Ft. Lauderdale and Edgewater (or Miami near there)

I am not sure how to best ask this question so I will put it another way. I am a soon to be single male. I have a dog and I can work from home. I have a $3500 budget for housing.

I am prioritizing my professional life but I want the option / opportunity to go do fun things when I feel like it. I currently live in Boynton Beach in a nice suburb but it’s not where I want to be single.

I was leaning heavily towards Edgewater because I really enjoyed Brickell but thought the congestion and city noise would get old if I lived in it. Plus what I can get there is most likely a box or close to the highway.

People have suggested Edgewater. Others up my way have said I should go to Ft Lauderdale. I was in Las Olas only once so I know basically nothing about it. I have been to the casino a handful of times but that area is shitty. IMO.

Things I think I want in no particular order

• 1100 sq feet
• water view even if it’s not close
• restaurants and Whole Foods
• nice park/parks to take my dog
• decent gym options (assuming building doesn’t have one)
• secure above ground parking (I don’t want my car flooded out)

Any advice is superb. Thanks guys / gals