Planning on moving to Miami or one of its suburbs? In addition to being one of the best cities for spring vacations, the Magic City’s abundant amenities—including eclectic shops and outdoor recreation—make it a great place to live year-round. Whether you’re seeking an active scene or quiet comfort away from the city, these are the five best Miami suburbs!
Aventura
- Home Price: $622,465 median purchase price; $2,922 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Known for its luxury homes and waterfront lifestyle, Aventura is one of the best Miami suburbs for families and retirees. Nestled between Biscayne Blvd and the Intracoastal Waterway, the city offers a mix of upscale condominiums, gated communities, scenic parks, and easy access to nearby beaches. Growing families are drawn to Aventura for its kid-friendly amenities, including Rainbow Valley Playground, as well as great Aventura schools, such as the Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School. Meanwhile, senior residents can appreciate proximity to high-quality Florida healthcare, including HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and Memorial Primary Care. And on weekends, outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby Oleta River State Park and Greynolds Park, while shoppers and foodies have endless options for retail, dining, and entertainment.
Things to Do in Aventura
Browse hundreds of luxury boutiques, catch the latest exhibits, or ride the iconic Aventura Slide Tower at Aventura Mall. Bring kids to cool off at a Miami water park with water slides, a lazy river, and private cabanas at Tidal Cove Water Park. Enjoy sports courts, walking paths, and a recreational water play area at Founders Park. Spend an afternoon relaxing on the sand and taking in breathtaking coastal sunsets at nearby Golden Beach’s Loggia Beach Park. Pull out a chair for Argentine favorites like Choripan, Provoleta, and Risotto de Carne at Novecento. Reserve your spot at a Chinese restaurant in Miami for modern fare like Xino Fried Rice, Tian Zao Pork Ribs, and Szechuan Beef Tenderloins at XINO. Pick up bread, pastries, and breakfast foods from a local Miami bakery—with options like the Nutella Croissant, Norwegian Eggs Benedict, and New York Bagel—from La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. Or finish your day with delicious gelato flavors, including Pistachio, Chocolate, and Macadamia Cream from Anita La Mamma del Gelato.
Bay Harbor Islands
- Home Price: $826,226 median purchase price; $2,718 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Considered a hidden gem in Florida, Bay Harbor Islands consists of a pair of picturesque islands along Biscayne Bay known for its waterfront condos, modern single-family homes, and laid-back atmosphere. While home to just over 6,000 people, this small Miami suburb offers a safe, welcoming, and surprisingly affordable place to live. Families appreciate great schools like Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, while residents enjoy convenient amenities including local restaurants, fitness studios, and community centers. Plus, with Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside just minutes away, it’s easy to enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches, waterfront recreation, upscale shopping, and coastal dining whenever you want.
Things to Do in Bay Harbor Islands
Catch Outdoor Movie Night or participate in Tai Chi or Zumba classes at Morris N. Broad Community Center. Pick up the latest book release or attend family-friendly events like Toddler Play & Funtime or Wiggle & Giggle for Tots at Bay Harbor Islands Library Branch. Take your kids to go picknicking, swing by the playground, or roam the green space at the Bay Harbor Islands Tot Lot. Cool off on the splash pad or check out the shaded play area at Officer Scott A. Winters Park. Start your day with a Mushroom Empanada or Miga Sandwich with a Caramel Macchiato Frappe from Coffee Break – Enjoy. Savor hearty kosher specials in a relaxed setting with Chicken Fennel, Baby Bok Choy, and Whole Grilled Branzino, or try Shabbat meals from Ovo at the Altair. Dig into Grilled Lamb Chops, a Filet Mignon, or Schnitzel for a kosher date night at Meat Bar. Or bring the whole family out for slices of Miami pizza with Margherita Pizza, Garden Pizza, and The Foozo Pizza at Foozo Artisan Pizza.
Coral Gables
- Home Price: $1,571,329 median purchase price; $2,760 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Modeled after Venice’s canals and filled with 19th-century Spanish architecture, Coral Gables is complete with canals, waterways, and upscale European charm. Residents will find contemporary high-rises and Mediterranean Revival architecture, as well as strict zoning laws, making it one of the best places to buy a house in Miami. Limestone street signs named after Spanish cities mark roads featuring boutiques, local restaurants, and coffee shops. The City Beautiful is also a prime spot for outdoor lovers, with over 60 parks and open spaces, including attractions like Chapman Field Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and the R. Hardy Matheson Preserve. Along with those amenities, this suburb is within a 20-minute drive of Downtown Miami and is home to the University of Miami.
