Brickell vs Coral Gables vs Aventura (Miami, Kendall: real estate, 2009, rent)

[ffire]

What are the biggest differences between Brickell, Aventura, Coral gables (and someone else mentioned the grove- not sure what grove that is???). I seem to like what I read about all these but not sure how different they are.

In these areas are there any great, small Christian primary schools you can recommend that don't cost an absolute fortune? Or great public schools

Thanks again

[doggiebus]

Brickell is a high rise area that people live and work. Its close to downtown, South Beach, Coconut Grove, The Roads and Key Biscayne. Its a mix of full time residents and part time vacation condos.

Coral Gables is a suburb of Miami, it is its own city, its one of the nicest areas in Miami-Dade. Lots of high end restaurants are located in downtown Gables. The streets/homes in the Gables are very well kept, the trees canopies sometimes cover the entire road. The Gables has the strictest city rules in Miami-Dade county, rules like what color your house can be (you have to pick from their pre approved colors)... Up to recently, pick up trucks were not allowed to be parked in front of the house, they had to be put in the garage or hidden from street view. So lots of rules. Homes are older usually, sometimes they are smaller because of the age of the home.

Coconut Grove used to be an artist colony, some still live around there. There is a small section that is bad which is located just west of the main area of Coconut Grove. So I would suggest staying a few blocks away from that area. The streets are covered by trees, smaller homes sometimes, with newer McMansion next door. Lots of restaurants and events take place in Coconut Grove.

Other areas to look into are the City of South Miami, Pinecrest, East Kendall and Palmetto Bay.

Most of the best private schools are located in Pinecrest, Coconut Grove and South Miami. On the cheaper end I would suggest Westminster in Pinecrest.

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

Brickell is a high rise area that people live and work. Its close to downtown, South Beach, Coconut Grove, The Roads and Key Biscayne. Its a mix of full time residents and part time vacation condos.

Coral Gables is a suburb of Miami, it is its own city, its one of the nicest areas in Miami-Dade. Lots of high end restaurants are located in downtown Gables. The streets/homes in the Gables are very well kept, the trees canopies sometimes cover the entire road. The Gables has the strictest city rules in Miami-Dade county, rules like what color your house can be (you have to pick from their pre approved colors)... Up to recently, pick up trucks were not allowed to be parked in front of the house, they had to be put in the garage or hidden from street view. So lots of rules. Homes are older usually, sometimes they are smaller because of the age of the home.

Coconut Grove used to be an artist colony, some still live around there. There is a small section that is bad which is located just west of the main area of Coconut Grove. So I would suggest staying a few blocks away from that area. The streets are covered by trees, smaller homes sometimes, with newer McMansion next door. Lots of restaurants and events take place in Coconut Grove.

Other areas to look into are the City of South Miami, Pinecrest, East Kendall and Palmetto Bay.

Most of the best private schools are located in Pinecrest, Coconut Grove and South Miami. On the cheaper end I would suggest Westminster in Pinecrest.

Superb and right on post .

[ffire]

On the map Coral Gables and Coconut grove do not look far from Miami city. Realistically how far is it...???

[cuba libre]

Brickell would be the best from a real estate investment perspective...if you are in it for the long run (10 years+). A $500k (2009 value) 1,300 s.f. 2/2 or 2/2.5 condo like the one I rent with direct Metro mover access will be worth upwards of $800k-$1 mil once inventory decreases (3-5 years). Aventura can be replecated easily, just like Scottsdale AZ or La Jolla, CA. Brickell is one in its own.

Coral Gables and Aventura are more isolated and have longer communte times for downtown professionals. The achilles heel for downtown right now is the sheer volume of inventory available. Owners/developers are losing lots of money selling these granite/marble palaces at current value.

Another interesting factor will be the effect of commercial real estate moving into the first floors of all these new condos. ALL Of the new condos on Brickell have 1st and 2nd floors of commercial space, which will greatly increase the 'cosmo' city feel of Brickell when full.

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by ffire

On the map Coral Gables and Coconut grove do not look far from Miami city. Realistically how far is it...???

It depends on what part of the Gables you are coming from? With that said it could take you 10 minutes or 30 minutes depending on traffic and what part of the Gables you are coming from. The Grove to downtown Miami is about 10 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the time of day.

[cuba libre]

Originally Posted by cuba libre

Brickell would be the best from a real estate investment perspective...if you are in it for the long run (10 years+). A $500k (2009 value) 1,300 s.f. 2/2 or 2/2.5 condo like the one I rent with direct Metro mover access will be worth upwards of $800k-$1 mil once inventory decreases (3-5 years). Aventura can be replecated easily, just like Scottsdale AZ or La Jolla, CA. Brickell is one in its own.

Coral Gables and Aventura are more isolated and have longer communte times for downtown professionals. The achilles heel for downtown right now is the sheer volume of inventory available. Owners/developers are losing lots of money selling these granite/marble palaces at current value.

Another interesting factor will be the effect of commercial real estate moving into the first floors of all these new condos. ALL Of the new condos on Brickell have 1st and 2nd floors of commercial space, which will greatly increase the 'cosmo' city feel of Brickell when full.

Does anyone agree or disagree with what I said? Any insight on downtown real estate?

[crisp444]

Originally Posted by cuba libre

Does anyone agree or disagree with what I said? Any insight on downtown real estate?

In general I think it was a very good post. However, I doubt that values will go up that much when inventory decreases in 3-5 years; appreciation will be much more slow and steady for a while. Also, I wouldn't exactly call Coral Gables "isolated" from downtown; it is quite close and well-connected by MetroRail.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Originally Posted by cuba libre

Does anyone agree or disagree with what I said? Any insight on downtown real estate?

I don't agree with the appreciation prices, but agree with the post. Brickell is definitely the best of the 3 places. Very good post. It's the first and probably the last time I will agree with you

[formerfire]

Originally Posted by ♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥

I don't agree with the appreciation prices, but agree with the post. Brickell is definitely the best of the 3 places. Very good post. It's the first and probably the last time I will agree with you

Is Brickell good for kids as well though? 9 7 and 6?