objective opinions on North Andrews Gardens area (Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise: foreclosures, rental)

[ausguy96]

Hi all,
Renting currently in West Wilton. Like the area but looking for very modest (around 150k or less) small cottage type house for purchase. Will most likely be leaving the area for my job but want something simple but decent to return to from time to time.

Prefer house to condo and most of what comes up in my searches for around 1200 sq ft in my price range is North Andrews Gardens area and some other, in my opinion, more run-down areas of Oakland Park or Sunrise Blvd. area.

I have been through North Andrews but hoping to find folks that live there and can offer an objective opinion of what it's like.

Appreciate the help!

[SierraDog]

I'd avoid the area. I have looked at a couple of homes there, and found the neighborhood very unappealing. There was a lot of speculator investment in the area during the boom, leading to foreclosures and unkempt rental properties now. A shame, because of the proximity to Wilton Manors, but maybe it will improve over time. Check the crime stats for the Fort Lauderdale (FLPD) and Oakland Park (Broward Sheriffs Office), I recall looking and being turned off...

[rivermeetsanend]

I actually grew up in North Andrews Gardens...went to North Andrews Gardens Elementary, Rickards Middle & Northeast High School. My mother still lives there, 17 years later. I have no complaints of the neighborhood as a whole. It's not the most beautiful neighborhood, but I can attest that the crime isn't bad. We have never had a break in or experienced any other type of suspicious activity. It's a safe neighborhood...take it from me, someone who didn't just google the crime stats

[slopecouple]

I probably know you, rivermeetsanend. I grew up in NAG, went to NAG, Rickards and NE High.