Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Miami with the Best quality of life – 2023

• Total number of offenses: 3
• Population: 80,671
• Crimes: 0.04 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $3,300
• Median property buying cost: $950,000

South Beach, or SoBe, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and art deco architecture along Ocean Drive. The neighborhood, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, offers a prime beachfront location. Beyond the glamour, South Beach provides family-friendly attractions, including water playgrounds, museums like the Wolfsonian-FIU, and parks. 

With a remarkably low crime rate of 0.04 crimes per 1,000 people, South Beach is a safe community. However, the upscale living comes with a price, as evidenced by a median property buying cost of $950,000 as of November 2023, and a median rent of $3,300 as of December 2023. Despite the higher living expenses, South Beach’s unique blend of luxury living, bustling nightlife, and safety make it an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 82
• Population: 75,966
• Crimes: 1.07 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $3,400
• Median property buying cost: $553,504

Doral, recognized as the premier city in South Florida for living, working, learning, and playing, boasts cultural diversity, pristine beaches, and abundant water recreation. CNNMoney.com ranks it 51st in the Top 100 Places to Live and Launch a Business in the United States, and US News & World Report names it the 3rd Best Place in the USA to retire. With a stellar 96.4% of locals recommending it as a place to live and work, and 95.6% rating the quality of life as excellent.

Doral’s appeal lies in world-class parks, cultural activities, and a robust educational landscape with over ten colleges, universities, technical schools, and numerous top-rated public, charter, and private schools, creating an ideal environment for families and young professionals. Notably, Doral maintains a low crime rate of 1.07 crimes per 1,000 people, further emphasizing its commitment to safety. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $553,504, with a median rent of $3,400 as of December 2023.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 63
• Population: 51,003
• Crimes: 1.23 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $3,400
• Median property buying cost: $664,812

Located just south of Downtown Miami, Brickell Hammock is a dense upscale neighborhood with young professionals living in high-rise apartment towers. This neighborhood is home to Miami’s Financial District and the country’s second-largest international banking center. This neighborhood provides all the amenities needed by its residents as most of them enjoy access to so many bars, restaurants, and shops around every corner alongside parks. Plus, you’ll find gardens all over the neighborhood, as well as cultural activities and exhibits. 

Brickell Hammock is also a walkable neighborhood with a walk score of 99, and most residents enjoy their day-to-day activities without a vehicle. They prefer to walk or take public transportation to get around. The city’s commitment to safety is evident in its low crime rate of 1.07 crimes per 1,000 people. In terms of housing, as of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $664,812, and median rent is $3,400 as of December 2023.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 70
• Population: 48,375 
• Crimes: 1.44 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $3,600
• Median property buying cost: $1,116,666

Coral Gables is highly appreciated by its residents because of its proximity to Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami, and downtown Miami. This neighborhood provides an old-world charm as one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city. Its beautiful tree-lined streets create a serene environment where residents enjoy walking, jogging, and cycling. 

Known for its peaceful atmosphere, Coral Gables boasts a low crime rate of 1.44 crimes per 1,000 people. Aside from its safety, Coral Gables is known as a family-friendly city, thanks to its 60+ parks; 92% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of outdoor recreation spaces. 

The thriving local economy in Coral Gables drives high property prices and Miami real estate is expensive due to limited available land for new construction, according to locals. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,116,666, and median rent is $3,600 as of December 2023.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 191
• Population: 73,752
• Crimes: 3 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $1,825
• Median property buying cost: $702,499

Coral Way, one of Miami’s best neighborhoods with only 3 crimes per 1,000 people, provides a peaceful suburban atmosphere near downtown. Residents enjoy the perks of city living, with a median property cost of $702,499 as of November 2023 and median rent of $1,825 as of December 2023. Beyond safety and affordability, Coral Way boasts family-friendly amenities like Domino Park and the Bay of Pigs Museum, reflecting its dedication to arts and culture.

This neighborhood is known for its shops and cafés inspired by Cuban culture, too. Its unique streets and sidewalks contribute to its charm, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a harmonious blend of city and suburban life.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 587
• Population: 84,278
• Crimes: 6.96 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $1,950
• Median property buying cost: $375,000

Little Havana, otherwise known as the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora, is located west of downtown Miami’s high-rises and cultural institutions. Little Havana is a dynamic cultural neighborhood with affordable and unique housing ranging from Mediterranean stucco cottages to limestone buildings. This neighborhood comprises Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, art galleries, and music venues, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Miami. Residents here enjoy access to tropical fruits, veggies, and ethnic markets.

When it comes to safety, there is a reported crime rate of 6.96 crimes per 1,000 people. If you are planning to move to Little Havana, the list price of homes in Little Havana has increased by 35.5% since last year. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $375,000, and the median rent is $1,950 as of December 2023.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)

• Total number of offenses: 192
• Population: 24,680
• Crimes: 8 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median cost of rent: $3,900
• Median property buying cost: $1,499,000

Coconut Grove, otherwise known as “The Grove,” by locals, is located just south of busy Downtown Miami and Brickell locations. Coconut Grove is an established upscale area offering a sense of tranquility throughout its shaded streets, making it a perfect neighborhood for residents longing to be close to the bustle of big cities yet enjoy the laid-back vibes of small towns. The neighborhood is especially known for its lush green landscape as well as the beautiful blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

When it comes to safety, there is a reported crime rate of 6.96 crimes per 1,000 people. If you are planning to move to Coconut Grove, properties often take a while to sell, making it a good opportunity for negotiation. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,499,000, and the median rent is $3,900 as of December 2023.

Miami-Dade County Crimes (2023), CityData (2021), Rockethomes (Nov 2023) & Zillow (Dec 2023)