The comments don't even cover just how bad it is h
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10/10/2009
We have lived in Homestead for 10 years and to this day can not and do not consider this place home, in fact if it wasn't for reasons of being contractually bound for employment we'd leave immediately.
People are beyond rude, driving anywhere literally puts your life on the line (it's common for people to make right hand turns from the far left lane), trash is thrown all over the place, and English isn't even welcomed here. Both my husband and I were brought up to always say please, thank you, excuse me and to behave appropriately in public, we are definitely the exception, not the rule.
I've lived in both large cities and small tiny towns and I've never seen a place like Homestead or people like those who live here. Vulgarity, rudeness, overt obnoxious behavior, and complete lack of manners is the rule, not the exception in Homestead. While there are a few exceptions do not expect to be treated as anything but an inconvenience if you go into most retail establishments or have to deal with people for services etc. Fully expect if you do not speak Spanish to be treated even worse.
We live in an established neighborhood that is considered to be in the upper middle class area of Homestead. In the last year our vehicles have been broken into over a dozen times, gang tags now get put on signs, fences, playgrounds and even some of the houses. People throw their trash everywhere, allow their pets to run free and teenagers loudly roam the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night.
Then we have those that drive through the neighborhood blasting their radios so loud it's easily heard inside peoples homes. It's not uncommon to listen to people having parties, blasting music until 1-2am on the weekends and at times during the week. All of this in an area that is considered one of the nicest and safest neighborhoods in the town! All of this can be yours for a 1/4 of a million dollars or more for your house. Friends of ours who live in similar neighborhoods tell us they have the same problems, that is typical Homestead.
Yes, we have a police force who will come out and tell people to turn their music down or break up a party however don't expect much more.
As soon as our employment contract is up we are leaving, regardless of how much money, benefits or bonuses the employer offers. Nothing is worth staying one more minute in this town or in S. Florida for that matter. If we could sell our house right now we would lose tens of thousands, that does not even matter to us as we want out of here that much.
Given all I've said I will say there are a few great places and things about Homestead and surrounding area.
Robert is Here and Knaus Berry Farm are both great places to shop (expensive but that is S. Florida) and you will be treated very well at both places. If you like Orchids or want to start growing them there are many very good places to go with great people and organizations. Also, every year there is an Asian Festival and Orchid Shows at the Fruit and Spice Park; another good place to go to. We look forward to both each year. Publix employees, one of the most popular grocery store in Florida, are professional, pleasant and one of the few places you'll be told Thank You at. Homestead has a yearly Rodeo and of course there is the Racetrack if you're into NASCAR. Although these places and events are nice, they do little to offset all that is so wrong in Homestead.
If you enjoy filth, rudeness beyond the pale, gang life, can't drive and want to live outside the US without actually having to move overseas, Homestead is the place for you. If you're a normal American looking for a good area to live and raise a family, do NOT move to Homestead.
Anonymous | Homestead, FL