Delray Beach or Miami for a young professional? (Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter: to rent, to buy)

[frimpter928]

Gay, professional Latino male here in his 30s. I am thinking of moving to the Delray or Miami area. My dad lives in Jupiter and I go every year, and when I do go I go to Delray every time. I love Delray because it's a city that I feel is the perfect mix of having a vibrant downtown area, with things to do, while not be overwhelming. I also love that you are close to both WPB and Ft. Lauderdale.

My question though is do you think as a gay professional in my 30s that Delray Beach will be good enough? I currently live in Chicago, and while I am gay, that's not something I really revolve my life around. Most of my friends are straight and I rarely go to gay bars, so having to have a major gay presence is not as important.

But I do want to be somewhere where I feel there will be a lot of other people around my age (30s-40s) and that are professionals. I love eating out at different restaurants, water sports, being in the sun. I love plants and nature overall and experiencing other cultures too. So I like to be active, outside and love to explore new places. Living somewhere walkable too is ideal.

With that being said, my worry with Delray Beach is maybe I might get too bored?

For reference, I would be working remotely and take my current job with me. My salary by the time I move would be $96k which I would think works well in Delray Beach? Wouldn't be looking to buy quite yet but to rent.

[Enigma777]

Originally Posted by frimpter928

Gay, professional Latino male here in his 30s. I am thinking of moving to the Delray or Miami area. My dad lives in Jupiter and I go every year, and when I do go I go to Delray every time. I love Delray because it's a city that I feel is the perfect mix of having a vibrant downtown area, with things to do, while not be overwhelming. I also love that you are close to both WPB and Ft. Lauderdale.

My question though is do you think as a gay professional in my 30s that Delray Beach will be good enough? I currently live in Chicago, and while I am gay, that's not something I really revolve my life around. Most of my friends are straight and I rarely go to gay bars, so having to have a major gay presence is not as important.

But I do want to be somewhere where I feel there will be a lot of other people around my age (30s-40s) and that are professionals. I love eating out at different restaurants, water sports, being in the sun. I love plants and nature overall and experiencing other cultures too. So I like to be active, outside and love to explore new places. Living somewhere walkable too is ideal.

With that being said, my worry with Delray Beach is maybe I might get too bored?

For reference, I would be working remotely and take my current job with me. My salary by the time I move would be $96k which I would think works well in Delray Beach? Wouldn't be looking to buy quite yet but to rent.

Actually Ft. Lauderdale seems to have the most concentrated gay community and social life. Lots of people your age and seems to be booming economically. Not sure what is going on in Miami. Used to be a gay community around South Beach, but that may be the group that has migrated to FLL.

Delray is ok, but downtown during season is not that great--crowded, hard to park, lines in bars and restaurants. There is definitely a downtown Delray scene, but there is a mix of gen x-ers, millennials, middle-age couples and families downtown. I do know some gay couples here--but they are sort of homebodies. When they go out, they go hang out with friends in FTL. I would check out FTL first, unless there is a reason you don't like it.

[frimpter928]

Originally Posted by Enigma777

Actually Ft. Lauderdale seems to have the most concentrated gay community and social life. Lots of people your age and seems to be booming economically. Not sure what is going on in Miami. Used to be a gay community around South Beach, but that may be the group that has migrated to FLL.

Delray is ok, but downtown during season is not that great--crowded, hard to park, lines in bars and restaurants. There is definitely a downtown Delray scene, but there is a mix of gen x-ers, millennials, middle-age couples and families downtown. I do know some gay couples here--but they are sort of homebodies. When they go out, they go hang out with friends in FTL. I would check out FTL first, unless there is a reason you don't like it.

Please note that being close to a gay community isn't super important but doesn't hurt. What are some areas you would suggest in Fort Lauderdale, that can give me a sort of Delray Beach vibe? I've been to Wilton Manors and while nice it's, I want to reiterate, living in a gay community is not crucial.

[projectmaximus]

I agree with Enigma. I say this with the caveat that I don't actually know any of the downtown/nightlife regions well besides Miami-Dade, but just the impression I have overall is that FTL will be much better for a young professional, not to mention gay. So unless you're going to visit your dad daily, I'd rather be down in the FTL region.

[cfbs2691]

Find the job first and relocate from there.

That being said, Delray gets old really fast as it's so touristy.

I agree that the eastern Ft Lauderdale area would be a better fit.

Best of luck!