Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and lively culture of Miami Beach is an exciting adventure for many newcomers. Whether you’re exploring the trendy South Beach scene or savoring delicious Cuban cuisine, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences in this sunny paradise. To help you settle into your new surroundings, we’ve put together a list of 10 insider tips to enrich your lifestyle in Miami Beach. So pack your bags, soak up the sun and get ready to live your best life in Miami Beach!
1. South Beach – SoBe
South Beach is the hottest neighborhood in Miami and the perfect place to show off. With its central location in Miami’s Art Deco Historic District, South Beach is a bustling stretch of beach with boutiques, fine restaurants and nightclubs. SoBe is Miami Beach’s party district, catering to the young and active. The bars are open until 5am and many restaurants are open around the clock!
According to Redfin, competition in the South Beach housing market is limited. The median sales price for homes in South Beach rose 93.9 percent last month to $1.2 million, while the average sales price per square foot fell 10.6 percent from a year ago to $444.
From December ’23 through February ’24, 26% of homebuyers expressed a desire to move away from South Beach, while 74% preferred to stay within the metropolitan area.
This data shows that a significant number of homebuyers in South Beach come from outside metropolitan areas, with about 3% of them relocating from different parts of the country. New Yorkers top the list of people looking to move to South Beach, followed closely by Washington and Boston. This trend indicates a growing interest in South Beach among people looking for a change of scenery and a new lifestyle.
Despite the popularity of South Beach, it seems that many residents want to stay within the metropolitan area when looking for a new home. Cape Coral, a city known for its waterfront properties, was the top choice for homebuyers looking to relocate to South Beach. Following closely behind were the vibrant cities of Orlando and Jacksonville, indicating a trend of residents moving to larger cities within the state. The appeal of these cities lies in their growing economies, diverse cultural offerings and many amenities that cater to a variety of lifestyles.
Homes near the world-famous white sand beach and Ocean Drive undoubtedly command higher rental prices of $3,300 or more per month, and that’s just for 1 bed and 1 bath. Prices for 2 bed and 1 bath apartments start at $4,250.
Most people who choose an apartment in South Beach will find that the fact that the beach is only a 15-minute walk away is definitely worth the extra cost.
Although the area has much to offer, the lack of parking is a problem for residents and visitors. There are few private and public parking spaces on the street. So you’ll almost certainly have to add a significant surcharge for parking to your rental price.
2. South of Fifth – SoFi
This is the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, and it’s undoubtedly one of the city’s most luxurious neighborhoods. South of Fifth is full of new condos and is home to some of the wealthiest residents and celebrities.
At $4,250,000, the price for a 2-bed, 2.5-bath, 2,000-square-foot apartment in the exclusive and iconic Portofino Tower is anything but modest! And for that price, you can be sure you’ll be rewarded with the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline that will take your breath away for all the days of your life in Miami.
The average sales price for homes in SoFi is $708,000, down 33.7% from the previous year. The average sales price per square foot is $820, down 17.9% from last year. Homes in SoFi are selling below list price, averaging 6.5% below asking price. The average time on the market for homes in SoFi is 117 days, which indicates how long it takes for a property to sell. The average down payment required to buy a home in SoFi is 117, which shows how much financial commitment is required for potential buyers in the current housing market.
It can be incredibly difficult to find a small apartment in the exclusive SoFi neighborhood. Prices for 2 or 3 bedroom apartments can easily exceed $15,000 per month, making them unaffordable for many people.
3. Surfside
The picturesque town of Surfside is located in Miami-Dade County and exudes a laid-back charm reminiscent of Miami Beach. Tucked away north of North Beach and Bal Harbour, this coveted area is a paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach.
Surfside is a vibrant community with a variety of offerings. Stroll along Harding Avenue and discover charming family stores, delicious restaurants and quaint bakeries. Along Collins Avenue, chic and modern apartment buildings line the streets, adding a touch of elegance to this coastal oasis.
Surfside is a vibrant, family-friendly beach district with approximately 6,000 residents and numerous recreational facilities. Although it’s a small community, Surfside offers several restaurants, plenty of shopping, and affordable housing. Condo prices in the area aren’t as moderate, while single-family homes range from $750,000 to $3,000,000. Rents near the beach are on the rise and generally start at $4,500 for an apartment with a bathroom.
If you’re moving from your suburban home to Surfside, you’ll probably be relieved to learn that you don’t have to give up all your stuff! The lack of space in your old apartment and transportation can be a problem, but there are plenty of storage units in Miami Beach – and plenty of empty hallways and bedrooms in your new home in Surfside – to store all your stuff.
4. Mid Beach
Discover the chic and luxurious Mid-Beach neighborhood in Miami Beach, where upscale condos and stylish Miami Modern hotels line the streets. The iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a favorite haunt of the Rat Pack in the 1950s, still exudes glamour with its sleek design and trendy bars and restaurants helmed by top chefs. Meanwhile, the Faena District beckons with its cutting-edge art center designed by Rem Koolhaas and a shopping bazaar that draws in visitors from all corners of the globe.
Nestled between 24th and 63rd Street, Mid Beach offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling energy of Miami Beach. With its oceanfront hotels and abundance of shopping options, it’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Despite its popularity, finding parking in Mid Beach is typically easier than in other parts of the city.
Living near the waterfront in Mid Beach comes with a premium price tag, but the proximity to the beach and the Miami Beach Boardwalk is priceless. Whether you choose a condo, single-family home, or apartment, you’ll always be just a short stroll away from the ocean. Condo prices start at around $650,000, while single-family homes can reach up to $3.5 million. Renting in Mid Beach is also a popular option, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $8,500 per month for apartments. Experience the best of Miami Beach living in the exclusive and vibrant Mid-Beach neighborhood.
