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My husband just got the job offer of a lifetime.  The only problem is it is in Miami.

I am a stay at home mom with a daughter starting 7th grade next year and a son starting 3rd grade.  Right now, we live in the small community of Olivenhain in Encinitas, California (just 40 minutes north of San Diego).  Although, my kids are half hispanic and half filipino we have raised them in this predominantly white community since birth.  After reading the comments from the LISALISA444 question (family thinking of moving from Sarasota to Miami), I am now SCARED to move my kids to Miami.  I think it is going to be a HUGE culture shock to them.  My husband and I were both born and raised in Los Angeles.  Aside from the climate, I doubt Miami is any different from L.A.  However, my kids are a different story. 

I really need help finding a community to live in that won’t be too much of a change from where we already live.  Obviously, the climate is going to be a huge change but if I can at least move them to similar surroundings, it might make the move a little easier.

So here is a little detail about our community.  We are a close knit community in a rural setting.  The homes are $1Million plus.  My husband and I scraped to find a fixer in the area.  Our house sits on 1/2 acre but most are 1 acre or more.  The homes are zoned for horses.  We are less than 10 miles from the beach and very close to shopping, dining and entertainment.  They attend the local public school that is a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School.  It is frankly better than some of the private schools in the area.

So I may be asking the impossible, but are there any communities in Miami or its surrounding area that are close to what I’ve described above?

Hi SoCalNative, thanks for positing your question here. Small world, I was raised in Encinitas. My family lives in Cardiff. I feel for your situation. My mom moved us here in 1981 when I was in 7th grade. We lasted 6-months, and moved back to California. I came back to Miami in 2000.

Our local corespondent, Matt Meltzer, is writing a collection of moving-related articles written specifically for people just like you (see: Miami Relocation Guide).

You say…

“I really need help finding a community to live in that won’t be too much of a change from where we already live.”

Although there are some nice communities, it’s going to be VERY different from what your kids are used to. I don’t know much about the schools here, but you may want to consider enrolling them into a private school (see: prep schools).

We’d be happy to offer you some suggestions on family-friendly neighborhoods, but it would be helpful to know what part of the city your husband will be working?

Hi Gus, I have to ask what made you move back to Miami from Cardiff.  We bought our first house in Cardiff and loved it.  Wish we had hung on to it.  The home value has almost tripled since we sold it.

Anyway, the business address (if he takes the position) would be 1530 N.W. 98th Court, Miami 33172.

You know I have never even been to Florida before.  I guess I’ll have to make my way there soon to check things out.

Yo, first of all the climate in Socal is nowhere NEAR what it is here. Think of the hottest, muggiest nastiest day you’ve ever had in San Diego and you probably have a typical afternoon in may. Lets not even get into August. Or Hurricanes for that matter.

Raising kids here is an idea about on par with invading oil-rich middle-eastern dictatorships and trying to install a democratic government. you are lucky that your kids are ethnic, or it would be really tough. I STRONGLY recommend you move to Pinecrest. you are close to good private schools like Ransom and Gulliver and the best Public non-magnet school in Palmetto. If you are in an area with million dollar-homes, buying a place in Pinecrest should not be hard for you, and it is s close to normal as you can get in Dade County without moving so far south you spend half your life in traffic. Of course, if you were raised in LA this is probably second nature to you. My point is this is probably the most family-firendly part of town and it may vaguely remind you of America. I believe it is sometihng like 66.8% White, non-hispanic.

Thanks for the recommendation.  I’ll put Pinecrest on my list.  I think I’m going to miss the weather here the most.  Maybe we need to buy a small condo here so that we can escape back here in the summer.

Hi SoCalNative!

It sounds like Matt gave you a great recommendation on Pinecrest. I have heard many great things about that area lately but haven’t checked it out myself. It seems that it is not too far from where your husband’s job is.

I highly recommend coming to visit, if possible, before making the move. I’ve lived in Miami for many years and have visited San Diego for 6 years going to visit Gus’ family. Each time we go, it’s hard to leave. The 2 cities may as well be on separate planets.

On a positive note, there is something unique about Miami that drew me here and has kept me here - same with Gus. It’s a huge melting pot, it’s so nice and warm all the time, and I never take for granted how beautiful it is each day I cross the causeway to Miami Beach. Another big plus is you won’t ever need a wet suit in the ocean.

We have recently done some house hunting in Miami Shores, just about 15 minutes North of Downtown. It’s a great suburban area with lots of families and a nice community feel. However, I heard the schools leave something to be desired; private school is definitely the way to go.

I urge you to continue researching Miami before making the move. It is a big step to consider and it’s not for everyone.

Please feel free to continue asking questions. We’re here to help. 

“Hi Gus, I have to ask what made you move back to Miami from Cardiff.”

Well, I really haven’t moved back, I’m just on an extended vacation, at least that’s what I keep telling my mom.

“We bought our first house in Cardiff and loved it.  Wish we had hung on to it.  The home value has almost tripled since we sold it.”

