Miramar Florida

[trip]

Yes, another thread about possibly moving to Florida.

My DH is interviewing for an IT contract job that would be located in Miramar. We have only spent time at Destin and Disney - really don't know anything else about Florida. We would love to spend the 6 months on/near a beach nearby. Would the daily commute be terrible? Does anyone have any suggestions, recommendations and or words of wisdom?

 

[heart4pooh]

I was born and raised in Miramar. South Florida is too hot and has too many people for my tastes. I live in a small town on the coast of NC now. I have no intention of ever moving back.

That being said, if you were to live on Hollywood Beach while working in Miramar, it wouldn't be a bad commute. It would be worse if you lived further north in Ft. Lauderdale or further south in Miami/Dade, as far as commute to Miramar goes.

We had a new employee begin working at the doctor's office I work at back in December. It ends up she was born and raised in Miramar, too! My mouth dropped. Most people have no idea where it is. I usually say I'm from Hollywood, FL. Also, FYI, Johnny Depp went to Miramar High School.

PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[luvlumpy]

I was also born and raised in Miramar. I'd say the commute from the beach to east Miramar is about 20 minutes, but if the job is in west Miramar it's about 30 minutes or more. It has changed so much in the 18 years since I lived there, but I've got some great childhood and high school memories of Miramar. The weather is great and there is so much to do. If you are going to be there in the winter there will be lots of snowbirds living at the beach. Not sure if that makes a difference to you or not. I think it would be great to live on the beach for six months. I'd check Hollywood Beach or Hallandale Beach..closest to Miramar. I now live in Tennessee, but my parents are still there. I love to visit!

 

[SandrA9810]

There's some decent spots in Hollywood that would put you close to the beach. You could also look into Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Miami Gardens (my dad's side lives there and it's a richy rich area for the most part). I lived in Cooper City with my aunt to go to school there, it never really changed. Pembroke Pines keeps getting bigger and bigger, it's got it's ups and downs. And before moving to Orlando in 06, I lived in Hollywood right off US1. Hollywood is kind of tricky, the closer you are to the beach, better the neighbor hood. Cross US1 (going west) and it's not so pretty, cross Dixie Highway and you think you're some place else (with windows rolled up).

But Hollywood is kind of nice. Back before they rebuilt the horse track we used to go on saturdays for a $5 concert, usually 80's bands or some group really outdated. The beach was about 15 minutes away, and we'd go to the intercoastal and grill up some burgers. Y100 (radio station) used to do their annual concert at Young Circle Park in Hollywood, and they've done some major revamping on it. Hollywood is also known for it's arts, there's a couple different Playhouses. There really is a little bit of something for every one in Hollywood, but it's a very mixed bag of people.

Ohh and you'll have to try Jacksons, it's an Ice Cream parlor on US1 with a line out the door most nights. Very small, but very good.

Just avoid University Dr, Flamingo Rd, and Pines Blvd and main roads to the job. They are the worst and heavily traveled during rush hour. But almost all the streets run in a grid, so it's a bit easier to take a few side roads.

 

[SandrA9810]

Ohh and if you do decide Disney is just too close... save yourself the $15-$20 that it takes on the Turnpike.

Take I-95 north to Vero Beach, get off at State Road 60 go west (about 30 miles). At Yeehaw Junction, at the stop sign just past the Turnpike Entrance, make a Right onto 441. (if you do get on the Turnpike at this point it's about $6).
Take 441 north for about 20 minutes, and make a left onto Canoe Creek Rd. This road pretty much runs parallel to the Turnpike, mostly used by truckers since there's a lot farms, but extremely quiet road. This will take you right to 192, and about 40 minutes away from Disney.

I made A LOT of trips between Kissimmee and Broward County. At first it was straight up I-95 to 192 or 441, then I-95 to 60 to the turnpike or 441, then after staring at a county map I noticed Canoe Creek Rd and used it several times. Why pay $15 bucks when you can take the road right next it for free?

 

[joviroxx]

Miramar, along with Pembroke Pines , which are right next to each other, are pretty much the typical suburban cities. Chain restaurants, chain stores,malls, etc.. The more west you go, the newer it is. These western areas have really exploded after Hurricane Andrew and continue to grow west. The eastern parts of the cities are a bit older.

Im guessing the job would be in the more western area of Miramar. They've built some new office building parks in Miramar.

If you want to be near the beach, yes , you would be about 10-15 miles(that would be to the actual beach shore) east of this area. If you leave early enough, the traffic isn't too bad but it can get dicey with the afternoon traffic.

I agree with others that Hollywood could be an area to look for but if you just want to go to the beach every now and then, western Broward County isn't bad and it keeps you out of the hubbub of the hustle and bustle of the east. In South Florida (Ft Lauderdale Miami, West Palm), the downtown area are east along the shoreline and the suburbs build out towards the west. Closer east, the busier it is.

 

[Mom21]

I live about 10 minutes from there in SW Ranches. My ex lives in Miramar so my dd is over there every week. Like people have said east Miramar verses west for the job may make a large difference. Unless you really need to live on the beach, I would say west is better and then visit the beach when you want to go. I personally don't care for the traffic in Pembroke Pines at all. I avoid it.

West is lots newer. Also keep in mind it is hard to get homeowners expecially east of 95. Mandatory hurricane evacuations, etc. I would come for a visit if I were you and check it out. Maybe even try and drive the route at the time of day he would work may help. I'll be happy to help with any info you need. You can PM me.

Editing because I see you will only be here 6 months and renting. If that is the case then you can likely deal with the traffic for that long. However if this job starts soon, keep in mind hurricane season begins in June and goes to Nov.

 

[joviroxx]

I live about 10 minutes from there in SW Ranches. My ex lives in Miramar so my dd is over there every week. Like people have said east Miramar verses west for the job may make a large difference. Unless you really need to live on the beach, I would say west is better and then visit the beach when you want to go. I personally don't care for the traffic in Pembroke Pines at all. I avoid it.

W.

I avoid Pines Blvd like the plague!!!