5. North Beach
If you’re looking for a laid-back and family-friendly neighborhood, forget vibrant South Beach and discover the tranquil beauty of North Beach. With its stunning sandy beaches, mid-century hotels and modern Miami-style apartments, North Beach offers a tranquil retreat from the lively atmosphere of its southern neighbor.
The historic North Beach Bandshell regularly hosts concerts for locals, while North Beach Oceanside Park provides a scenic backdrop for leisurely strolls among native trees and plants. Located between 63rd and 88th streets, North Beach is a hidden gem that is perfect for anyone looking for a single-family home near the Beach.
The affordable homes in North Beach are aimed at young families. Basic homes start at $475,000 and 3-bed single family homes start at $875,000. Homebuyers can enjoy the convenience of a garage or carport, ideal for those not ready to take on the pedestrian lifestyle of Miami Beach.
With studios starting at $1,500 and small condos starting at $2,750, North Beach offers a quiet retreat without sacrificing the amenities of Miami Beach living. Enjoy the peace and beauty of North Beach for a truly relaxing retreat..
6. Sunset Island
Discover the hidden gem of Sunset Islands, where privacy and security are top priorities for residents in this prestigious neighborhood. These four man-made islands boast stunning water views and are conveniently located between North Bay Road and Biscayne Bay, just a bridge away from Miami Beach.
In this ultra-exclusive area, purchasing a property comes with a hefty price tag, with homes starting at $6,500,000 and reaching up to a staggering $50,000,000. Rental options are limited, with prices starting at $15,000 per month for those seeking a taste of the luxurious lifestyle Sunset Islands has to offer.
If you’re looking for a secluded paradise with unparalleled views and top-notch security, Sunset Islands is the perfect destination for you. Live the life of luxury in this coveted neighborhood, where privacy and exclusivity reign supreme.
7. Bal Harbour
Discover the allure of Bal Harbour, a hidden gem in South Florida. Located near North Beach, this exclusive neighborhood offers a serene and luxurious living experience that is unparalleled in the region and perhaps even the world.
Bal Harbor is among the most prestigious addresses in Miami-Dade County and is home to the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, a premier shopping and dining destination that attracts visitors from around the world. With its stunning beachfront properties, residents can enjoy a tranquil beachfront lifestyle while being just a stone’s throw away from the excitement of South Beach and Lincoln Road.
Safety is a priority in Bal Harbour, with a lower crime rate than many other parts of Miami. Families will appreciate the neighborhood’s top-rated schools, making it an ideal place to raise children in a safe environment.
Investing in real estate in Bal Harbour is a wise decision, as property values continue to rise in this desirable community. While prices reflect the exclusivity of the area, the investment is well worth it for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Similar to the rest of Miami Beach, this slice of paradise comes with a hefty price tag. Rent for beachfront condos typically ranges from $4,750 to $9,000 per month, just for a single bedroom and bathroom. The cost for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo can start at $7,500 per month.
For those looking to buy, prices for studio apartments begin at $650,000, whereas 2-bedroom units start at $1,750,000.
8. La Gorce Island
La Gorce Island is a prestigious gated private island connected by bridge to Miami Beach and has hosted many celebrity residents over the years, including Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Lil Wayne, Matt Damon, Ricky Martin and many more.
La Gorce Island Community is a tight-knit group that only accepts new members suggested by existing members. If you want to join this exclusive community, you’ll need to get in good with one of the current residents and, of course, have a few million in your pocket.
Prices in this exclusive residential area start at $7,500,000 and go up to an incredible $170,000,000. It’s not common to find homes for rent on the island, but there’s always a home available for an impressive $55,000 per month.
9. La Gorce: The Neighborhood
La Gorce Neighborhood is the main island from which you can reach La Gorce Island. This island looks like the older sister of La Gorce Island, and it’s just as beautiful and exclusive.
La Gorce is a secluded neighborhood that stands apart from the rest of North Beach. It borders Indian Creek to the east, Isle of Normandy to the north, and Biscayne Bay to the west. The neighborhood is known for its large lots, lush tropical vegetation and beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. As with most island communities in the area, there are only three access roads, making the area feel secluded and cut off from the rest of the world.
This historic neighborhood has a classic country club: La Gorce Country Club. It offers 24-hour security and has only 3 access roads, making it safe for pedestrians and ideal for romantic walks.
There are no apartments in this exclusive neighborhood, but you can buy a home from $1,250,000 to $30,000,000. Rental deals are rare here, but sometimes you can get a few deals that are well over $10,000 per month.
10. Normandy Isles
The Isle of Normandy boasts a prime location in the middle of sparkling Biscayne Bay, near Miami Beach’s North Beach neighborhood. North of Normandy Isles is the stunning Normandy Shores, while to the south is the luxurious La Gorce neighborhood.
In this neighborhood, you can buy a small one-bedroom, one-bath apartment starting at $400,000, and houses go for up to $2,750,000. Studio apartments rent from $3,000.
Come and Discover the Miami Beach Lifestyle
Miami Beach is a great place to live, work and play. There’s plenty to do and see, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The weather is warm and sunny year round, making it a great place to escape the cold winters up north. The beaches are beautiful and there are many activities to keep you busy. If you’re thinking of moving to Miami Beach, check out the list above for some tips to help you make the most of your experience.
