re: Paging Tiger n Miami

No worries. My jimmies never get rustled over politics. Even my parents at in disagreement with me there, but I don't even follow politics except every now and then.

Anyway, cost of living is a bit higher than Atl which is a bit higher than Bham. It isn't cheap, but Ft Lauderdale is reasonable enough. Boca, Brickell, SOBE are the really expensive areas here.

Gas is about $3.40 - $3.80 right now. Wide variance depending on the area - near the beach is a lot more. Rent is the same story. In Lauderdale, if you want a water view you are talking a minimum of $1600 for about an 800 foot one bedroom. If you want to be east of 95 (which is about 4-8 miles east of the beach depending on which exit on 95 in Lauderdale), I suspect around $1200-$1500 for a one bedroom with no water view.

I had a friend that lived just west of 95 (half a mile) off of the Broward exit (which is central Lauderdale)in a new apartment complex that he paid $1500 for a good size 2 bedroom with his GF.

Price varies significantly depending on two things - east or west of 95, and water view or not. Of course age of the property matters too, but the nicer and more expensive areas are east of 95 closer to the beach and intercoastal.

Also, there are two ways to rent...

Either an apartment which will require a security deposit (like $500 or so) and good credit, income, etc. Or a condo from an individual owner which will require first, last, and security up front. Basically the equivalent of 3 months rent up front.

Overall, I think Lauderdale is affordable. I would expect to pay $1200 a month for a decent one bedroom in a decent area though. You can find a bit cheaper, but will have to sacrifice something.