Moving to Miami this summer. (Miramar, Fountainbleau: relocate, condo, income)

[MIA_so_soon]

Hello all. I stumbled upon this forum after doing some research about moving to Miami. I recently accepted a job opportunity in Miami (job is in an industrial area, west of Miami Airport). I am relocated from Boston and am ready for a new adventure.

I'm a single guy, 26, who likes the beach and some nightlife. I'm not a huge partier, but I do like to get out on the weekends. My income will be around 85k. I am looking to rent first and learn the area, then buy a condo in a few years from now.

I live in a downtown neighborhood in Boston and I'm wondering if downtown Miami is a good place to live. I spoke to a future coworker, who lives in Miramar, and she recommends Aventura for a single guy. She says the commute is about 35 minutes for her, but she likes the area. I've done some reseach on Aventura and it sounds like a solid place to live.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[doggiebus]

Single guy, looking to rent, I would suggest South Beach. Even though you are not a big partier, there are many other things there for a single person. Also your commute will be shorter and less stressful than Aventura. You can walk to many things and feel safe in South Beach. Don't live in downtown Miami, there isn't much there anyways. You will regret it if you do.

[compelled to reply]

West of Miami airport? I know it's boring, but honestly your best bet is Doral. Even though you will be heading the opposite direction of the rush hour from SoBe (which I think might be too crazy for you, great destination but crazy place to live unless you live to party IMO) , it's still a drag. Aventura is nice and very well suited to you but way too far, as is Miramar. If you want to hit the clubs in SoBe or shop on Miracle Mile the location is actually pretty central for that too, although Doral itself doesn't have much in city limits besides Dolphin Mall. I think it's a good starting point and gives you a fairly easy commute.

[illini84]

With an 85K salary, you should be able to afford something in Coral Gables or South Beach. I'd also recommend Coconut Grove. All three have nightlife and are mostly a younger crowd. I used to live on South Beach and while it is very social, it completely revolves around partying and was often very noisy. Coconut Grove is a nice alternative for a young person because it still has nightlife, lots of shopping, and great restaurants, but isn't the extreme that SoBe is. I'm pretty happy with the Grove. Coral Gables, of course, is very nice and would be a great spot for you as well.

[itlchick]

With that salary, you should live in one of the fun areas of Miami (South Beach). And it's great you have a job! Also, the sticker shock shouldn't be too bad coming from Boston.

Miami has a lot of things that I don't like, but if you have a decent income and just want to have fun, I think that's a good start...

[kevinkagy]

The areas closest to where you're going to work are Doral, Miami Springs and Fountainbleau. But I'd suggest Doral and Fountainbleau for a single person over Miami Springs, as Miami Springs is mostly single-family homes.

On the other hand if you want to live in a lively area, outside of the suburbs, I highly suggest you look into Downtown and Brickell. I'd say look into Coconut Grove and South Beach but your commute will be a big long coming from these areas to MIA. So, I'd suggest Downtown. Best of luck!