My mom just sold her house on Cambridge, it had a beautiful ocean view. The realtor told her the house sold for more per square foot than any other house before (over $1,000 per sq. ft.).

Here’s some data that will give you a perspective on the South Florida real estate market:

MIAMI-DADE

Address: 58 Lagorce Cir., Miami Beach
Square Feet: 5,521
Price: $5.2 million ($643 per square foot)
Previous: $3.8 million (‘01)

Address: 1374 S. Venetian Way, Miami Beach
Square Feet: 4,791
Price: $2.7 million ($563 per square foot)
Previous: $1.2 million (‘99)

Address: 800 Mashta Pl., Key Biscayne
Square Feet: 9,676
Price: $4.9 million ($516 per square foot)

BROWARD

Address: 1 Pelican Isle, Fort Lauderdale
Square Feet: 6,698
Price: $5.95 million ($888 per square foot)
Previous: $4,7 million (‘01)

Address: 1637 E. Lake Dr., Fort Lauderdale
Square Feet: 3,431
Price: $2.2 million ($641 per square foot)
Previous: n/a

Address: 3120 NE 46th St., Fort Lauderdale
Square Feet: 11, 122
Price: $9.25 million ($831 per square foot)
Previous: $1.4 million (‘93)

PALM BEACH

Address: 1430 N. Lake Way, Palm Beach
Square Feet: 9,512
Price: $9.6 million ($1,009 per square foot)
Previous: $6.2million (‘00)

Address: 1045 N. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach
Square Feet: 5,138
Price: $8.13 million ($1,518 per square foot)
Previous: $2.7 million (‘92)

Address: 8563 Horseshoe Ln., Lake Worth
Square Feet: 13,520
Price: $2.8 million ($207 per square foot)
Previous: $425,000 (‘93) (lot)

Keep in mind, the houses above are in the most exclusive communities in South Florida. But compared to Olivenhain, CA the properties are comparable.

What I find interesting about the real estate market here, is how much the houses have (supposdly) increased in value from the previous selling price.

If you ask me, property in Miami is way overpriced (especially compared to the houses and lifestyle in San Diego).

Every realtor we meet tells us “don’t be afraid to make a low ball offer”.

Most of the realtors that have showed us properties have looked me in the eye and said “the seller is very motivated to sell”.

“the business address (if he takes the position) would be 1530 N.W. 98th Court, Miami 33172.”

The address is centrally located. I suggest searching in Miami Shores, Morningside, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay. (see: map)

“You know I have never even been to Florida before.  I guess I’ll have to make my way there soon to check things out.”

Yes, make sure you come first to see if you like it. Bring your kids, and take them to some public and private schools to see how comfortable they feel.

And if it’s not too much to ask, can you bring me a carne asada buritto from Roberto’s? 

It’s not the weather I miss about California…it’s the Mexican food.

Holy Cow - I never heard of a house selling for over $1,000 per sq ft! Many condos and homes in Miami and Miami Shores sell for about $350 per sq ft or less.

Hi SoCalNative,
I’d like to jump in and reassure you that raising your kids here is really not that bad. I’ve lived in Coral Gables most of my life. I have a 6th grade boy at Westminster Christian School and a 4th grade girl at McGlannon School. My brothers went to Ransom & Gulliver and I have friends in all the neighborhood schools in Pinecrest, Coral Gables, & Coconut Grove. I studied in an all girls Catholic high school in South Miami which is also a very nice neighborhood. These are all very safe and quiet neighborhoods with lots parents who are very involved in their kid’s lives. Of course Miami is very spread out and you’ll never get a small town feel here. You must drive everywhere and it is getting very congested anywhere you go.  But you will find people who are willing to help and make you feel welcome when you enroll your kids in school.
Call some of the schools before you come and set up tours with your kids so they can get a feel for the environment. Palmer Trinity is also a very good school.
Let me know if I can help.
Cristina

Thank you so much Cristina for your input.  It’s nice to hear from a mom with kids around my kids’ age.  I have been doing alot of research on the web looking at school ratings both public and private.  Do you know how hard it is to get into a private school?  Do most kids live near the school that they attend or is it a matter of school reputation?

Hi SoCalNative,
Most private school in the area I mentioned do have waiting lists, but I also see new kids coming in all the time. Once you’ve decided which ones you like, you should call right away.
Most kids do live near the school, but not all. I am a perfect example. I chose the schools because of its reputation and it’s about a 20 minute drive from my house. I think you find a little of both, but I can tell you all my son’s friends live near the school and it makes it hard for them to get together. It means a lot of driving for me, especially on the weekend. As you know, the older they get, the more they want to be with their friends, so I would recommend you find a house relatively close to the school of your choice. Let me know if you need specific information on a particular school.

Cristina

Hi Cristina,

I’m flying out next week to start looking for housing!  How exciting!  I better make some school calls quick.  Can you recommend any other schools I should look into?  Do you know any good Catholic schools?  I’d like to find a private school that’s K-8 so I can keep the two kids together.  I think it will be an easier transition if they are at the same school.

