Homestead = heavily depressed area. You don't wanna go South of Cutler Ridge, and even that's not all that great of an area. (I think they renamed it Cutler Bay a while back, but not certain- still a Miami postal address) My uncle lives there, and grandfather used to. If I were heading that way, I'd try to get North of Miami.
Also seems like a great place to get mugged. For me, that's more important than excitement level. But hey, if you wear tights and a cape & get your jollies by foiling street crime, it might be a cool place to hang out.
I live in central Palm Beach County. It is dirt cheap to buy homes here as well. I love it here and I live about 15 miles west of West Palm, which is oddly on the eastern coast line, but still west of Palm Beach.
OK, I like Tampa... lived here most of my life... but have you ever been to a real live city? If you think Tampa is that fun, then L.A., Chicago, or NYC might give you a stroke.
(omg)