Originally Posted by
gringo
Kids are gone? Well then eff it, why not give South Beach a look see? Great restaurants, great entertainment, not that much more expensive once you’re go in a few blocks, everything is within walking distance, outside of Ybor City up in Tampa it’s about the only “neighborhood feel” I’ve had that reminded me of Chicago.
and with the possibility of a Miami base opening up, not a long drive at all.
I never would have thunk this five years ago, but the more time I spend in SoBe the more I wish my kids were already college bound.
Two or three years ago I would have absolutely agreed with you, but uhh...have you been to sobe since the pandemic hit? It is hood rat central down there right now. I made the mistake of going for dinner recently for the first time in three years (south of 15th area) and the place is unrecognizable compared to what it used to be. Again super rough crowd and everywhere reeked of weed.
The more trendy tourist and local crowd has largely vacated sobe and moved into proper Miami in places like Wynwood and Brickell, which are both absolutely lit by the way. Also Las Olas up in Lauderdale, while having a strong white yuppie vibe, is quite nice and exponentially more clean/safe compared to sobe.
If you are okay with the luxury condo/apt scene instead of a single family home, and want safe walkability to restaurants/bars/shops, then Brickell and Las Olas just can't be beat IMO. There isn't really anywhere else in the state of Florida that will provide that for you, except maybe Tampa or West Palm.