8 Best Places to Live in the Miami FL Suburbs

When Miami’s sunny skies and warm beaches start to feel like a distant dream, why not take the opportunity to explore what Miami’s suburbs have to offer? You’ll still gain all the advantages of Miami living, like great schools, fantastic shopping options, delicious restaurants, and outdoor activities, but with slightly less crowding and maybe better affordability.

The thriving suburbs of the metro area deliver more unique lifestyle options. They range from more beachfront living, to classic Florida coastal, to suburban living. Let’s look at Miami’s top suburban options.

Coral Gables

Welcome to Miami’s “City Beautiful,” a suburb bordering Miami on its west side. Coral Gables’ founders envisioned a garden city with international flair, which has been preserved even as the metro developed into a dense urban core. Coral Gables feels different, with wide, tree-lined avenues, ample green spaces, and splashing fountains.

Residents enjoy the city’s picturesque parks and Miami’s “Miracle Mile”—a vibrant district of boutique shops, bars, and eateries. The University of Miami sits inside Coral Gables, as does the Fairchild Botanical Gardens and Hardy-Matheson County Preserve, two top area outdoor attractions.

Part of what gives Coral Gables its charm is the Old Spanish style captured in red tile roofs, archways, vine-covered walls, and stucco exteriors. These homes have a distinct style and feel. Between the garden vibe and architectural style, entertainment district, and location, it’s no wonder why Coral Gables is one of Miami’s most popular residential areas. January 2023 had 354 listings with a median price of $1.5 million.

Pinecrest

Pinecrest offers a unique blend of urban south Florida’s outdoors and modern life. Spanning eight square miles south of Miami, Pinecrest takes its cues from nearby Coral Gables. Six parks are available for visitors to explore. Among them is Pinecrest Gardens, a tropical paradise filled with native and rare plants. The community’s award-winning Sunday Farmers Market is held all year round!

Pinecrest has proudly earned recognition from the Tree City USA and Playful City USA programs. It has top-rated Miami metro schools, and many are conveniently within walking distance of the residential neighborhoods. It’s one of the lower crime rates in the Miami metro, too, so families can enjoy a safe environment while providing their children quality education.

Pinecrest has ample shopping options, like Miami’s first super regional mall, Miami International Mall. More daily needs are met in the centers along Highway 1, where you can shop at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s. January 2023 had 139 listings with a median price of $2.6 million.

Key Biscayne

How about suburbs offshore? The exclusive and upscale neighborhood of Key Biscayne is Miami’s little island paradise. This island over Rickenbacker Parkway offers breathtaking ocean and city views.

Two parks frame the small island town, giving locals outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing to kayaking while limiting development. An underwater archaeological preserve and coral reefs are just offshore for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Locals ditch their cars and get around by golf cart to the town’s charming local eateries. Some stop by the local wine market or cafe on the way back from the golf course or tennis courts at Crandon Park. It’s a unique life on Key Biscayne, with real estate most likely to be in high-rise condos. January 2023 had 186 listings with a median price of $1.7 million.

Coconut Grove

Miami’s artsy neighborhood, Coconut Grove, took root as a bohemian community. Locals call it simply “The Grove” and love its relaxed atmosphere, tropical tree-lined streets, and shopping district.

This Miami oasis has been at the center of culture and nightlife since the 1970s. Commercial district CocoWalk is alive with outdoor cafes, outdoor music festivals, street vendors, and Miami’s Cultural Center. The popular bayside Regatta Park is located in the center of Coconut Grove. Locals come for its playground, picnic area, and fitness center, but it’s also the scene of top Miami events.

The community has several other waterfront parks and destinations, like Kampong National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Other attractions include the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Miami Science Museum.

The Ransom Everglades School is one of Miami’s most renowned academic institutions and calls Coconut Grove home. Other top-rated public schools service Coconut Grove.

Real estate varies from historic Florida cottages to new construction. January 2023 had 272 listings with a median price of $2 million.

Sunny Isles Beach

If Miami’s famous beaches are what you’re searching for, Sunny Isles Beach is a top alternative to Miami Beach. Located north of Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, locals enjoy beautiful white-sand beaches while being further away from the tourist hotspots. Sunny Isles Beach is still close to Miami, with shopping over the bridge on Miami Beach or the mainland at North Miami.

Many residences are within walking distance of the beach or one of Sunny Isles’ ten community parks. The Newport Fishing Pier is a popular spot for local fishermen. Dogs are also allowed on Sunny Isles Beach, with two off-leash swim areas.

Another advantage to living here is the many restaurants and boutique shops along Collins Avenue. The world-class dining includes Zagat-rated restaurants and top-tier resorts. Find spas and resorts with Atlantic beach access. All these are within walking distance of the residences, predominantly high-rise condo towers.

January 2023 had 901 listings with a median price of $989,500. Prices are high, with many units or homes having water views or waterfront access.

Miami Shores

Miami Shores has an old-school, small-town charm with tree-lined streets just 20 minutes drive from downtown Miami. Sandwiched between Miami and North Miami, Miami Shores is a great spot for Miami’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Its outdoor activities include golfing, fishing, and biking. Miami Shores Country Club is open to the public, and the Miami Shores Aquatic Center offers swimming lessons for children and adults.

Miami Shores’ shopping district includes restaurants, cafes, and small boutiques. A Publix awaits on Highway 1. Barry University borders the neighborhood to the north.

A well-established Florida suburb with predominantly single-family homes, January 2023 had 81 listings with a median price of $1.2 million.

Aventura

On the mainland across from Sunny Isles Beach lies the master-planned Aventura. Neatly spaced 12 miles from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Aventura is a premier community to live and play.

It is well-known for Aventura Mall, a shopping destination with over 300 luxury boutiques and retail favorites. The mall is home to over 50 dining destinations like the Treats Food Hall. It hosts an experiential Arts Aventura Mall program showcasing 20 museum-quality pieces in a range of mediums.

Waterfront living options abound with Intracoastal waterway access. January 2023 had 891 listings with a median price of $550,000.

Doral

About 20 miles west of Miami is the city of Doral, one of the metro’s fastest-growing cities. Having been featured on Money’s top places to live list, it’s known for its quality lifestyle and business center. An ever-growing number of Fortune 500 corporations, such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Univision, The Miami Herald, and Brinks Inc., have chosen Doral to be their home—with the area job market only forecasted to continue expanding.

Downtown Doral has become the premier destination for those looking to experience urban life in Miami. This burgeoning 250-acre community offers luxury residences and trendsetting shops and restaurants along its Main Street.

Residents live minutes from the Miami International Airport and the Miami International Mall. Everglades National Park is accessible to the west on the Tamiami Trail.

January 2023 had 478 listings with a median price of $595,000.

Miami’s Best Suburbs

The suburbs are a good place to live in Miami, Florida. Enjoy Miami’s fantastic tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and energetic urban life while getting much-needed peace and quiet. But if you’d prefer city living, we’ve picked the top neighborhoods in Miami for that, too. A local real estate agent can help explore all your options.