On the housing side, my husband’s boss put in in touch with an agent who recommends a development called Golden Gate Estates.  I think she said it was in Sunny Isles Beach.  She also recommended Aventura but I didn’t see those cities on any of the recommendations above.  Does anyone have any feedback regarding those cities?

SoCalNative, how exciting to hear about your visit. Cristina should be able to offer more suggestions about schooling; she grew up here. Cristiana has also written most of the descriptions on the Neighborhoods map. As you can see by the care in her writing, she really knows her stuff.

“I didn’t see those cities on any of the recommendations above.”

That’s because Aventua and Sunny Isles are kind of boring, and I thought your husband’s commute would be too long.

I’ve never heard of Golden Glades Estates.

Aventura is on the mainland, north of Miami Shores and 163rd Street. It’s the main shopping area of the City. There’s a well-known community there called Turnberry Isle. You can learn more about Aventura at Wikipedia.

Sunny Isles is just north of Miami Beach and Bal Harbour. I’d characterize it as a middle class beach community with a blue collar fisherman vibe.

Good idea to keep your kids in the same school.

Have a safe trip out here. Bring snacks and a neck pillow. It’s a 6-hour flight from San Diego to Miami.

Please don’t forget my burrito, and 3 rolled tacos with guacamole would sure be nice. 

Gus,

I’d love to bring you your burrito and rolled tacos but I don’t think my husband’s boss would appreciate me bringing it onto his private jet.  I get to feel like a rockstar for a day! 

How about I bring it when we have to travel coach?  Because I’m sure once we have totally committed to this new venture, that’s what we’ll be relegated back to.

Hi SoCalNative,
I’m sorry to say that I don’t know the area of Aventura or Sunny Isles so well as to recommend anything. I know how to get there, but that’s about it.

As far as good Catholic schools go, (and by the way they are all K-8), St. Hugh in Coconut Grove,  Epiphany in South Miami, St. Thomas the Apostle also close to South Miami, St. Patrick’s in Miami Beach, St. Kevin in Kendall are all good. One thing I must warn you about Catholic schools in Miami, they are extremely hard to get into. They are usually full with kids who have been there since kindergarten, they all require you attend mass every Sunday and drop your numbered envelope in the collection basket to prove you attend. This is why I opted for Westminster Christian School (K-12), which by the way, has a student body of more than 50% Catholics. Here you are required to provide a letter from you priest proving you belong to a parish. If you do belong, be sure to bring all your documentation with you. Since you daughter is in 7th grade, she would only be attending these K-8 school for two years and then would have to change schools again. This may be hard on her. I know I changed schools about 4 times growing up and it wasn’t easy, especially if you are coming from out of town. This is just something to consider. 

Other good private schools are Gulliver Academy in Coral Gables(K-12) and Miami Country Day (K-12)in North Miami (a good school if you decide to live in Aventura). Carrolton is an all girls Catholic school next door to Saint Hugh. It is a very good school (K-12). Riviera Day School is also very good but it is only K-5.

Good luck.
Cristina

“I’d love to bring you your burrito and rolled tacos but I don’t think my husband’s boss would appreciate me bringing it onto his private jet.  I get to feel like a rockstar for a day!”

Just kidding about the burrito. Wow, a private jet! Enjoy your rockstarness. Miami is the perfect place to indulge and pamper yourself. How long will you be here? What types of recreation does your family participate in?

Cristina, very interesing to learn about the politics at Miami Catholic schools. Thank you for sharing.

Here’s a list of private religious schools nearby. The “prep schools” link above it’s to non-religious schools.

“Most kids do live near the school, but not all. I am a perfect example. I chose the schools because of its reputation and it’s about a 20 minute drive from my house. I think you find a little of both, but I can tell you all my son’s friends live near the school and it makes it hard for them to get together.”

With kids coming from all over the city, are there after school activities like at public schools? Is there a sense of community and school spirit? Or do kids just jump in mom’s Range Rover and drive back to their compound on Star Island when school lets out?

Yes Gus,
There are lots of after school activities and kids do stay after school to participate. At my kid’s school, in the elementary, they are many after school clubs ranging from arts & crafts to hands on fun science experiments. There are also sports clubs and soccer teams. Of course, there’s paid after school care if parents work. Here kids can do their homework and have supervised playtime in the playground.

Once your kids are in middle school (6-8 grades), they have to try out for teams and not all make it. The bigger prep school have all types of sports, swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, etc. There is also after school care in middle school, just for doing homework in the computer lab, where they can work at a computer and access the internet.

There is a huge sense of community and many parents help each other out. I participate in a car pool and when one mom can’t pick up, there’s always another who can. Even if the parents work, they are still very involved and kids are always coming over to the house so we get to know them outside of school.

Kids have lots of school spirit and there are even family days at different sporting events.
I am talking from personal experience, but I also see friends from other area schools having similar experiences.
Hope this helps.
Cristina