I'm from Miami, and the only real place that you'd need to learn Spanish would be in Hialeah...that's where little Havana is...but still, it wouldn't hurt to learn it. Since you're moving that way, check out the Pembroke Pines area...the apartments aren't that expensive, and it's really nice down there.
Luaderdale is not that pricey. But as in any place, the closer to the water (beach) the higher the rent. You can move one mile out of the beach area and see your rent drop half price. Still be within walking distance too.
jesus christo is So. California property/housing expensive... damn For the meager price I paid for a townhouse condo in So Cal. I could have bought a damn new nice house detached with land in 90% of the country.
Matt- I'm in teaching, so that can be done anywhere, also my girlfriend lives there, and she doesn't want to move here to So Cal and stuggle just to pay the rent.