toilet so there is great valuehere. The county is undeveloped and we have great local diving. My buddy and I will go hit a dive at dawn and be at of desks and working by 9/9:30.
Plus we're an hour away (or less) from the world class diving in Jupiter and Palm Beach.

 

[Tom Winters]

If Florida is not your sole desire, with a nursing degree, you can go almost anywhere. Eleven years ago when I emigrated from Hawaii back to the United States, the RN contract pay was $65,000/year. Now it's over $70K. You won't buy a house on O'ahu with that, but you'll live ok. Your kid will have to go to private school - the premier ones like Punahou and Iolani are as good as Pinecrest here, although the Catlick diocese runs an extensive network of pretty much non-sectarian schools that are pretty good and affordable.
Some of the suggested cities mentioned above leave a lot to be desired.

 

[Scott L]

I greatly lean to Northern Palm Beach County (North Palm Bch, Palm Bch Gardns & Jupiter). Otherwise, I would go to Hawaii like Tom indicates...

 

[Splitlip]

Scott opened the door and I completely agree. Great beaches, great schools, no panhandlers, great hospitals, safe streets, good cops, little traffic congestion,our share of top eateries, Shakespeare on the Green oh...and diving! Top dive ops and marinas within minutes. You'll pay a little more for housing, but...location, location, location.

 

[deeper thoughts]

I hear North Carolina is really nice also