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Kayla R.
housing
Is it worth buying in Doral?
Hi all, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks in advance!
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Nova Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
Samuel Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 52, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a chef, 52, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
33 upvotes
Mateo Ramos
great question, following
32 upvotes
Xavier Reyes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
phillydude2021
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
11 upvotes
Brooks Jimenez
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
Waylon Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes