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The 12 Best Neighborhoods in Miami, Florida
Ask anyone who has ever lived in or visited Miami, and they’ll tell you there’s a lot to love about it. With its year-round sunny weather, top-rated beaches, unbeatable nightlife, promising job market, and a lack of state income tax, it’s a great place to live. There’s a reason why people from all over the world flock to this booming metro area year after year!
If you’re thinking about moving to Miami, Florida, you may be wondering where to live—after all, this city is much more than just the Miami Beach area you may have explored while on vacation. Miami’s real estate market features so many excellent districts, charming communities, quaint cultural pockets, and peaceful, affluent suburbs that it can be overwhelming to navigate, to say the least.
To help guide you, here is a rundown of the 12 best neighborhoods in Miami, including:
- Coral Way
- Downtown Miami
- Brickell
- Coral Gables
- Coconut Grove
- West Miami
- Pinecrest
- Wynwood
- Little Havana
- Kendall
- Bay Harbor Islands
- South Beach
Let’s get started!
1. Coral Way
Coral Way is a beautiful tree-lined residential neighborhood that puts you in easy reach of some of South Florida’s best areas, such as the quaint cafes and boutiques of the charming Miracle Mile, bustling Brickell, and the college bars and hangout spots that flank the nearby University of Miami.
Quiet and well-maintained, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to settle down in Miami if you’re looking to live within driving distance of downtown and Miami Beach but don’t quite want to be in the center of all the action. Its 50,000 residents appreciate the community’s central location, walkability, and friendly atmosphere.
With luxury properties and even some grand turn-of-the-century estates sprinkled throughout, it’s one of the wealthier areas of South Florida yet still offers several affordable living options. The famed Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is close by, as is beautiful bohemian Coconut Grove, home to great shopping at CocoWalk and amazing restaurants like Ariete and Tigertail + Mary.
The average monthly rent here is about $2,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
2. Downtown Miami
If you like being in the center of it all, you might consider living downtown. With lots of commercial buildings, retail shops, restaurants, nightclubs, coffee shops, and parks, something is happening at all hours of the day and night in this lively South Florida neighborhood.
Around 16,000 people live in Downtown Miami. Like most downtown areas, home prices are generally higher than in other parts of the city. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami’s downtown is around $3,000. That said, you’re definitely getting a lot of your money if you prioritize being within walking distance of award-winning restaurants, swanky bars, and endless activities. The Adrienne Arsht Center is also nearby, and you’ll be within walking distance of the FTX Arena.
The district attracts many young professionals, but thanks to its above-average public schools, it also appeals to families.
3. Brickell
Brickell is a sought-after community with many ultra-luxury condos, state-of-the-art high-rise apartment buildings, and upscale mid-rise townhomes. As the city’s major financial district, it’s also a hub for banks and investment firms, which means those in the tech or banking industry will likely need to commute here.
This dense, urban neighborhood is located close to downtown. Its 36,000 residents enjoy the trendy Brickell eateries, popular bars, public transportation access, and Brickell’s overall laid-back vibe. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to smaller neighborhoods in the suburbs, as many of the restaurants are upscale and cater to the corporate crowd. Expect to pay about $3,520 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
However, you’ll have your pick of amazing eateries and bars, like swanky Zuma, Komodo, and Quinto La Huella. Lots of young professionals call Brickell home, and its youthful atmosphere makes it a great place for anyone who wants a vibrant social life with plenty of networking opportunities.
4. Coral Gables, Florida
Coral Gables, home to just over 50,000 people, is a lovely suburb known for its ample greenery, Spanish architecture, and pedestrian-friendly streets. This midsized Miami-Dade city has highly rated public schools, many locally owned cafes and coffee shops, excellent dining options, and lots of parks that are perfect for strolls, picnics, and residents with pets. For these reasons, Coral Gables is one of the pricier neighborhoods in the metro area. The average rent here is $2,690 depending on the size, location, and finishes of the apartment.
Located southwest of the downtown area, the Coral Gables community appeals to professionals, couples, retirees, and growing families alike and is a quick drive from the University of Miami, Brickell, and the downtown area. Miracle Mile is the main thoroughfare here—it’s lined with upscale boutiques, local shops, bistros, bars, and restaurants.
5. Coconut Grove
For more of a casual, bohemian vibe, check out Coconut Grove. With an iconic, one-of-a-kind boardwalk, top-rated shops, sidewalk cafes, art deco architecture, and lush, leafy landscapes, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Miami for anybody who wants to be close to the water.
The historic community of Coconut Grove is located along the Biscayne Bay shoreline and is home to a top-notch marina and sailing club that offers lessons. The vibe here is more akin to that of a beach town, and flip-flops, shorts, and sundresses are the norm.
Coconut Grove is home to roughly 21,000 people and is known for its top-tier public and private schools. The average rent in this neighborhood hovers around $2,825, making it a comparable alternative to Coral Gables. It offers plenty of things to do, yet is much quieter and more peaceful than rowdy South Beach and Ocean Drive.
