Where to Live in Miami, Besides the City
While living in the heart of the city has many perks, choosing a neighborhood outside of Miami can also bring its share of benefits. Although you may not have access to as many conveniences as you would in an urban environment, you can still live an active life in a suburban setting. The following are some areas you may want to consider living, if you’re looking for a spot outside the city limits.
Pembroke Pines
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Located north of Miami and west of Hollywood, Pembroke Pines has a population of just under 165,000 and ranks high in diversity, outdoor activities, and health and fitness, per Niche. Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale are about a half-hour drive away (without traffic), and the Everglades National Park is just an hour to the west. While it doesn’t have a city center of its own, it’s still close to plenty of shopping and restaurant options.
Palmetto Bay
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With a population of only 25,000, Palmetto Bay is a quieter community that’s still a short drive away from Miami and Kendall. Palmetto Bay has earned the nickname of “The Village of Parks” because of its numerous parks—seven in total. They include Palmetto Bay Park, Perrine Wayside Park, Ludovici Park, Coral Reef Park, Bill Sadowski Park, Thalatta Estate, and Deering Point.
Cutler Bay
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Like its neighbor to the north, Cutler Bay is another coastal suburb south of Miami that has many positive attributes. The population is 44,000, and many homes currently on the market are selling for less than $350,000, which is a bargain compared to many areas in Miami. For shopping, many residents go to the Southland Mall. Also, this neighborhood is close to Zoo Miami.
Miramar
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If you’re looking to live north of Miami, in an area that has a feel of its own, then you might consider Miramar. Named after the Miramar district of Havana, Cuba, this suburb is mostly residential, serving as home to commuters who work in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Miramar means “sea view” or “sea sight,” but don’t let the name fool you—this community doesn’t border the ocean. However, residents like its central location with easy drives to locations both north and south of it.
The Hammocks
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The Hammocks is a suburb located west of Miami with a median sale price of $274,500, per Neighborhoods.com. It generally ranks high for its diversity, suitability for families, and proximity to shopping. It’s generally described as “quiet,” so if you’re looking for more excitement, you may want to explore another neighborhood.
West Miami
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With a population of 6,652, West Miami is a very small suburb between Tamiami Trail and Coral Way. It’s also not far from the Miami International Airport, and it’s known for its Cuban restaurants.
Dadeland
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If you’re looking for a suburban area that has a downtown of its own, you may want to look at Dadeland, an urban district within the suburb of Kendall. The downtown area, which is accessible by car and Metrorail, features a host of restaurants, bars, and stores. It also hosts events such as block parties, movies in the street, and family fun days. Located off the Palmetto Expressway, it’s home to the Dadeland Mall.
Pinecrest
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Located south of Miami, Pinecrest has a population of just over 19,000. It’s a close driving distance from downtown Miami with high-performing schools and well-kept parks, including Evelyn Greer Park, Coral Pine Park, and Flagler Grove Park. If you’re looking to live here, however, be prepared to pay a high price. The median home value is $840,900, and homes currently on the market are priced from $600,000 to over $1 million.