Looking to move to Miami? Whether you’re looking for a sprawling community with tons of amenities or a quaint island removed from the city, Miami’s suburbs have lots to offer! With amazing restaurants, abundant outdoor recreation, and quality schools, here are the five best Miami suburbs!
Bay Harbor Islands
Photo via @thecarrollgroup
- Home Price: $312,800 median purchase price; $1,429 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Considered a hidden gem in Florida, Bay Harbor Islands is made up of two small islands along Biscayne Bay filled with waterfront condos and modern single-family homes. This Miami suburb is safe and affordable with a population of just over 5,000 people. And with its proximity to Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands has plenty of oceanfront entertainment for everyone! The suburb also provides great amenities, including a variety of restaurants, gyms, the Bay Harbor Islands Library Branch, and top-rated schools like Ruth K Broad/Bay Harbor K-8 Center.
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. Take the kids to Bay Harbor Islands Tot Lot for an afternoon of fun on the shaded playground. Cool off on the splash pad at Officer Scott A. Winters Park. Indulge in a Caprese Panini or Spinach & Artichoke Quiche at Coffee Break Enjoy. Order Italian Tuscan food from top chefs at Emilio’s Trattoria, where you can try the Fried Calamari With Zucchini and Lombatello Con Chimichurri Salsa. Eat authentic Peruvian dishes like Ceviche De Quinoay Avocado, Tiradito De Cilantro, or Ravioli Porcini at O’Lima Peruvian Gastrobar. Dig into Grilled Lamb Chops, a Filet Mignon, or Schnitzel for date night at Meat Bar. Or visit Foozo Artisan Pizza for kid-friendly meals like Marinara Pasta, Alfredoshroom, or Margarita Pizza.
Coral Gables
Photo via @thedavidsiddonsgroup
- Home Price: $696,000 median purchase price; $1,412 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 54% 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 in Miami to buy a home. Limestone street signs named after Spanish cities mark roads featuring boutiques, local restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Along with those amenities, this Miami suburb is within a 20-minute drive to Downtown Miami and is home to University of Miami.
Things to Do in Coral Gables
Go for a dip in constantly flowing spring water at the Venetian Pool. Become a member at the Riviera Country Club, where you can enjoy a game of golf with friends or relax at the clubhouse. Visit the Lowe Art Museum to explore the mind-blowing glass creations in the Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass & Studio Arts. Swing by the Shops at Merrick Park to shop at stores like Banana Republic, Madewell, and Nordstrom. Explore 813 acres of public land at R. Hardy Matheson Preserve. Grab Smoked Salmon Okonomiyaki, Chili Eggs, or Moroccan Spice Smashed Avo for breakfast at Threefold Cafe. Order Gourmet Wagyu Burgers like the My Boy Bleu, Maui Wow-ee, or Bad & Bougie at Clutch Burger. Hit up Caja Caliente for some of the best tacos in Florida like the Vaca Frita or Gator tacos. Or go to Titanic Brewery & Restaurant for some live music and beers like the Shipbuilders Oatmeal Stout.
Key Biscayne
Photo via @lifeonkeybiscayne
- Home Price: $1,034,800 median purchase price; $2,549 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% 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. 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 homes throughout the island.
Things to Do in Key Biscayne
Be sure to visit one of the breathtaking Key Biscayne Beaches located throughout the suburb. Golf 18 holes at Crandon Park or enjoy a day on the white sand beach. Go biking, fishing, hiking, boating, or swimming at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where there’s a beach, canoe and kayak launch, restaurants, and a historic lighthouse. Visit the Biscayne Coral Reefs to see blue neon gobies, yellow striped porkfish, loggerhead sea turtles, and other reef-dwellers. Treat yourself to delicious pastries like a Cinnamon Roll or ABC Danish from Flour & Weirdoughs. Grab lunch at the Rusty Pelican for Butter Poached Mini Lobster Rolls, Crispy Whole Local Snapper, or the Salmon BLT. Head to Milanezza Kitchen Bar Market for Argentinian dishes like Porchetta Grilled, Branzino, or Flap Steak. Or feast on Seared Scallops or Lamb Chops with a side of Rosemary Roasted Potatoes at Costa Med.
Palmetto Bay
Photo via @helevygroup
- Home Price: $467,400 median purchase price; $1,218 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Palmetto Bay is a suburban, family-friendly community adjacent to Biscayne Bay and about 35 minutes from Downtown Miami. While this residential area isn’t known for its abundance of nightlife, the suburb boasts delicious restaurants with a variety of cuisine and plenty of outdoor spaces! Palmetto Bay is even nicknamed the “Village of Parks,” thanks to the numerous green spaces within its borders. Residents will find Craftsman-style homes, Colonial and Mid-Century Modern houses, farmhouses, and even Mediterranean-style abodes. There are also great schools in the area like Coral Reef Elementary and Southwood Middle School.
Things to Do in Palmetto Bay
Go standup paddleboarding at Coral Reef Park or kayak through Palmetto Bay. Enroll the kids in the Tennis Summer Camp hosted by the Village of Palmetto Bay Parks & Recreation Department. Shop the Palmetto Bay Farmers Market for local produce, coffee, baked goods, and more. Grab friends for an impromptu softball game or picnic at Palmetto Bay Park. Visit the Deering Estate for a Nature Preserve Tour or a self-guided walk through the historic family home. Get a hearty breakfast dish like The Chicken Came First or Shrimp & Grits at Walter’s Coffee Shop. Enjoy fine dining at Alaine’s Osteria, where you can try seafood dishes like the Lobster Ravioli, Seafood Risotto, or Chilean Seabass Picatta. For authentic Asian food, order the Pad Kee Mao or Pad Phet at Asian Fusion Cafe. Or head over to Babe’s Meat & Counter for Duck Bacon Bahn Mi or Babe’s Burger.
Pinecrest
Photo via @97brickell
- Home Price: $840,900 median purchase price; $1,313 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a suburb in the Miami metro that has a small-town community vibe, look no further than Pinecrest, one of the best places to live in South Florida! 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 Miami suburb has varying architecture from Mediterranean Revival estates to Neo-Colonial homes along with highly rated schools like Pinecrest Elementary that attract families in particular to the area. Plus, there are tons of festivals and events at Pinecrest Gardens, including the South Motors Jazz Series, Nights of Lights, and Cactus Show, so residents will always have something to do!
Things to Do in Pinecrest
Catch a Movie on the Lawn or try Goat Yoga at Evelyn Greer Park. Enroll your kids in guitar or piano lessons at the Pinecrest Community Center. Learn Jiu-Jitsu at Teknica Martial Arts School. Swing by the Pinecrest Farmers Market for sustainable farm-fresh produce. Savor a Cookies & Cream Cold Brew or Pistachio Latte while munching on Birthday Cake Waffles at Brewing Buddha. Fill up on Falafel Fries, a Kafta Platter, or Mediterranean Rice Bowl at Daily Bread. Swing by PINCHO for a Veggie Burger or Vaca Frita Bowl. Sink your teeth into a Grilled Cheese Brisket Sandwich or a Corned Beef Ruben from Roasters ‘N Toasters. Enjoy a Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Sandwich or Penne Al Salmone at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. Or get a couple scoops of Nutella or Biscotti Ice Cream 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
