West Miami, FL 1,282 Apartments for Rent

What a gamble: In 1947, the city was incorporated by four businessmen who invested $400 dollars each so that they could avoid losing out on their gambling rooms and extended cocktail hours, which Dade County were pushing to eliminate and reduce.

The city itself -- well, if you can really call it a city -- started off with about 700 people, but has now climbed up to roughly 6,000, as per the 2010 U.S. Census. It has pretty high standards as both a business and residential community and is brilliantly located for anyone working in the wider Miami area, with Downtown Miami, Bicentennial Park and Miami Beach just a few minutes to the east. There are about 2,000 homes and apartments in the city, with about two thirds of them being owner occupied and most of the rest rented out. Predominantly, the area is home to detached family homes, with make up about 70% of the housing market, although there are also a few high-rise apartments for those looking for one-bedroom apartments and other places for rent.

Moving to West Miami

If you're planning on moving to the area, you might already be aware that any major city can be a tough nut to crack. Housing in Miami and its districts can be pretty competitive, and that tends to drive up the prices. So, don't expect to walk in and find an all utilities paid place in West Miami going cheap, because that might be beyond your reach.

Neighborhoods in West Miami

When you start your search for a new place, you'll have two neighborhoods to choose from. So, it's not like you've got a great amount of choice - but then, what did you expect for somewhere that's only three quarters of a square mile in size?

City Center: Basically, you've got one neighborhood in the north and one in the south. The one in the north is called City Center, which is funny given that it's not in the center of anything! Anyway, it's a competitive renter's market here, compared to the rest of the state. But remember, you'll be earning Miami bucks, so that shouldn't be a problem. Transportation options are good, although most people like to drive to their destinations. You'll find that there's a small park in the southeast corner and great places to eat, too.

SW 16th Street / SW 57th Avenue: This is the other neighborhood, sitting directly underneath City Center. Rental homes here are about the same as in the north, and given the tiny nature of the city, transportation options are also pretty much the same. Right in the center, however, you've got West Miami Recreation Center, which is pretty cool, and there's a popular tavern called Duffy's over in the east.