Young couple considering relocating to South Beach from D.C. (Miami: apartments, rentals)

[Sunny86]

We are a young couple (mid-twenties) looking to move to Miami (most likely South Beach) in August. We are currently living in D.C.

Judging from this website, speaking to realtors, and other research... we are looking at places on West Ave/Bay Rd and south of 5th. Is this a good call?

We visited the Flamingo at 1500 Bay Rd and it seemed nice. Anyone know if this is a good place?

[r_k]

West Ave and SoFi are good choices, but within that there are good buildings mixed in with mediocre, so you have to visit and see for yourself. Are you asking about buying or renting (I strongly suggest renting if you're not that familiar with the area).

Flamingo can be OK, it's a very large building, the south tower is condos, the north is rentals. I've heard mixed reports about noise levels and pet smell so def don't want to rent sight unseen there.

South of Fifth has more smaller buildings and less traffic so more pedestrian friendly. That would be my first choice but rents can be a bit higher and some buildings are old and run down so again you need to check.

Parking is a hassle in either place so make sure you get someplace with.

[stat3man]

I'd go for West Ave/Bay Rd. I think it's a better location than South of Fifth (SoFi). To me, SoFi seems sort of disconnected from the rest of South Beach. The West Ave. corridor is within relatively easy walking distance to many places compared to SoFi. Plus, many West Ave. apartments have spectacular views of Miami and Biscayne Bay, with beautiful sunsets to boot. Welcome to Miami!

P.S.: r_k is right about the parking situation.

[Lo Maximo]

I used to live in the Flamingo. It has traditionally had the reputation of being the epicenter of partying in South Beach. I can tell you that it certainly lived up to that reputation when I was there. It is quite a bizarre mix of young professionals, college kids, strippers, high end prostitutes, and even familites with young kids. Many of the units are quite nice and expensive. The center tower is tamer than the other two towers. It is great if you like sports as there is a good gym, outdoor basketball, and beach volleyball. The pool used to be like a party on weekends with a bar, dj, and topless girls everywhere. From I understand it has slowed down now; some have speculated that this is partly due to the recession. The location and grounds are beautiful.

I think that area in general is a great choice (Bay Rd.). SoBe is often more attractive to Americans moving to Miami from other cities as it is considered to be more socially diverse than many other areas in Miami which are a little more homegrown.