Hi Emily,

Miami is a great place to call home... I came here in 1961 and have not left. I've lived most of my life in the southern part of the county and now reside in Coral Gables. During my 47 years in Greater Miami, I've never been a victim to a crime. Neither has my wife or my two sons who are already grown, except for minor thefts of items left unatended or in plain view.

To suggest neigborhoods or type of housing, I need to know more about you. What you like or don't like ; where do you live now - how do you like it; what type of work do you do - where do you plan to work if you know; are you young or matured; do you like urban living or suburban; do you like to drive or do you want to be near public transportation; how much money can you put down; how much can you pay; family composition; do you have pets; do you want waterfront or inland, etc.

Noticing that you are from the UK, I recently transacted a house for client who moved here from the UK. I can put you in touch with them and they may be able to give you some of their observations. I also work in close relation with Mayfair International in London and have had some of my newsletter published in The Telegraph through my contacts at Mayfair.

Also the loan officer from Homeservices Lending who works with me is from London. I think we could help you with your transition and make you feel right at home. I may be reached at carlosruiz803@comcast.net or 305 510.0647. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Carlos Ruiz
EWM Realtors, Inc.
Coral Gables, Fl

Tue May 13 2008, 16:29

Dear Emily,
Looking for property in all of Miami is a pretty big deal. You have so many opportunities and options. And I would not rule not communities close to or around Miami. Condo's are generally residents in a multi-family building, in Miami more often a building with multi-floors. You pay association fees/dues to pay for maintenance, some insurances and other fees. Townhouses are more often groups of homes which share at least one common wall and in a lot of ways can be compared to a row house in Europe. Coach homes can be of two different varies; a single family home, usually minimal yard. Or a series of homes similar to a townhouse without a shared wall. Our firm, The Schaffer Realty is a Buyers Agent Firm and all we do is help clients locate the very best property. We have many UK clients and we would be happy to provide references. Our firm takes in consideration all of your personal interests, lifestyle choices, budget and any other consideration, then we help you first identify the very best area to life in. Then we narrow our search for you to specific neighborhoods and then to specific homes. We would love to help you!
Marian Schaffer
The Schaffer Realty Group
terry@marianschaffer.com

Mon Apr 28 2008, 08:32

Emily,
You are not alone when you ask those questions, but answering could be a violation of Fair Housing Laws. There are some government sites that publish crime rates for different areas of Miami - check out http://www.miamidade.gov for example.

Take a look at this article I wrote about Miami Crime and feel free to take a look at featured neighborhoods with more particular information about the areas.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 08:31

Hello Emily,

Miami covers a huge area. It is best to narrow down your search based on the type of home and lifestyle you are looking for. Miami Beach is of course very scenic and is also the most popular choice for many out of the country buyers. There are many different areas on Miami Beach however to choose from. From the non - stop action of South Beach to the high end shops of the Bal Harbor area there are truly endless options. Please feel free to conatct me for additional information I am a native South Floridian born and raised here and would be happy to help you in your search.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 08:26