Best Neighborhoods in Miami: Families, Safety and Fun

Miami may be best known for its picture-perfect white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, but the sunny city has more to offer. In such a diverse place, finding the best neighborhoods in Miami to live in also depends on your lifestyle.

“Miami has everything you expect from a big international city, such as job opportunities, great restaurants and diversity,” said Kimberly Small, a local real estate agent. “However, we also have gorgeous weather year-round, excellent air quality and plenty of opportunities for waterfront living.”

Whether you are looking for a place to raise your family, party until the sun rises or create a successful business, this guide to the best neighborhoods in Miami will help you find the perfect fit for your aspirations.

Best neighborhoods in Miami for families

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Miami may be the perfect place if you want to set roots in a sunny area but still want access to big-city amenities such as good schools, museums and culture. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Miami to raise a family.

Pinecrest

This sought-after suburb is a haven for affluent young families, with top-rated schools and an almost nonexistent crime rate. Elegant homes with manicured lawns line the quiet, tree-shaded streets, making the tranquil neighborhood great for exploring by bike or foot while greeting neighbors. Pinecrest Gardens, a sprawling cultural art park at the town’s heart, is a community hub and the perfect setup for playdates and picnics.

Coconut Grove

If you are a family of beach bums and enjoy going out for brunch at the local café, Coconut Grove may be the best neighborhood in Miami for you. Also known as “The Grove” to locals, it is the oldest continuous settlement in the area. With good safety ratings and some of the best schools in Miami, it is a walkable neighborhood featuring kid-friendly attractions such as the Kampong Botanical Gardens and the Barnacle Historic State Park.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a self-sufficient community with plenty of independent stores and a thriving dining scene, so you may never feel the need to leave. Diverse and lively, Key Biscayne is also safe and home to some of the most highly-rated schools in the Miami area. If you haven’t taken up paddle-boarding and snorkeling yet, they are sure to become part of your daily activities with pristine beaches at your doorstep.

Safest neighborhoods in Miami

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Every big city has neighborhoods where the crime rate is higher than others. Although common sense (such as being aware of your surroundings and locking your house and car) applies no matter where you live, these neighborhoods are some of the safest in Miami.

Coral Gables

This charming, planned community has a violent crime rate 74% below the national average and offers an excellent quality of life. It features plenty of green spaces and is home to wide, scenic canals and 40 miles of waterfront property, so you will never feel overwhelmed despite being a mere 20 minutes from Downtown Miami.

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is an exclusive enclave located on the northern tip of Miami Beach and has a violent crime rate 91% lower than the national average. If your idea of a dream neighborhood involves basking in the sun at a private beach, shopping at high-end retailers and dining in world-class restaurants, then Bal Harbour is just the place you have been looking for.

Cutler Bay

Cutler Bay has a crime rate 10% lower than the national average, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Miami for safety. Most crimes concern property and theft, standing around the national average.

Most affordable neighborhoods in Miami

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Property prices in Miami have been climbing rapidly—as in most of the country. However, if you want to call the Magic City home without breaking the bank, here are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Miami.

Kendall

If you prefer a slow-paced environment and do not mind being a little farther from the action, the median listing price for properties located in Kendall stands at $370,000, a big step down from Miami’s median listing price of $498,000, according to Realtor.com. This peaceful suburb offers spacious lots, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Miami for those looking for affordable prices. Besides, with two major malls within its borders, it is a convenient shopping destination and is part of the Metrorail system that provides a convenient commute to Downtown Miami.

Brownsville

If you are just getting started, Brownsville is a great place to put the first foot in Miami. Home values hover around $335,000, significantly below Miami’s average. Most inhabitants rent their homes and are young and single, making Brownsville the perfect opportunity to meet people as you settle in the Sunshine State.

Gladeview

Gladeview is an excellent neighborhood to investigate if you are looking for a starter-upper or investment property. The median home value is significantly lower than the rest of the city at $325,000. Besides, it is an excellent time to buy because property prices are increasing rapidly in the area as homes have appreciated by 15.8% in the last 12 months.

Coolest neighborhoods in Miami

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From sun up to sun down—and well into the night—there is always something to do in Miami. Here are some of the coolest neighborhoods to explore, whether you want to discover the next up-and-coming artists or party all night long.

South Beach

With miles of sandy beaches, fantastic Art Deco architecture and world-famous nightlife, South Beach (also known as SoBe) embodies the Miami spirit. It is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike who press elbow to elbow through the busy pedestrian streets to enjoy fabulous shopping and eclectic cafes during the day and wild clubbing at night. If you are looking for the best neighborhood in Miami to party the night away, look no further.

Wynwood

Wynwood is for those with a passion for art and food or someone just looking for an exciting night on the town. With its eclectic galleries, impressive street art, trendy boutiques and craft distilleries and breweries, not to forget its warehouses-turned-nightclub venues, this up-and-coming neighborhood has become a destination from sunrise until long after sunset.

Miami Design District

For creative minds with an eye for fashion, art, architecture and fine dining, the Miami Design District is the place to be. The neighborhood hosts a wealth of luxury flagship boutiques and independent retailers, world-class cuisine from around the world and celebrated galleries.

Best neighborhoods in Miami for businesses

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Miami may be renowned for its sandy beaches and party-loving atmosphere, but it is also one of the best places in the country to start a small business. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Miami if you want to bring your career to the next level.

Brickell

With its high-rise glass buildings and urban vibe, Brickell has not earned the nickname of “Manhattan of the South” for nothing. It is home to the highest concentration of international banks, making it the perfect place for those looking to kick-start their career who do not mind a fast-paced environment.

Central Business District

As in many cities around the country, downtown is an essential part of business life in Miami. Miami’s Central Business District (known to the locals as CBD) combines business and pleasure, mixing historical landmarks and headquarters for multinational companies.

Omni

There is no better place than Omni for those interested in a career in the entertainment, media and art industries. The vibrant urban neighborhood houses numerous theaters, art schools and concert halls.