Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique arts and culture.
Tropical living in a historic neighborhood.
Coconut Grove was the first settled area in South Florida, with communities surrounding the Cape Florida Lighthouse as early as 1825. Some of Miami’s oldest structures are preserved here, and even the newer parts of town conjure images of the hotels and plantations of its past.
​​​​​​​Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood and traces of the district’s colorful past are evident on every street corner. Blanketed by tropical greenery, Coconut Grove features plentiful wildlife and ebullient natural beauty. Between bricks of coral and limestone, ivy-coated walls, ample shade, and historic architecture that references its roots as a hippie commune in the ‘60s, its distinctively vibrant ambience is unmistakeable.
Yacht clubs, decktop restaurants on the bay, mangrove-lined parks, and a quaint downtown promenade.
​​​​​​​‘The Grove,’ as it’s known to locals, is famous for both its downtown strip and the bayfront. Its downtown area features the Cocowalk shopping mall, as well as a number of local bars, boutiques, and restaurants in the colorful surrounding blocks. Along the water, you’ll encounter one of Miami’s largest marinas and Peacock Park. Coconut Grove is also home to the stunning Vizcaya Estate and Gardens, which features Spanish architecture and the most elaborate cultivated garden in the city.
Boating culture, outdoor living, lush environs, and an enjoyable local nightlife.
Sailing and yachting, outdoor dining, strolling under the hammocks and a nightlife that’s awesome in its own little way. People generally come to spend a day out on the water, dock their boat in the marina and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, play kickball at one of the many parks, and maybe cap the day off with a movie at Cocowalk.
This is one of the most popular areas for jogging and biking, as its plentiful shade provides relief from the sweltering Miami heat. This area also represents the heart of of Coconut Grove’s nightlife, featuring sports bars populated by college kids, wine bars, and local dives with billiards and darts that are open well into the morning hours.
If you’re looking to live in the middle of it all, this isn’t the place.
​​​​​​​Coconut Grove is charming, but it lacks urban ebullience.
Homes of every sort—bungalows, old Spanish, modern, Mediterranean—result in a harmonious diversity.
Many of these houses typify classical South Florida style, with flat roofs designed for airflow and shade. The area’s newer mansions and larger homes are primarily located within gated areas and secluded corners. Older condos and reasonably-priced duplexes are situated around the downtown district, with a crop of new high-rises currently in development near the bay.
​​​​​​​The area’s newer mansions and larger homes are primarily located within gated areas and secluded corners. Older condos and reasonably-priced duplexes are situated around the downtown district, with a crop of new high-rises currently in development near the bay.
Outdoor culture, eccentric spirit, and winding streets draped in greenery and charm.
​​​​​​​Coconut Grove exemplifies the original South Florida ideal and affords its residents a modern lifestyle in a place separated from time.
Upscale European charm, complete with miles of canals and waterways.
Coral Gables was founded in the 1920s to attract elite Northerners to South Florida. Modeled after turn-of-the-century Venice and Granada and designed with old-world bravado, it offers manicured landscapes, private golf clubs, and stunning Mediterranean architecture.
​​​​​​​One of South Florida’s first planned communities, Coral Gables is a pocket of serenity and old-world flavor in the middle of a sprawling metropolis. While it’s easy to get lost in its canopied streets and Mediterranean Revival architecture, residents will also find a bustling financial and cultural district.
An idyllic atmosphere influenced by early 20th century Spanish architecture and gorgeous native plants.
​​​​​​​Coral Gables is known for its unique atmosphere—the street signs are made of carved limestone, the streets are named after Spanish cities, and it features beautiful fountains and sculptures in its public spaces. It’s home to regional attractions such as the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pool, as well as the University of Miami. Located in central Miami, it features two Metrorail stops within its borders.
Upscale dining and shopping options, easy access to award-winning theater, art-house cinema, museums, and world-class golf and tennis.
​​​​​​​Along historic Miracle Mile, the main downtown thoroughfare, you’ll find boutiques, wine shops, and cafes. Blocks away on Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Giralda Avenue are some of Miami’s most critically-acclaimed restaurants and premium shopping can be found just down the road at the Village of Merrick Park. The downtown area is a busy financial hub, and many international corporations are headquartered there.
