Ideal community in Florida to settle in??

medola

Thu, Mar 29 2012, 1:33 pm

So, Florida people (and people who have at least once visited Florida, or heard of the place...), what would you say is the ideal community to settle in in Florida?
We're hoping to find a place starting August.

For a young family (mid-20s) with young kids (including infant),
not farther than an hour (tops) commute from downtown Miami by car or train (tho DH's work is not all the way downtown - it's by the medical center I believe?),
affordable rent/buy (~$1100/mo for 2br/under $150k to buy),
nice warm frum community (if I'd have to categorize us we're like RWMO/LWyeshivish/JustPlainFrum/BT...),
with good schools/playgroups nearby,
shiurim for women or some other community events to meet people,
pretty safe,
and all the ammenadies (kosher markets, shuls, mikvah, shops).
Did I miss anything?

A little direction would be great!
So far we're looking into Miami Beach, NMB, Hollywood and Boca.
If you have any info on these communities or other ones, please write a few lines about what it's like to live there...

Thanks!!

amother

Thu, Mar 29 2012, 1:43 pm

Boca will realistically be longer than 1 hr commute
NMB is not considered a safe neighborhood
Miami Beach will probably cost you a bit more in terms of rent
I don't know of a downside to Hollywood because I'm not as familiar with the community.
That's it, based on your criteria Smile

amother

Thu, Mar 29 2012, 1:55 pm

I know

I listed the cons so you can decide what you feel is the biggest dealbreaker. All the communities meet your other criteria, to varying degrees. I would really recommend coming down for a pilot trip and visiting all the communities before deciding on one. They are each unique, and it seems you aren't really getting a sense based on people's descriptions which is best for you.