salary req for singles and job search (Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines: apartments, for rent)

[OA82]

I'm considering relocating Aug/Sept 10'. I currently live outside of Philadelphia, PA. A decent one bedroom apartment in my area is around 700/800. I was able to locate a few smaller apartments around the same price range in down town Fort L. I'm a single 27/f moving alone. Would a salary of 38-42k be enough to live decent in that area? What is the resident age group? I remember the age group seemed 26-32 while on vacation a few years ago. I was unsure if my age group was mostly tourist or actual residents in the area. Any help would be appreciated. I am starting to look for jobs now.

[Shoegal1075]

I don't live there yet, however, I'm in the process of moving down there. I think you can find a nice apartment for a little more money and with luck for the same that you are paying in Philly. The figures that you are using 38k-42k is that a guestimate for a job or are you transferring and know that will be what you will make? I'm asking because until you get the job I wouldn't bank on a salary. It seems to be a slippery slope if that is what you are doing. I don't think you will live a luxurious life on that salary, but I think you could be fine at least according to some of the posters here. SfL is a funny place, because while you will find deals that you can't believe, you will also find yourself saying "damn this is cheaper in Philly" - I said that and I'm from NYC, deemed the most expensive place in America to live. Also, consider why are you moving advancement of career opportunities, more money, etc. Florida from what I have gathered can be a very lonely place if you don't get from it what you inteded to get.

I am moving there to be closer to family (that may be a plus or minus - LOL), but also for the quality of life for my kids.

Also, are you a woman or man. Generally, I would never ask, but I would say that would make me lean toward certain areas that are safer for a woman. Good luck with your adventure.

[Nolefan34]

OA82>

I am a 27 yo male, so I think I can help you. First, there are lots of people our age here. More than anywhere. There is no dominant age group here, but if anything it is young people in their 20's. There used to be lots of retirees, but that was back in the 80's. Most of them have either died off or moved away. Fort Lauderdale is no longer a retiree-tourist city. It still attracts lots of tourists, but is mostly permanent residents. Retirees no longer flock here in droves. They go to Naples or Sarasota. South FL has become too big for them. You should have no issue meeting people your age. Now, there are some areas that are younger than others. For instance, Las Olas is predominantly people in their 20's and 30's. Tamarac and Sunrise Lakes are predominantly retirees. Those are just some examples. There are lots of tourists here, but they do not make up the bulk of residents.

A salary of $38,000-42,000 will get you by here, but you will not be able to live luxuriously. Also, it will be tough to find something decent for $700-800 for rent. The cheaper rents are in the western suburbs like Coral Springs, Parkland, Sunrise, and Pembroke Pines. Those are nice areas, but are further away from Fort Lauderdale and the beach which is why they are cheaper. You may feel more isolated out there. Fort Lauderdale and anything on the beach or water will be more expensive. Las Olas is the most expensive area. That is where all of the luxury apartment buildings are and where there is a ton of nightlife. But I do not believe you can afford to live there on that salary. Unless your other expenses (car payments, insurance, etc) are paid off or are very low, it will be difficult to survive in prime areas off of that salary. I would recommend checking Plantation and Davie. They are centrally located suburbs not far from Fort Lauderdale and the beaches. Also, the population is a bit younger than the other western suburbs.

As far as jobs, the job market is very slow here right now. It depends which field you are in too. Some fields might be hiring, but most are not. I would secure a good job before you move down. Now, you will be at a disadvantage living up north. Many employers do not seriously consider hiring someone who isn't local yet. One trick I learned is to rent a PO Box in Fort Lauderdale just for job-seeking purposes, and have the mail forwarded to your Philly address. That way, employers will be less likely to throw out your resume before reading it. In the end, you will have to explain your situation to them but at least you might get the opportunity.