Those seeking a dusk-to-dawn party experience may want to consider the communities of nearby Miami Beach instead.=
​​​​​​​By design, Coral Gables does not offer an active nightlife. There are a few neighborhood bars on Giralda that boast loyal crowds and craft cocktails, but those looking to live somewhere with a later bedtime should consider South Beach, Brickell, or Midtown.
Luxe downtown condos, single-family homes, and waterfront mansions can all be found here.
​​​​​​​The area is extremely diverse and functions as an independent city, complete with its own government and police force. Mega-mansions and celebrity homes fill the waterfront area, while more accessible options populate the suburban areas at the city’s center. Alternatively, a growing community of contemporary high-rises offer a distinctly urban spin on the breezy Coral Gables lifestyle.
Peace and quiet, Spanish-inspired charm, and canopies of lush greenery.
​​​​​​​Coral Gables is one of Miami’s most iconic areas, imparting the rich heritage of South Florida with a contemporary vibe.
Downtown Miami dates back to the 1890s, when it served as the southernmost hub of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. Now, the area serves as the economic capital of an entire region that comprises the Caribbean and Latin America. Glass skyscrapers, trendy restaurants, and busy nightclubs make up its northern sector, while central downtown features historic government buildings and one of only three jewelry districts in the United States.
Home to one of the country’s most spectacular waterfront skylines, Downtown Miami is the central business and finance center in South Florida and serves as an important commercial and cultural nexus between the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. As recently as twenty years ago, the area would empty after business hours, but a recent influx of development and urban migration has since transformed this region into a lively and hip neighborhood.
A cluster of contemporary high-rises and urban parks, most with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami.
The fragrant sea breeze and nautical port views make this area one of the most charming in Miami. In the northern Omni district, you’ll find a domestic urbanite’s paradise, complete with innovative cuisine, dog-friendly bayside parks, and neighborhood dives. For livelier denizens, Park West boasts a good-sized chunk of Miami’s infamous nightlife. Meanwhile, Central Downtown is home to some of the oldest functioning government buildings in the Southeast and is the government seat of Miami-Dade County.
Easily walkable access to top restaurants, vibrant nightlife, waterfront parks, and live music.
In addition to its many bars and restaurants, the central area is home to the Miami Heat and American Airlines Arena as well as the popular Mary Brickell Village. Just down Biscayne Boulevard, you’ll find Bicentennial and Bayfront parks, which host live-music events including the enormous Ultra Music Festival. Nestled against the bay sits the acclaimed Perez Art Museum and the future site of the Miami Science Museum. Downtown is also home to the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which is Miami’s foremost venue for national musical, ballet, opera, and theater tours.
Downtown is a densely populated area, with little room for street parking and frequent heavy traffic.
With explosive growth comes high population density, so traffic on the inner streets of Downtown and the exits to I-95 can be some of the nation’s worst. While the area has excellent parks and ample waterfront, its green space is limited and parking can be troublesome.
This area is almost strictly condominiums, typically within high-rises, with prices in the upper mid-range for Miami-Dade County.
Many buildings offer exclusive amenities, security, and lifestyle perks, including valet parking, tennis, pools, and even dry cleaning. The large number of new high-rises currently under construction—Brickell is particularly populated with new developments—is expected to bring more people to the area and increase property values within the coming years. The pricing of units can vary widely, with relatively accessible mid-size condos sharing the same blocks as luxurious penthouses with floor-to-ceiling glass and panoramic bay views.
Amazing views, modern vibe, world-class museums and parks, and all-night entertainment and culture.
Downtown Miami bustles with energy and potential, making it a perfect fit for the industrious and the adventurous alike.
Beautiful homes, pristine parks, and family-friendly lifestyle.
Pinecrest was first founded as a staging area during the construction of Overseas Highway, the famous road that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. As Miami expanded outward throughout the suburban boom of the 1960s, Pinecrest rose in popularity among people who wanted to live away from the hectic city center. The area is known for amazing tennis, schools, and overall serenity.
The most coveted, traditional suburb in Miami-Dade County, Pinecrest is the land of white picket fences, tightly-manicured lawns, sculpted shrubbery, and multi-acre home lots. Law and zoning enforcement here are ironclad, resulting in a peaceful and orderly community where rocking the boat is uniformly frowned upon. For fun, many residents simply hop on a bike and ride around the neighborhood’s secluded streets, ogling some of the largest and most beautiful houses in the southeast United States.
