One of the fastest growing cities in Florida, Hallandale Beach is built on tourism, having fun, and bingo night!
A lot of the new residents in Hallandale Beach are retired, and live in the area during the cold winter months, so the population of almost 38,000 people tends to drop when spring comes. The neighborhoods' affordability make the area quite popular. If you live right on the beach, you're going to be spending a small fortune for the view, but as you get further inland, the prices drop to a reasonable, or even (dare we say) inexpensive rate.
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Renting Your Dream Home
The city is pretty small for its size, but don't worry, there are more than enough apartments to make up for it. However, if you're interested in a house, you may want to take your search elsewhere; HB is lacking in this field.
Many folks consider living in a mobile home, as there are many very close to the beach. Typically this crowd ranges from middle-aged to seniors, so if you enjoy playing cards, quiet nights, and sitting on a beach - this is for you! For those not quite ready to retire, you have many options in your apartment search.
Hallandale Beach House Hunting
Unlike in Miami, where knowing Spanish is the norm when chatting with most of your neighbors, Hallandale Beach has a more varied mix of Spanish- and English-speaking communities. Generally the closer you are to the beach, English is spoken more commonly.
Renters Market
Because the city is based on tourists and seasonal residents, the rental market is fantastic for renters who want to make a home in Hallandale Beach. The vacancy rate in every neighborhood is in the double digits, meaning the landlords are eager to rent their 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. You don't have to rush to sign the first decent deal, and can actually bargain from a position of strength.
Getting a Good Deal
To get the best deal possible there are a few things you should do:
Be Polite
When asking for a lower rent, or trying to get an all utilities paid apartment, your success rate increases when you mind your manners. Don't make demands or act entitled, as that will turn the landlord off considerably. Simply say that you're interested in the place, but it's a little out of your price range. And be sure to keep it reasonable... the landlord needs to eat, too.
Ask Your Questions
Don't think of the landlord as an ogre who will throw you out for asking questions. Remember: an empty apartment is a waste of money for the owner, they want a body in it, and most are willing to deal.
If certain amenities aren't mentioned, like parking, all bills paid, furnishings included, etc, ask about them. If there is a parking spot out front, but it isn't included, you may be able to get it for a little extra cash per month. And if the price is out of your reach, asking for $50 less a month isn't out of line.
Honesty is the Best Policy
One problem many renters face is having bad credit or no credit at all. In some cases this can be a deal breaker, especially if you try to cover it over. Be up front about it, explain what happened, and hope that the owner of the property you like will respond favorably. This is more likely to happen if you don't lie (even by omission). They WILL find out.
Have all your paperwork in order and ready to go, this means credit report, proof you paid all the rent in your last apartment, and a few references.
The Neighborhoods of Hallendale Beach
Hallendale Ave.: Right on the beach, this is the place to be if you have the money and love the water. It's also where the tourists flock to in the wintertime.
Ro-Len Lake Gardens: As you can guess by the name, this inland neighborhood has a lot of lakes. Only live here if you need to save money.
Golden Isles: A few blocks from the coast, this is a nice affordable community that is full of single people, mostly young professionals.
N. Federal Hwy: This is another inexpensive place to live. Most of the residents are new to the area, coming to enjoy the low rent. This is the place for people on a budget.
City Center: A mixed community of English, South American and Caribbean groups, it is the most diverse in Hallendale Beach.
Diplomat Pky: Close enough to the beach to smell the salt, this is another popular neighborhood.
Having Fun in Hallendale Beach
Being a tourist town, many of the draws in Hallendale Beach are directed toward visitors. That said, there is plenty to enjoy year round! Two casinos, tons of exotic restaurants, a clean and active beach for water sports, and lots of little shops. Hallendale Beach is a short 24 minutes north of Miami, so if you need more choices, just get in a car and head off for some more fun.
