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 not too far from South Beach.

Coral Gables

Welcome to “The City Beautiful,” a charming suburb bordering Miami on its west side, under seven miles away from Downtown Miami. Coral Gables’ founders envisioned a garden city with European flair in Miami-Dade County and succeeded beautifully. Coral Gables has been preserved even as the Miami Metro developed into a dense urban core. The city feels different, with wide, tree-lined avenues, ample green spaces, and splashing fountains. It provides Mediterranean Revival residences, some with golf course or waterfront views, pride of ownership, and a strong sense of community.

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

The Old Spanish style captured in red tile roofs, archways, vine-covered walls, and stucco exteriors partly gives Coral Gables its charm. These homes have a distinct style and feel. Between the garden vibe, 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 median home prices ascending up to $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 locals and 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 public and private schools, and many are conveniently within walking distance of the residential neighborhoods. It’s one of the lower crime rates in the Miami Dade, too, so families can enjoy a safe environment while providing their children with quality education.

Pinecrest has ample shopping options, like Miami’s first super regional mall, Miami International Mall, and a bustling cultural scene. 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 and one of the best suburbs of South Florida. 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 drive to the town’s charming local eateries by golf cart. Some stop by the local wine market or cafe on the way back from Crandon Park’s golf course or tennis courts. It’s a unique life on Key Biscayne, with real estate most likely in high-rise condos. January 2023 had 186 listings with a median price of $1.7 million. Downtown Miami is only eight miles or about 19 minutes away from Key Biscayne.

Coconut Grove

Miami’s artsy neighborhood, Coconut Grove, took root as a bohemian community in South Florida. Locals call it simply “The Grove” and love its relaxed atmosphere, tropical tree-lined streets, and shopping district. Coconut Grove is also one of the top tight-knit communities in the Miami area.

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 you’re looking for Miami’s famous beaches, Sunny Isles Beach is a top alternative to Miami Beach and Bal Harbour along the most famous barrier island in Magic City. Located north of Bay Harbor Islands, 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. There’s a campus of Florida International University closer to Sunny Isles: Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus.

In January 2023, there were 901 listings, with a median price of $989,500. Prices are high, and many units or homes have 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 median home prices at around $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.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Miami Suburbs

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Miami?

To live comfortably in Miami, you need an annual income of approximately $77,057. This figure considers the high cost of living, including rent, food, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. For a single person, basic monthly costs without rent are around $1,317, while a family of four’s costs are about $4,815 without rent.
The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami ranges from $1,968 in regular areas to $2,928 for monthly rent in expensive areas. Utilities for an average apartment cost around $164 per month, and groceries, transportation, and entertainment costs are also higher than the national average.
Overall, Miami’s cost of living is about 19% higher than the Florida state average and 17% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive cities in the United States.​

Is South Miami a good place to live in Miami?

South Miami is considered a great place to live in the Miami area, particularly for families and those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle. The area boasts excellent schools like Somerset Academy Charter South Miami, 48 acres of parkland, and a strong sense of community. Residents feel safe and enjoy the convenience of being close to shops, restaurants, and well-known areas of Miami, like South Beach, Ocean Drive, and Miami Beach. The median home price in South Miami is around $597,000, reflecting its affluent nature. South Miami offers a blend of urban and suburban living with ample green spaces, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate both proximity to urban amenities and large malls and tranquility​.

Which part of Miami is best for young professionals?

Brickell is widely regarded as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Miami and South Florida. The city’s financial district offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with abundant job opportunities, especially in finance and international business.

Here, you’ll find a cosmopolitan lifestyle just steps from South Beach. There are plentiful modern high-rise condos and luxury apartments in the housing market, providing potential residents with stunning views of the city and Biscayne Bay. Brickell is also home to the Brickell City Centre, a premier shopping destination with a mix of luxury brands and famous retailers.

If you’re a young professional, you will enjoy the walkability, proximity to South Beach, and social scene of this n’hood. Discover the delicious local restaurants, bars, and cafes that make it a hub for dining options and nightlife venues. Public transportation is excellent, too, with the Metromover providing free, easy access to various parts of downtown Miami.

You will also appreciate the beautiful parks and green spaces like Alice Wainwright Park, which offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. Overall, Brickell combines convenience, luxury, and a lively atmosphere, making it a top choice for those looking to make Miami-Dade County their home. 

Should I move to Miami-Dade or Broward County?

Choosing between Miami-Dade and Broward County for your next move depends on various factors, including lifestyle preferences, cost of living, and available amenities. Let’s see this in more detail:

Miami-Dade County is ideal for those who thrive in an energetic, culturally rich urban environment. Miami-Dade is renowned for its dynamic nightlife, diverse cuisine, and significant Latin American influence. It offers public transportation, the nation’s fourth-largest public school district, great recreation, mainly water-based, proximity to four national parks, and great suburbs.

However, living in the 305 comes with the cost of living above the national average (median home prices around $529,144) and the expected traffic for a large metropolis. The area is perfect for those who enjoy being in the heart of a bustling metropolitan area with easy access to beaches like South Beach, professional sports events, and a variety of cultural festivals.

Broward County, in comparison, offers a more suburban and family-friendly atmosphere. Broward is generally more affordable, with median home prices around $443,368. Broward County is known for its extensive canal system and waterfront properties, providing a more relaxed living environment in South Florida.

The major cities in Broward County tend to be quieter and more community-oriented, making it an excellent choice for families. Some of the best options include Weston, Parkland, Cooper City, and Rio Vista. The traffic is typically less severe in Broward County than in Miami-Dade, and the area boasts a solid public school district and ample recreational facilities.

Broward’s lifestyle is more about community events and family activities, with a slower pace and fewer international influences.

What are the top gated communities to live in Miami right now?

Here are 10 of the most coveted gated communities in Miami. Great for families of all sizes, these gated communities offer plentiful amenities, including—but not limited to—private parks, tennis courts, 24/7 security, a community pool, waterfront views, and more.

1. Gables Estates (Coral Gables)
2. Hammock Lakes (Coral Gables)
3. Cocoplum (Coral Gables)
4. Old Cutler Bay (Coral Gables)
5. Sunset Islands (Miami Beach)
6. Star Island, Palm Island, and Hibiscus Island (Miami Beach)
7. La Gorce Island (Miami Beach)
8. Bay Point (Miami)
9. Morningside (Miami)
10. Key Biscayne (Grand Bay and Oceana Key Biscayne)

What is the most upscale neighborhood in Miami?

The poshest neighborhoods in Miami are, as you might have guessed, islands. Fisher Island (average home value  $6.4M) and Star Island (median list price $10.9M are both renowned for their secludedness, exclusivity, and extreme luxury. Fisher Island, accessible only by private boat or ferry, is home to some of the wealthiest residents and offers high-end, state-of-the-art amenities like a private golf course, marina, and exclusive beach club. Star Island, located in Biscayne Bay, is famous for its celebrity residents and multimillion-dollar mansions, providing unequal privacy and breathtaking waterfront views.

What is the best place to live near Miami?

Miami offers a diverse range of suburbs, each with its unique charm and lifestyle. Whether you seek a vibrant urban environment, a tranquil, family-centered setting, or luxurious waterfront living, Miami has it all. Here are some more suburbs you can consider: Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Palmetto Bay, Miami Lakes, Miami Gardens, Miami Springs, North Miami Beach.

 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.