Not Retired - WFH (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood: spring break, HOA, insurance)

[LeavingDetroit]

Hi everyone,

We are mid50’s - 60 yo couple interested in relocating to SE Florida. We don’t have friends/family there (yet) and wish to be in an area where people are welcoming into the community, and interested in making new friends. The Fort Lauderdale area, especially close to a beach, is a definite contender.

We both work from home (WFH) so commuting isn’t an issue. Proximity to synagogues, a bit of restaurants/shops, and soccer leagues for this age men are other factors. We love clean, modern architecture and our budget is 1.2 M w/o HOA, reducing depending on monthly HOA and insurance costs.

We just saw a great move in ready home in Hollywood, and could also do a condo provided we are allowed to have our 50lb pup.

We’d welcome your thoughts and suggestions...

[Marc Middleton]

Hollywood Beach is a great option though it doesn't have a whole lot on your list (soccer leagues, close to synagogues) but its a great place to live for all the other items.

East Ft Lauderdale near Las Olas is good, Victoria Park is a nice option (and might get a new construction townhome/home in that budget), or a little further north in Lauderdale by the Sea. The HOA won't drive up costs much at all in those areas. The more expensive HOAs are further West of I-95.

We're a bit younger than you but with your budget and WFH, we would choose Victoria Park/Las Olas area. Great restaurants, nice walk-ability, close to a great beach (albeit a busy one in season/spring break!), lots to do, and a not a dull place to live by any means.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by Marc Middleton

We're a bit younger than you but with your budget and WFH, we would choose Victoria Park/Las Olas area. Great restaurants, nice walk-ability, close to a great beach (albeit a busy one in season/spring break!), lots to do, and a not a dull place to live by any means.

Las Olas has one huge negative..............T R A F F I C ! ! !

I was there last week, middle of the day and it just crawls everywhere within 5 miles of there

[Marc Middleton]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

Las Olas has one huge negative..............T R A F F I C ! ! !

I was there last week, middle of the day and it just crawls everywhere within 5 miles of there

Maybe between the Tunnel to Rocco's Tacos there is traffic, but that's the main drag. You can cut behind into Victoria Park with very little issues and then take side streets to Las Olas. And that's maybe 5 or 6 pm, not all day. Most of the time its a non-issue. When you use all caps like that for Traffic, that reminds me more of I-95 South from Aventura to Downtown at 8AM or I-95 North from Downtown to Aventura after 4PM.
Now that's traffic! ($10+ express lanes!)

[OptimusPrime69]

What about east Boca Raton or East Delray Beach? Super cute areas. Guaranteed to find a synagogue... close to Ft lauderdale for when u want it. You can find some real modern and chic places there too for that budget. It's worth a look-see.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Marc Middleton

Maybe between the Tunnel to Rocco's Tacos there is traffic, but that's the main drag. You can cut behind into Victoria Park with very little issues and then take side streets to Las Olas. And that's maybe 5 or 6 pm, not all day. Most of the time its a non-issue. When you use all caps like that for Traffic, that reminds me more of I-95 South from Aventura to Downtown at 8AM or I-95 North from Downtown to Aventura after 4PM.
Now that's traffic! ($10+ express lanes!)

Nah - false. Almost all the streets around Las Olas are filled with traffic approaching from either Broward Blvd or the South. Las Olas itself is stop and go all day long once you hit Rocco’s. The streets behind (Victoria Park) can provide traffic relief but at the expense of driving through a maze.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Nah - false. Almost all the streets around Las Olas are filled with traffic approaching from either Broward Blvd or the South. Las Olas itself is stop and go all day long once you hit Rocco’s. The streets behind (Victoria Park) can provide traffic relief but at the expense of driving through a maze.

This is so incorrect.

I live on Las Olas and work on Las Olas. Even on weekend nights when there is a lot of traffic, with the exception of 15th Street the side streets are empty.

I sound like a broken record but I strongly second Victoria Park. It's a gorgeous neighborhood and with everything on your wish list.

It's a fantastic neighborhood with a great mix of white, black, hispanic, families, singles, kids, straight, gay, everything. Some parts of close enough to walk to Las Olas or at the very least, a cheap uber.

Rio Vista is also a strong contender but your budget will not go as far there. Victoria Park is about 20% less expensive.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by blueherons

This is so incorrect.

I live on Las Olas and work on Las Olas. Even on weekend nights when there is a lot of traffic, with the exception of 15th Street the side streets are empty.

Maybe some of the smaller residential side streets, sure, but any main road in that area is very difficult with traffic. Trying to portray the area as mostly traffic free is nonsense.

Also, the OP said they like clean, modern architecture. That is not Victoria Park.

[WrongStreet]

Originally Posted by Marc Middleton

Hollywood Beach is a great option though it doesn't have a whole lot on your list (soccer leagues, close to synagogues) but its a great place to live for all the other items.

Hollywood Beach is close to a bunch of synagogues, what gives you the impression that it isn't compared to places like Victoria Park or Las Olas?

[Lincolnian]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Maybe some of the smaller residential side streets, sure, but any main road in that area is very difficult with traffic. Trying to portray the area as mostly traffic free is nonsense.

Also, the OP said they like clean, modern architecture. That is not Victoria Park.

Kidyankee764 are you in FL now? I thought you moved from CT to Virginia or the Carolinas?