Another where to live post - from people that don't like suburbs! (Miami: rent, condos)

[quichi80]

My bf is close to accepting a job in Doral. I would have to find a job once we move. Between us we can expect to make about $150k. No kids, 2 dogs, both urban people that have lived in a lot of different cities/countries and will have no problem adapting to Miami culturally. We're actually looking forward to the melting pot . What would be a good area for us to look into buying a place to live? We don't like suburbs and since I'm a firm believer in using a doggie door, the dogs don't do that well in high-rises. Ideally we'd buy a townhouse. What is a good, relatively safe area that would suit our needs?

[planetsurf]

lol -- lot's of places in Miami.
Do NOT buy right now. Rent and get a feel for the different areas b4 you plunk down $$. You can be in Coconut Grove, the Gables, SMiami, North Beach, Miami Lakes, Doral or even in Broward, like Weston! Prices may be beginning to bottom, but they certainly aren't going up anytime soon.

We live in a SFH in Coral Gables because it doesn't feel "suburban" at all. We like having so much around us yet a slightly bigger yard than the house I grew up in Plantation had!

Just my 2 cents.

Welcome and good luck.

[miamiblue]

Miami is not exactly a melting pot, but rather more of a salad bowl or even a sectioned dinner plate in some ways. You sound like you have reasonable expectations of the area, though, and I think you'll find that you can probably afford some of the nicer neighborhoods that are not too suburban. Unfortunately, Miami is actually a very suburban city, only recently has there been any kind of interest in adding urban infill developments to increase density (mainly the condo boom). There are only a few pockets of really walkable areas that would also allow you to have a doggie door.

I think planetsurf's suggestion to not buy right now is excellent advice. But if you must, I would say the Gables, Coconut Grove and South Miami near Sunset Place are probably your best bets. These areas have single family homes on decent size lots (if you're into that kind of thing), as well as some "luxury" townhomes in certain areas. All are very nice neighborhoods. I lived in South Miami and really enjoyed being able to walk to things, something that becomes invaluable when you don't want to deal with the crazy drivers just to go to the movies or the grocery store.

[quichi80]

Thanks for the advice. I've been reading up on Miami areas and all I've managed to do is confuse myself further. I agree that renting first is a great idea, I just have to convince my bf of that!

A walkable/bikeable neighborhood and no yard work is what we're after. The less driving I'm involved in, the happier I am.

I have only been to Miami as a tourist when I was a kid. I'm putting together a scouting trip. I want to have as much research done ahead of time as possible since there's only so much you can see in a few days.

[planetsurf]

Originally Posted by quichi80

A walkable/bikeable neighborhood and no yard work is what we're after. The less driving I'm involved in, the happier I am.

This is VERY doable in Miami -- but you WILL need a car to leave any "neighborhood."
In Dade I would look for smaller condos/townhouses in Coconut Grove, The Roads, parts of the Gables, SMiama (as MiamiBlue suggested) North Beach & SOBE (south of 5th).

Just remember that getting into and out of Doral during the commute is a bear.
Actually the more I think about it the more I think North Beach might be fun. It's a bit more urban, but an interesting neighborhood and a straight shot west to Doral. Certainly a unique area and worth a drive-through when your down.

Good luck.

[burgler09]

I'm gonna go along with what everyone else said. Coconut Grove and South Miami are both areas I like, they are walkable with restaraunts and bars everywhere, you always see people walking their dogs, running, etc.. South Beach is another urban area, but in my opinion i'd rather live in Coconut Grove or the South Miami area because the traffic/parking in South Beach is fairly ridiculous.. not only that, but you will get less of an apt for probably a higher cost.

I don't spend too much time in South Miami, but I can say that in Coconut Grove I feel very safe.

[rnc2mbfl]

Originally Posted by miamiblue

Miami is not exactly a melting pot, but rather more of a salad bowl or even a sectioned dinner plate in some ways.

LOL....
Thanks for making my day miamiblue! That's really funny. Now, everytime I eat Big Pink's TV dinner, I'll think of you!

[kevinkagy]

I'd recommend the South Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove area. Out of all of those, I'd pick Coconut Grove or "the Grove" as locals call it, because it's quaint, the residential parts are pretty quiet and lots of people walking around.

Also, I'd also suggest you look into Midtown, the neighborhood just south of the Design District. Very walkable, pedestrian friendly, lots of good stores, and there's a nice mix of townhouses, condos and SFH.

Also, when deciding on a place, take into consideration the commute into and out of Doral, as getting in/out of Doral can be a big hassle as A LOT of people work there.

[quichi80]

Also, when deciding on a place, take into consideration the commute into and out of Doral, as getting in/out of Doral can be a big hassle as A LOT of people work there.

That's something to think about. I was under the impression that Doral was more of a residential area for the Country Club types and that going into Doral would be against traffic. Did I mention research has taken me from being blissfully uninformed to confused?

[kevinkagy]

Originally Posted by quichi80

That's something to think about. I was under the impression that Doral was more of a residential area for the Country Club types and that going into Doral would be against traffic. Did I mention research has taken me from being blissfully uninformed to confused?

The main problem with your situation is you want an urban non-suburban area, but you're working in the middle of Miami suburbia. All of Miami's most urban neighborhoods are on the east side of Miami and the suburbs are to its west where Doral is. As such, you'd probably be taking the Dolphin Expressway from Doral to whichever urban neighborhood you choose on the east side.

To a certain extent, you will be driving against traffic as the majority of Miamians work in Downtown, but it's still a 20-30 minute commute from say Doral to Coconut Grove. Living in Downtown or Brickell (Miami's most urban neighborhoods) would be your ideal choice since you could avoid traffic on I-95 and take the Dolphin Expressway straight to Doral and go against the flow of traffic. If you want a smoother commute and still live very urban, try Downtown or Brickell.