Considering a move to Miami? With amazing cultural roots, family-friendly activities, and desirable housing options, it’s no surprise why Magic City is known for being one of the most entertaining cities in the U.S. If you’re trying to decide where to live in this Florida city, check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Miami!
Bay Harbor Islands
Photo via @kristakrealestate
- Home Price: $312,800 median purchase price; $1,429 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Florida cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
With Biscayne Bay separating this suburb from the mainland, Bay Harbor Islands provides residents a unique living experience. The town’s East Island is well-known for its historic architecture, while local parks provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. It’s also one of the safest suburbs of Miami, with multiple parks and the presence of Ruth K Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, making it a great family-friendly place to live in the Miami metro. And being on either of the two islands doesn’t fully remove you from mainland Miami fun—Bay Harbor Islands’ close proximity to Aventura and Miami Beach means residents are never truly cut off from the rest of the metro area.
Things to Do in Bay Harbor Islands
Become a member at the popular Indian Creek Country Club and get exclusive access to one of the best golf courses in Miami. Pump some iron, join a fitness class, or get your own personal trainer at Bay Harbor Fitness. Roam the green space, take your canine friend to the dog park, or let the kids cool off at the splash pad at Officer Scott A. Winters Park. Check out a novel and meet fellow bookworms at the Bay Harbor Islands Branch Library. Start your day off with breakfast dishes like the Greek Omelette, Argentinian Waffle, or Acai Bowl at Coffee Break-Enjoy. Head to The Bistro for Mediterranean-style Mahi-Mahi, Bistro Capellini, and Chicken Dijon. Enjoy a night of fine dining in Miami, and be sure to try the Ribeye Steak, Grilled Lamb Chops, or Panko Coated Salmon at Meat Bar. Or try a White Hot Pizza, Margarita Pizza, or Alfredoshroom at Foozo Artisan Pizza.
Coconut Grove
Photo via @nancybatchelorteam
Home Price: $592,500 median purchase price; $1,401 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Florida cities
Perfect For: Families, retirees
Founded in 1825, Coconut Grove is often referred to as “Miami’s original neighborhood,” and it retains much of its quiet historic charm to this day. Although home prices fall on the higher side, Coconut Grove is actually much more affordable than other similar, upscale neighborhoods located in the Downtown Miami area. Better yet, it’s also one of Miami’s safest neighborhoods! Coconut Grove is also one of the greenest parts of the city, with lush plant life lending a natural beauty to the neighborhood. Beautifully preserved Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes can be found throughout Coconut Grove, and great schools like Coconut Grove Elementary School, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart – Barat Campus, and Coconut Grove Montessori School provide families with a variety of high-quality educational choices.
Things to Do in Coconut Grove
Learn about frontier life while taking in amazing views of Miami’s nature at The Barnacle Historic State Park. See beautifully kept gardens in Coconut Grove and attend seasonal events like the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Unwind with a walk through the tropical fruit trees at The Kampong Garden. Take a bike ride, have a picnic, or get some waterfront recreation in Miami at David T. Kennedy Park. Enjoy a Lulu Burger, Garden Penne, or Shrimp Tacos from Lulu in the Grove. Experience beautiful outdoor dining with views of the city while enjoying Gulf Oysters, Mahi Fingers, or a Seafood Roll at Monty’s. Settle in for some al fresco dining in a tropical garden, and be sure to try the Commodore’s Fish Sandwich, Short Rib Sandwich, or Organic Chicken at Peacock Garden, a hidden gem in Miami! Or treat yourself to desserts like Key Lime Pie, Nutella Red Velvet Cake, or Guava Cheesecake at Fireman Derek’s.
Coral Way
Photo via @alexandraanovoo
Home Price: $311,115 median purchase price; $1,310 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Florida cities
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Sharing a name with one of its major streets, Coral Way is notable for its scenic beauty. Much of the neighborhood’s main road is covered by a natural banyan tree canopy that gives this neighborhood a beautiful, natural vibe. Decorative street art and historic architecture help reflect the strong Cuban influence in Coral way, with historical Mission-Revival houses and Art Deco-style bungalows mixing with sleek, Contemporary Miami homes. Magic City residents living in Coral Way can find plenty to do, with Miracle Mile providing entertainment and job opportunities in Miami, from posh boutiques and trendy restaurants, to banks and hotels.
