6 days ago
Co Creator: 
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Posted On: October 13th 2026, 05:55 pm
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If I were moving to South Florida today, these are the 5 things I would do BEFORE buying a house.
And surprisingly, looking at houses isn’t #1.
1. Rent first.
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach are relatively close geographically, but living in each can feel completely different.
Renting for 6–12 months gives you time to actually understand South Florida before committing to a neighborhood.
2. Figure out your pace.
Miami → highest energy, restaurants, nightlife, events and big-city lifestyle.
Fort Lauderdale → still plenty happening, but generally more laid-back with a huge boating and beach culture.
Palm Beach County → generally a slower pace, with some of South Florida’s most elevated communities and lifestyle options.
3. Decide east or west of I-95.
East generally puts you closer to beaches, boating, downtowns, restaurants and nightlife.
West generally gives you more space, suburban communities, golf and master-planned neighborhoods.
4. Choose the neighborhood—not just the city.
Don’t like Downtown Fort Lauderdale? You might love Rio Vista or Coral Ridge.
Don’t like Brickell? That doesn’t mean Miami is out.
South Florida changes dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood.
5. Decide HOA vs. non-HOA.
Especially west of I-95, that could mean anything from a neighborhood association maintaining common areas to a master-planned community like Avenir to a full country-club lifestyle with memberships and additional dues.
The biggest thing I’d tell someone moving here?
Don’t find the house and then try to make the lifestyle fit.
Figure out the lifestyle you want → find the area that gives it to you → then find the house.
Want to live in South Florida but have no idea where you actually fit?
DM Me or Text Me Directly 954-830-1126
And surprisingly, looking at houses isn’t #1.
1. Rent first.
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach are relatively close geographically, but living in each can feel completely different.
Renting for 6–12 months gives you time to actually understand South Florida before committing to a neighborhood.
2. Figure out your pace.
Miami → highest energy, restaurants, nightlife, events and big-city lifestyle.
Fort Lauderdale → still plenty happening, but generally more laid-back with a huge boating and beach culture.
Palm Beach County → generally a slower pace, with some of South Florida’s most elevated communities and lifestyle options.
3. Decide east or west of I-95.
East generally puts you closer to beaches, boating, downtowns, restaurants and nightlife.
West generally gives you more space, suburban communities, golf and master-planned neighborhoods.
4. Choose the neighborhood—not just the city.
Don’t like Downtown Fort Lauderdale? You might love Rio Vista or Coral Ridge.
Don’t like Brickell? That doesn’t mean Miami is out.
South Florida changes dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood.
5. Decide HOA vs. non-HOA.
Especially west of I-95, that could mean anything from a neighborhood association maintaining common areas to a master-planned community like Avenir to a full country-club lifestyle with memberships and additional dues.
The biggest thing I’d tell someone moving here?
Don’t find the house and then try to make the lifestyle fit.
Figure out the lifestyle you want → find the area that gives it to you → then find the house.
Want to live in South Florida but have no idea where you actually fit?
DM Me or Text Me Directly 954-830-1126
Comments (4)
6 days agoarmstrong_design_collective
Leaving Nashville in two weeks - renting in Northwood Shores - opening an office for my Small Space Design (Apts & Condos) and I can’t wait!! 🌴
6 days agoanthony_onorato
I would turn around and go elsewhere. Covid ruined South Florida and I can’t wait to get out.
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