6. West Miami
The suburb of West Miami boasts above-average schools and a dense residential atmosphere. With a population of under 8,000 and spanning less than three-quarters of a square mile, the small city has a close-knit feel with a distinct Latin-American flair.
Residents appreciate that the great neighborhood has a low crime rate, good public schools, and excellent parks. It’s also extremely welcoming to young families and residents of all ages. This neighborhood is a quick drive away from Coral Way and Coral Gables, and if you’re a golfer, you’ll be pleased to know it’s also close to the Granada Golf Course.
Rent here is about $2,321 a month on average, though that varies widely depending on the size and location of your apartment.
7. Pinecrest, Florida
Pinecrest is another suburb of Dade County located southwest of downtown. It’s home to about 20,000 residents and has an average monthly rent of about $1,900. With top-rated schools, low crime rates, and an environmentally conscious atmosphere, the village appeals to families, couples, professionals, and retirees.
While this neighborhood may feel far from must-visit areas like South Beach, Mid-Beach, Brickell, and other top Miami neighborhoods, those craving peace, quiet, and a more suburban feel will feel right at home here. The village also has everything you need on a daily basis, including easy access to groceries, plenty of shopping, great restaurants, and a wide selection of bars to spend a night out.
8. Wynwood
The lively community of Wynwood has long been a favorite among artists and creative types—and it’s only getting bigger! As one of the best neighborhoods in South Florida, Wynwood is a hub for art galleries, museums, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
The thriving, family-friendly district is home to just over 9,000 people, including many young professionals and families. During big annual events like Art Basel and Miami Music Week, it transforms with parties, concerts, showcases, and exhibits and draws visitors from around the world.
Those who want to live in a place with near-electrical energy and always lively atmosphere should definitely consider moving to Wynwood. That said, prices have risen over the years to reflect this neighborhood’s growing popularity. The average monthly rent in Wynwood for a one-bedroom apartment is now about $2,954 — that’s nearly on par with rent in Brickell.
9. Little Havana
Little Havana is a large neighborhood just west of Downtown Miami. Its 80,000 residents like the community’s dense urban feel, rich history, vibrant Latin-American culture, live music, and incredible Cuban cuisine. Little Havana is notably friendly and quieter than many other close-in neighborhoods, and can sometimes feel like an extension of South Miami proper with a slightly edgier, more artsy feel.
The cost of living here is lower than in most parts of Florida (even though real estate remains pricy), and the public schools are above average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in East Little Havana is about $2,100.
If you choose to live in Little Havana, make sure you check out staples like Bar Nancy for amazing cocktails, Ball & Chain for live salsa and delicious mojitos, and Cafe La Trova for creative Cuban-inspired cuisine and live musicians most nights of the week.
10. Kendall
Kendall is a city in Miami-Dade County with a population of about 75,000. This is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the city, with a suburban feel reminiscent of Pinecrest. It offers quick access to the city, excellent public schools, and lots of options for recreation, making it a favorite among young professionals, couples, and families with kids.
Living in Kendall places you close to a Whole Foods, the Killian Greens Golf Club, Dadeland Mall, and a series of beautiful parks. Rental prices in the area average around $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment.
11. Bay Harbor Islands
Just under 6,000 people live in Bay Harbor Islands, a small Miami-Dade town known for being a primarily residential and middle-class Miami neighborhood. This area is home to one of the best school systems in greater Miami. Residents also have easy access to the Arts and Design District, Bal Harbour, Aventura, South Beach, and Mid-Beach.
As far as Miami neighborhoods go, this one is particularly coveted because it’s just a quick drive away from the Bal Harbour area, one of the ritziest neighborhoods in Miami Beach, and the Bal Harbour Shops. Living here also gives you access to beautiful beaches just over the Kane Concourse Bridge.
Rent reflects this prime location, hovering around $2,260 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
12. South Beach
South Beach is a town in Miami Beach, FL, with a population of under 4,000. Residents and visitors love the gorgeous beaches, booming nightlife, beautiful architecture, high-end boutiques, and fantastic celebrity chef-led food scene. Whether you head to raucous Ocean Drive, charming Española Way, or always-bustling Lincoln Road, you have plenty to do, eat, and see.
The home prices in this upscale community are higher than most neighborhoods throughout greater Miami, and rent is also pricey. You can expect to pay about $2,770 each month for a one-bedroom apartment. That said, South Beach has some of the best public schools in the area if you’re relocating with school-aged children.
Find fully furnished apartments in Miami’s best neighborhoods
With endless things to experience and so many places to explore, the Magic City has something for everyone. When considering where to live in Miami, researching different areas is an important part of the process—especially if you’ve never been there or are unfamiliar with the city. If you’re not sure which neighborhood will align with your needs and taste, you’ve come to the right place.
Landing allows you to “try before you buy.” We have fully furnished apartments in Miami’s best neighborhoods with flexible terms and all the amenities you need. With these flexible terms, you can get to know the area and take your time deciding whether it’s right for you.
We’re here to revolutionize the way people travel and rent homes. By removing the stress and hassle of a lease and the commitment of buying a home, Landing makes it easy to get to know a new city on your own time.
Ready to make your move to the Miami area? Check out our Miami apartments today!
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