Ives Estates or Andover Estates (Miami, Miramar: crime, homes, landscaping)

[Miami06]

I'm a single mom with kids. I looked at a new development called Coconut Cay in the Andover Estate neighborhood in Miami Gardens today, and really like what I saw. But the surrounding neighborhood doesn't look so nice. I've also been looking at Ives Estate which looks like it is up and coming. I don't know much about both neighborhoods, any information is welcome. Also, which of the two would like appreciate in value when I sale? Thanks you for your input.

[giz2000]

Miami Gardens is not one of the safest neighborhoods...I would consider looking a little more to the north of both places....hope this helps.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by giz2000

Miami Gardens is not one of the safest neighborhoods...I would consider looking a little more to the north of both places....hope this helps.

I actually wouldn't look further north, but maybe more to the east if the budget permits, if not then the west.

To the north of Ives Estates is West Park which is an okay to crappy area that is not dissimilar to Miami Gardens. Immediately to the north is actually a neighborhood that is called "Miami Gardens" but it is in Broward County and this area is depressed. It's mostly home to 1950s/1960s style ranches that have not been kept up too well and are very small inside. Not a scary area, but not ideal. Getting further north gets into crappier areas where crime might be an issue. I would recommend Ives Estates over any of these areas to the north.

To the north of Coconut Cay are okay sections of Miramar that are similar to Ives Estates, with some nice streets if you like 1960s style homes. The pocket between 64th/68th Ave to the south of Miramar Pkwy in particular is an especially tidy area, most of the homes have nice landscaping, fresh paint, etc, while the rest of it is pretty similar to Ives Estates but with more one-story homes. Again, Andvoer Estates is actually nicer than the areas to the north although I think that area to the north might have a lower crime rate. This is also a better elementary school district, but the middle school sucks and the high school is below average.

If you like the homes in Coconut Cay, you might want to look into WEST Miramar (west of Red Rd) which is about 20 minutes from there and a much better school district. If you like the homes in Ives Estates, you might want to look into the Sky Lake area on the east side of I-95, although it's expensive and I'm not sure about the elementary schools.

[giz2000]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

I actually wouldn't look further north, but maybe more to the east if the budget permits, if not then the west.

To the north of Ives Estates is West Park which is an okay to crappy area that is not dissimilar to Miami Gardens. Immediately to the north is actually a neighborhood that is called "Miami Gardens" but it is in Broward County and this area is depressed. It's mostly home to 1950s/1960s style ranches that have not been kept up too well and are very small inside. Not a scary area, but not ideal. Getting further north gets into crappier areas where crime might be an issue. I would recommend Ives Estates over any of these areas to the north.

To the north of Coconut Cay are okay sections of Miramar that are similar to Ives Estates, with some nice streets if you like 1960s style homes. The pocket between 64th/68th Ave to the south of Miramar Pkwy in particular is an especially tidy area, most of the homes have nice landscaping, fresh paint, etc, while the rest of it is pretty similar to Ives Estates but with more one-story homes. Again, Andvoer Estates is actually nicer than the areas to the north although I think that area to the north might have a lower crime rate. This is also a better elementary school district, but the middle school sucks and the high school is below average.

If you like the homes in Coconut Cay, you might want to look into WEST Miramar (west of Red Rd) which is about 20 minutes from there and a much better school district. If you like the homes in Ives Estates, you might want to look into the Sky Lake area on the east side of I-95, although it's expensive and I'm not sure about the elementary schools.

That's what I meant...I am really crappy with directions!!! thanks!

[Miami06]

Thank you for your input.