Relocating to Miami or Fort Lauderdale - Thoughts? (Jacksonville, Tampa: RV park, apartment)

[FrequentMover123]

I am going to be moving to the area in several months and I'm not sure where to start. I travel for my job, so access to either the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports will be important. If at all possible, I would like to live close to local gay communities. At this point I don't have a preference of Miami versus Lauderdale, but what will be important will be keeping my housing costs around $1200 a month. I know this is low, and I assume this will force me in to some not-so-wonderful areas, but I have other financial goals that require attention. I will play the hand I have been dealt, so to speak. The place I am living now isn't so wonderful either, but it is gentrifying, so I'm used to a mixed, urban neighborhood. I'm aware that property values in gayborhoods tend to be on the pricey side, so a place inside Wilton Manors probably won't be possible. I prefer not to live in a condo or an apartment. I've done the multi-family property thing. I don't like sharing walls or front door walk ways with neighbors. I will go the condo route if I have to, but some of the HOA dues I've seen are expensive, like a car payment!

Me: White male, late 40's, divorced, teenagers living with me part time on weekends. I'm a city boy. I'm used to urban living.

Does anyone have any thoughts on neighborhoods that are close to either of these airports, close to local LGBT communities that might fit the bill, and budget?

Thanks.

[vigo]

If you don't want a condo or apartment, what exactly are you looking for? A single family house? For $1200 a month? Not gonna happen in any kind of halfway decent neighborhood. You'll be lucky to find a 1 BR apartment for $1200.

[logybogy]

Your rental expectations are completely unrealistic for South Florida. You are going to struggle finding an apartment at $1200 in a halfway decent area. Forget about a single family home.

Is there a specific reason you are tied to South Florida? Your money would stretch much further in Central and Northern Florida. Places like Tampa and Jacksonville.

[independent man]

You might give a look to Oakland Park, next door to Wilton Manors. "Up & Coming", but not as pricey as WM. Finding a year round single family house at your rental price point may require some real sacrifices in the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area. A summer only rental may be doable.

[blueherons]

Even one bedrooms in Oakland Park are at $1200 and it sounds like you need at a minimum a two bedroom apartment.

I don't think your budget is realistic in South Florida for $1200 for multi bedrooms. Even in bad neighborhoods they just don't exist.

[FrequentMover123]

I'm looking at the area because my kids will be there, one of whom will be in high school, and I want to be around for that. There is no other reason for me to consider moving to any other part of Florida. I will need a 2BR. Yes I will have to make sacrifices, but I've been doing that for years. The neighborhood I'm in now is gentrifying, but still very much a mixed bag. Some consider it dicey. Mercedes and Audis mixed in with cars that wouldn't pass inspection. Half-million dollar duplexes and condos across the street from a housing project. Why should my Florida experience be any different? I'm paying much more now, but this is simply not sustainable or realistic for me long term.

[City Guy997S]

Plenty of 1/1 rentals for $1200 or less a month in 33316 zip code. Older buildings east of Federal with million dollar homes nearby (decent area). Very close to FLL airport also

[FrequentMover123]

Thank you. Does anyone have any knowledge of Miami and how the two area compare Lauderdale versus Miami? Eventually I want to buy, but it's not a good idea until I know what part of town my kids will be in. I'm sick of paying rent.

[independent man]

Originally Posted by FrequentMover123

Thank you. Does anyone have any knowledge of Miami and how the two area compare Lauderdale versus Miami? Eventually I want to buy, but it's not a good idea until I know what part of town my kids will be in. I'm sick of paying rent.

Comparable, but for the most part Miami is more expensive.

[FrequentMover123]

Originally Posted by vigo

If you don't want a condo or apartment, what exactly are you looking for? A single family house? For $1200 a month? Not gonna happen in any kind of halfway decent neighborhood. You'll be lucky to find a 1 BR apartment for $1200.

I didn't answer your question. Sorry. I prefer a single family home, or at least something that is not attached. I even toy with the idea of living in an RV or a tiny home, but there are additional complications with each of those, specifically, where can it be parked and for how long? If it isn't parked in an RV park, utilities become a concern, like with a tiny on wheels. How are water and electricity supplied? I don't want a composting toilet. Yuck! I don't know where other waste water goes like that from the sink, shower and washer. Would I be paying rent on a piece of land or some sort of slip or slot that will qualify for legal Florida residency? I'm guessing not. All I know is my housing costs are the only major expense I can influence when I move.