Moving to SOCSOUTH area...

[Basenshukai]

Gentlemen,

Household 6 and I are looking for homes in the Homestead/Miami area. The fact that Homestead ranks 8 among the top 10 small cities (pop. less than 75,000, if memory serves) in violent crime, has H6 concerned about moving there.

Some folks have opined that there are certain "pockets" in Homestead where it is relatively safe.

It is far more likely that we'll move in a place other than Homestead, but within 25, or so, miles from SOCSO HQ. We have not visited the area for "house hunting" yet, but we plan to do so in about a month.

Our intention is to rent for the first year, and see what the next two, or three years will bring before we decide to buy anything.

Anyway, if anyone has any pointers, know anyone with a nice place willing to rent to another QP, etc., PM if you would be so kind. Or, just reply to this thread with some advice. I'm in receive mode on this one. Our BAH tops at $2931.00. But, we are trying to stay at $2700, if we can.

Thanks.

BAS

[Cuba]

Stay away from Homestead if you can. I lived around that area for about 4 months last year. It's definitely pockets of "safe" neighborhoods in Homestead but very small pockets. Especially around Homestead Air Reserve Base. The gated community I lived in about 6 miles from the base was nice and relatively calm but you would make a turn outside the gates and see a hell hole.

If your willing to drive to Homestead for a daily commute the base is 5-6 miles off Exit 6 on the Florida Turnpike, there is no traffic heading to Homestead in the morning either. 20-25 miles is about how far I am from Homestead as well.

I can PM more exact details but stick to the Westchester, Kendall areas. With that BAH amount you can find a really nice rental in those areas.

Good luck and welcome to Miami!

[JJ_BPK]

I have a couple cuz's living in Zip 33176, near The Falls, US #1 and 136 St,, Kendal, Cutler, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, area.

I would try to stay South of 88th ST, as Engrish is a 3nd language in most of Mijamy..

The other direction is South to Key Largo? If you want water and can afford the outrageous floor/wind storm insurance,, and a little commute.

Any address that has you using I-95, SR 836, The Turnpike (extension), Palmetto Park, SR 821, Don Shula Exp,, SUCKS big time..



Generally,, The area East of US #1 is better than The West side. Use Zillow and google street view to look at the neighborhood(s). If you have kids, let me know and I will ask where the good schools are, as two of my cuz's are retired teachers. One middle school, the other HS JROTC.


Zillow for 33176 zip (http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kendall-FL-33176/house,condo,mobile,townhouse_type/72478_rid/days_sort/25.717487,-80.273323,25.596019,-80.44241_rect/12_zm/)

PS: You can start the paper work for a FL CCW before you get there. You don't need to be a Floridian..