15 Best Neighborhoods in Miami, FL

Miami's booming economy, access to beaches, nightlife, and Latin flavors draw newcomers to its neighborhoods. Also known as Magic City, Miami is home to Latin restaurants, galleries, museums, and major sports franchises. If you're already convinced that moving to Miami is for you, here's where you can lay down your roots.

1. Coral Gables

As one of the best neighborhoods in Miami, Coral Gables is among the ritziest neighborhoods in the Miami metro area. The neighborhood is known as the home to the famous 1920s Venetian Pool carved from a rock quarry and features stunning grottoes and towers.

Coral Gables is a popular choice for families looking for quality schools and education centers. You're also not far from Miami's financial district, beaches, and airport. Residents spend time shopping at Merrick Park and Miracle Mile with a selection of dining and cafes.

2. Coconut Grove

The upscale neighborhood of Coconut Grove offers a relaxed sidewalk cafe and chic shops in and around CocoWalk mall. CocoWalk mall attracts locals and visitors to boutiques and outdoor dining. On weekends, get your green fix with Barnacle Historic State Park and the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Coconut Grove also holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Florida. Recent revitalization has turned its commercial markets into a revitalized playground for locals and millennials building their careers.

3. Aventura

High-rises with glorious views are the norm in Aventura. You can shop until you drop among the nearly 3,000 businesses. Its namesake Aventura mall is also among the biggest in the country and features major retailers and upscale shopping.

Beyond all the shopping, dining, and amenities, you're also conveniently located to I-95 and are 10 minutes from Downtown Miami and the financial center of Brickell, making it the perfect place for finance professionals to work and play.

4. South Beach

Live in the heart of Miami in South Beach for a life of glitz and glam. Nightlife is the name of the game in South Beach, and you'll never have a lack of visitors who want to hit the club scene until 5 am. South Beach is also home to an art deco neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

If you want to escape the tourist traps, look for apartments in the South of Fifth neighborhood. There's still plenty of amenities and places to explore, but without the intensity of South Beach proper.

5. Wynwood

Wynwood has seen a resurgence as one of Miami's hippest neighborhoods with converted warehouses and craft breweries. Some people liken Wynwood to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Wynwood is known for the outdoor museum, Wynwood Walls, with large-scale works from renowned street artists.

Restaurants, bars, pop-up parties, and nightclubs are spilling out onto the streets in Wynwood. The neighborhood is known for its creative roots and quickly sees new apartment buildings and condos popping up. You'll still see plenty of spray-painted murals and graffiti around town in between luxury buildings popping up.

6. Little Havana

Little Havana is the heart of Miami's Cuban scene with cafes, Cuban coffee, and cigar shops. You'll see plenty of Latin American galleries and influence. Hispanic culture is everywhere in Miami, but it's especially resonant along the colorful streets of Little Havana.

Little Havana also has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Listen to live music at the historic Ball & Chain or enjoy a glass of rum and discussion at the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center. You're also never far from a game of dominos. Maxximo Gomez Domino Park is bustling with domino players and coffees.

7. Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is a business epicenter with open-air malls, shopping, and evening entertainment options. The neighborhood is also home to the Miami Heat basketball games and blockbuster concerts at the American Airlines Arena. Culture lovers can take a show at the Florida Grand Opera or an exhibit at the Pérez Art Museum.

Downtown Miami is also rapidly growing with new developments, condos, and apartment buildings. You'll find trendy new bars, restaurants, and a cosmopolitan crowd.

8. Brickell

Brickell is the second largest financial district in the US and is called the Manhattan of the South. You'll find a concentration of international banks focused on wealth and investing. More college grads and millennials climbing the corporate ladder are making their home in Brickell. You'll find trendy restaurants and pubs serving a jet-set crowd.

Brickel is also experiencing growth with new luxury condos, apartment complexes, and mixed-use buildings. Luxury shopping is never far away in Brickel, where you can live, work, and play.

9. Pinecrest

Pinecrest offers a reprieve to city living with sunny suburban parks, playgrounds, and a serene vibe. Tennis enthusiasts feel right at home in Pinecrest at Dante Fascell Park. Or spend the evening at Pinecrest Gardens while wine tastings and jazz concerts entertain crowds at the amphitheater.

Pinecrest is mostly made up of single-family homes, and the apartment rental scene is competitive. This Miami neighborhood isn't known for its nightlife, so live near the Village Center if you want some action.

10. Miami Gardens

The backdrop of Miami Gardens features an old Florida beachy and cottage style with upgraded amenities. Newer townhomes and apartments have sprung up with upgraded pools, amenities, and proximity to major highways, expressways, and city streets.

Get ready for game day when you live in this Miami neighborhood. Miami Gardens is also home to the SunLife Stadium, where the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes play football.

11. Kendall

Situated on the southwest side of Miami, Kendall offers a blend of urban meets suburban lifestyle. The neighborhood is appealing to families and young professionals looking to build their careers.

Kendall is still home to several attractions, including the 300-acres at the Metro Zoo and a top-notch aviary. You're also never far from the Bass Museum Of Art, Barnacle State Historical Park, Coral Castle, Lowe Art Museum, Parrot Jungle, and many more.

12. Edgewater

Like the name implies, life in Edgewater brings waterfront views of Biscayne Bay. It's surprisingly one of the cheapest options in the city, although rents are rising just about everywhere. Luxury apartment buildings and high-rise condos are springing up in Edgewater. Margaret Pace Park also offers paved trails and tennis courts. Shopping is also plentiful along Biscayne Boulevard.

The proximity of Edgewater to the best of what Miami has to offer is also appealing. You're also a short walk to the Perez Art Museum Miami and can bike it over to South Beach.

13. Miami Lakes

Miami Lakes is a picturesque residential area with planned lakes, canals, and natural scenic beauty. Many homes and apartments offer lakefront views and quick access to parks and green spaces. Main Street provides a quaint city center with old-fashioned lamps and brick sidewalks inviting visitors to stay and stroll the shops and boutiques.

14. Key Biscayne

Live the island life in Key Biscayne without giving up proximity to the city. You're never far from Miami with Rickenbacker Causeway that connects the island to the rest of Florida. The best time to get apartment deals in Key Biscayne is during the off-season when tourist season drops.

Scuba divers feel right at home at Key Biscayne's beaches and a nearby coastal barrier reef. It's the only federally recognized archaeological trail in the US.

15. Allapattah

Allapattah is one of Miami's oldest communities and offers a multicultural experience. You'll find a diverse population of Dominican and Central American residents. Savor the mouth-watering ethnic eateries, a contemporary art museum, and Juan Pablo Duarte Park's local hangout.

There's a strong contender for Latin clubs in Allapattah, with Club Tipico Dominicano churning out a salsa and merengue beat.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Miami and ready to start looking for your new home? Learn about the cost of living in Miami and average rent prices in Miami. Then, browse Apartment List to find your dream Miami apartment. Get started with the quiz above!

If Miami isn't right for you, learn more about the other Florida cities:

Orlando:

• Things to Know Before Moving to Orlando
• Best Neighborhoods in Orlando
• Average Rent in Orlando & Rental Price Trends
• Cost of Living in Orlando

Tampa:

• Best Neighborhoods in Tampa

Learn more about the best and the cheapest places to live in Florida.