Low speed limits and high property values, sunny suburban parks with playgrounds, and homes with gated driveways.
The main thoroughfare in Pinecrest is US1, which offers grocery stores, car dealerships, and strip malls. Off from the beaten path, you’ll find serpentine roads that reveal private streets, long driveways, and elusive mansions. Pinecrest’s tight landscaping regulation means a uniform cast of gorgeous man-made greenery. The area has room to spare, and you’ll never feel crowded or boxed-in.
Biking, Little League, trips to the farmer’s market, and family picnics.
Enjoy a game of tennis while the kids play sports at Dante Fascell Park, check out a kayak and have fun in the bay at nearby Matheson Hammock on Old Cutler Road, and stroll under the shaded tropical canopies at Pinecrest Gardens before a wine tasting and a jazz concert in the amphitheater. Pinecrest actively promotes a serene atmosphere, and for those who prefer calm, there’s no better place in Miami. For the kids, this is a prime area for little-league sports and organized recreation.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
Pinecrest’s law enforcement is extremely stringent and will crack down any noise or late night activity. There is no nightlife to speak of, with only the occasional sports bar along US1. The village is relatively far removed from the rest of the city, so long commutes are common. The area is short on public transportation and expansive enough to make car ownership a necessity. When Pinecrest residents want to dine or shop, they typically travel to nearby South Miami or Coral Gables, as the local options can be limited.
Moderate-sized homes interspersed with sprawling estates.
Featuring massive lots and generous square footage, Pinecrest is home to the priciest mansions in the county. Architecture varies wildly, as many of these houses were custom-built for their owners and vary from neo-Colonial plantations to Mediterranean Revival estates. Modest Florida-style properties can be found for lower prices as well.
Impeccable cleanliness, harmonious order, and eye-popping homes and landscaping.
Pinecrest is meticulously designed, and its residents wouldn’t have it any other way.
An Art Deco oceanfront paradise.
Originally an avocado farm, southern Miami Beach began its transformation into resort capital in 1915 and is now one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. You can recognize it right away by its distinctive architecture, diverse international population, and colorful culture.
The Art Deco architecture, glittering nightlife, international vibe, and arresting ocean views of South Beach are most commonly what come to mind when visitors picture Miami, and in many ways the area delivers on its reputation. After all, this dynamic neighborhood boasts many of the city’s iconic restaurants and clubs, all within a stone’s throw of the world’s most famous beach. But look closer and you’ll find a diverse community of locals drawn together by their love of the water and Miami Beach’s unique culture.
Art Deco beachside hotels, sunrise walks along the Atlantic Ocean, and no shortage of late nights.
While this neighborhood has some options for a more quiet residential life, this party capital never truly sleeps. The locals, however, are anchored by the beach itself, considering the urban congestion a small price to pay for one living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Miami Beach offers flagship restaurants and ultra-exclusive nightclubs—but the locals have a vibrant daily culture of their own.
Many of Miami Beach’s flagship restaurants and ultra-exclusive nightclubs are located in the central areas around Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road, and Ocean Drive. There, you’ll find the South Beach experience, complete with lavish dining and nightclubs like LIV at the Fontainebleau. However, most locals eschew this in favor of sunrise jogs along the boardwalk at South Pointe Park, a day on the beach, and dinner at one of the smaller (yet more imaginative) joints. South Beach is also home to some major cultural institutions, such as The Fillmore live music venue on 17th and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Peace and quiet is scarce in the main areas of South Beach, but the residential areas are much more tranquil.
Miami Beach also has only three main access road to the mainland, which makes it difficult to leave the island.
South Beach property is some of the most exclusive in the county.
South Beach property is some of the most exclusive in the county. A concentration of condos are situated around the central island; most of the buildings in this section are older mid-rises and they have the notable Art Deco architecture to show for it. The area’s pricier single-family homes can be found on the northern part of South Beach as well as along the golf course and Biscayne Bay, while the surrounding private islands represent some of the most expensive property in the world.
Quirky culture, non-stop excitement, and incredible access to the water.
Hectic as it can be, Miami Beach offers residents the distinct luxury of living directly on the ocean.
Compass
101 N Federal Hwy., 5th Floor
Boca Raton, FL 33432
The West Team
Kevin West: (561) 674-6555
Nicole West: (561) 502-2882