Things to Do in Coral Way
Play basketball and tennis or go swimming in the public pool at Shenandoah Park. Check out the sidewalk of stars honoring Cuban and Latin cultural figures at the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. See moving works of art and historical artifacts of the Cuban exile community while visiting the American Museum of The Cuban Diaspora. Go windsurfing, soak up some sun, or take your dog for a walk along Hobie Beach. Sink your teeth into Seared Tuna, Roasted Cauliflower, or Wagyu Bolognese at The Gramercy. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine in Miami like the Havanero Sandwich, Shrimp Creole, and Valencia Paella at Habana Vieja. Shop for fine Middle Eastern foods or pick up a meal of Falafel, a Gyro, or a Kibbie at Daily Bread Marketplace. Dine on Costillas de Cordero, Filete de Trucha al Limón, or Pechuga de Pollo a la Plancha o al Ajillo at El Carajo.
Flagami
Photo via @realtorjonny
Home Price: $151,929 median purchase price; $939 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Florida cities
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Just south of Miami International Airport and Blue Lagoon lies the diverse neighborhood of Flagami. In this residential neighborhood, locals can often be seen walking their pets down shaded streets lined with affordable bungalows and townhomes. Though, residents of Flagami can easily find more recreational activities throughout the neighborhood, including a golf course and water park! While downtown commuters can expect a half-hour drive, it’s Flagami’s affordable housing options and easy access to W Flagler St that make the Miami neighborhood one of the best places to buy a home in Miami—especially for anyone looking to live in a safe, affordable neighborhood in Miami!
Things to Do in Flagami
Check out books or community-building events, like Super Saturday: Arts, Crafts and More, at the West Flagler Branch Library. Have a picnic, take a walk, or venture out in a boat on Blue Lagoon at Antonio Maceo Park. Catch the latest blockbusters at Ocean Cinema 6 (also called Le Jeune Cinema VI). Play a round of golf at International Links Melreese Country Club. Enjoy Argentinian cuisine like the Patagonia, Entraña, or Pollo a la Parilla at La Patagonia Argentina. Try a Spinach Onion Fetta Cheese Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or the namesake Monalisa Pizza at Monalisa Pizza. Grab tapas like Albondigas, Patatas Bravas, and Garbanzo Frito con Chistorra at Madrid Tapas y Vinos. Try specialty tapas or charcuteria paired with one of over 1,000 wines at Happy Wine Calle Ocho.
Little Havana
Photo via @steph.chaparro.miamirealtor
Home Price: $116,936 median purchase price; $932 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Florida cities
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
A neighborhood infused with Cuban culture, Little Havana is a close-knit, dynamic community that’s safer than half of Miami’s neighborhoods. The highlight of this area is no doubt Calle Ocho—or Southwest Eighth Street—as well as all of the Cuban attractions and businesses that can be found in the historic district. A reliable bussing system helps connect the neighborhood to Downtown Miami, and the local high school, Miami Senior High School, is just a walk or short drive away from almost anywhere in the area. With its colorful single-story bungalows, Little Havana is a fantastic option for those looking to find affordable housing while working in Miami.
Things to Do in Little Havana
Take a walk down Calle Ocho to enjoy the gorgeous and colorful influences of Cuban culture through restaurants, shops, and classic cigar-rolling locales. Play or watch games of dominos and take a stroll down the Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas at Domino Park. Spend an afternoon at a Miami Marlins (MLB) game at loanDepot Park. Catch some live music and enjoy a few drinks and pub grub at the historic Ball & Chain. Check out “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant” and be sure to try the Paella Versailles or Lobster in Creole Sauce at Versailles. Enjoy specialty provisions like the El Churrasco, Parilla Mixta, and Abuelas Ropa Vieja at Doce Provisions. Head over to Fritanga Cana Brava for great dishes like Carne Asada, Tajadas con Queso Frito, and Repochetas. Or grab specialty drinks like the Guavaloma, Aye Mamey, and the Domino Park Old Fashioned at the tropical-themed rooftop bar, Terras.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