Things to Do in Coral Gables
Sightsee waterfalls and hidden grottos or go for a dip in constantly flowing spring water at the Venetian Pool. Sign up for a membership for 18-hole Coral Gables golf or clubhouse relaxation at Riviera Country Club. Explore mind-blowing glass creations in the Palley Pavilion or view striking public sculptures at the Lowe Art Museum. Take your family to shop at stores like Banana Republic, Madewell, and Nordstrom at the Shops at Merrick Park. Grab Smoked Salmon Okonomiyaki, Apple Crumble, or Sausage McSharpy for breakfast in Coral Gables at Threefold Cafe. Sit down for seasonal farm-to-table plates for lunch, including Steak Caesar Salad, Backyard BBQ Plate, and Crispy Tofu Kimchi Plate at the Naked Farmer. Make reservations for a romantic night of upscale dining, with dishes like Prime Tomahawk on Fire or Steak Tacos with a side of Amici wine at La Rosa Gastrobar. Or enjoy live music after-hours while sipping local brews like the Triple Screw Light Ale, Britannic Best Bitter, and Shipbuilders Oatmeal Stout at Titanic Brewery & Restaurant.
Get Everything You Need for an Easier Move to Miami
Key Biscayne
- Home Price: $2,604,540 median purchase price; $3,836 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Tucked on an island near Miami Beach, Key Biscayne is a picture-perfect Florida paradise. This Miami suburb is located between the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and two state parks: Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Not only that, but it’s also perfect for waterfront recreation and weekend relaxation at some of the best beaches in Miami! Though it’s not one of the Florida Keys, this barrier island is perfect for residents seeking the laid-back vibe of island life instead of the big-city bustle. That said, the activities of downtown aren’t too far—just a 15-minute drive on the Rickenbacker Causeway, and you’ll be in Downtown Miami! Residents will find condos with resort-like amenities, as well as single-family Modern and ranch-style homes throughout the island.
Things to Do in Key Biscayne
Try 18-hole golfing, play tennis, or enjoy a day on the white sand beach at Crandon Park. Go swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or biking in Key Biscayne with the backdrop of a historic lighthouse at beautiful Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Dive underwater to see living elkhorn and pillar coral at Emerald Reef or a stunning recreation of the Lost City of Atlantis at Neptune Memorial Reef. Take a self-guided tour through beautiful coastal flora and fauna, or see natural museum exhibits at The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. Wake up for breakfast in Key Biscayne with delicious specials like Croissant French Toast, Three Pancakes, or Steak & Eggs from Flour & Weirdoughs. Grab a seafood-centered lunch by the waterfront with Signature Crab Cakes, Half Dozen Ice Chilled Oysters, and Blackened Fish Tacos from Rusty Pelican. Visit an Argentine restaurant in Miami for authentic cuisine like Gnocchi, Branzino, or Flap Steak at Milanezza Kitchen Bar Market. Or feast on Seared Scallops or Lamb Chops with a side of Parmesan Risotto at Costa Med.
Pinecrest
- Home Price: $1,658,743 median purchase price; $2,419 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a Miami metro with a small-town community vibe, look no further than Pinecrest, one of the best suburbs for families in Miami! With a kid-friendly atmosphere, welcoming neighbors, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why people are moving to Pinecrest. This top Miami suburb has a variety of architecture, from Mediterranean Revival estates to Neo-Colonial homes, along with highly rated schools like Pinecrest Elementary and Miami Palmetto Senior High School—which attract growing families to the area. Plus, there are tons of festivals and events at Pinecrest Gardens, including Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens, Nights of Lights, and Little Lizards, so residents will always have something to do!
Things to Do in Pinecrest
Catch a Movie on the Lawn, sign up for summer camp, or attend an event at Leslie Bowe Hall at Evelyn Greer Park. Enroll your children in youth programs like the Kids Architecture Program, French Explorers Club, or Huddle Up Miami at the Pinecrest Community Center. Get a membership for you or your little ones to learn Jiu-Jitsu, or sign them up for summer camp at Teknica Martial Arts School. Browse handmade artisanal items and sustainable farm-fresh produce, or attend a free yoga class each Sunday at Pinecrest Farmers Market. Savor a Cinnamon Roll Latte or Cookies ‘N Cream Cold Brew while munching on Avocado Toast for breakfast in Pinecrest at Brewing Buddha. Fill up on Falafel Fries, a Kafta Platter, or a Mediterranean Rice Bowl at Daily Bread. Bite into a Pipo’s Choice Burger or SMASH Perfecto Burger, or order an El Jefe Bowl at the Southern Florida staple, PINCHO. Or build your own liquid-nitrogen Miami ice cream with a couple of scoops of Nutella, Biscotti, or Peanut Butter at Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream.
***
Moving to the Miami metro? Extra Space Storage has convenient self storage facilities located throughout Miami-Dade County that can help with your transition. Find cheap storage near you!
Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
