Coral Gables (Miami: real estate, crime, homes)

[jonkers]

We are from outside the US and plan to buy in Coral Gables. We have a young family. We are looking at a property on the 1200 block on Granada Blvd...between Venetia and Mariana. We get two categories of responses when we discuss the property...(1) Granada is a great address and is solid real estate, Granada is Granada, and (2) ooooh, if I were you I would not want to get so close to 8th Street.

We would like your thoughts on what people are trying to tell us in comment (2). Is it a point about property values, crime, aesthetics, prestige. Which view is most common. Is there a meaningful concern about getting close to 8th and if so (a) would it extend 4 blocks, and (b) what is the specifc concern?

[tallrick]

Coral Gables is overpriced, and not worth living in. They nitpick your life and cost you money needlessly. Granada is an OK street which ranges from estate homes to 1930's termite econoboxes. 8'th street is the border of the third world and many do try to avoid it. I just prefer to avoid Coral Gables altogether.

[CLTKing]

If you have the money, Coral Gables is the best place to live in Miami-Dade Co. Although 8th street is only a few blocks away, it is worlds away, and usually unwanted poeple don't venture into the Gables. Like you said, Granada is Granada. I would go for it.

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by tallrick

Coral Gables is overpriced, and not worth living in. They nitpick your life and cost you money needlessly. Granada is an OK street which ranges from estate homes to 1930's termite econoboxes. 8'th street is the border of the third world and many do try to avoid it. I just prefer to avoid Coral Gables altogether.

tallrick spoke .... so I guess Coral Gables must be a dump .

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by jonkers

We are from outside the US and plan to buy in Coral Gables. We have a young family. We are looking at a property on the 1200 block on Granada Blvd...between Venetia and Mariana. We get two categories of responses when we discuss the property...(1) Granada is a great address and is solid real estate, Granada is Granada, and (2) ooooh, if I were you I would not want to get so close to 8th Street.

We would like your thoughts on what people are trying to tell us in comment (2). Is it a point about property values, crime, aesthetics, prestige. Which view is most common. Is there a meaningful concern about getting close to 8th and if so (a) would it extend 4 blocks, and (b) what is the specifc concern?

Coral Gables is a beautiful , unique place in Dade County and yes the property values are high and yes the farther South you are from SW 8 St the better ...... chances of suffering some sort of property crime is slightly increased the closer you are to 8 ST and the homes seemed to be a little lower priced in that area .. in general Coral Gables is a beautiful , safe city and yes it carries some prestige to live in most of its areas .

[Leovigildo]

Not worlds away, no way.
Definitely a part of Spanish SW.
80 per cent Latin in Grenada?
It was already Latin 30 years ago...
Jonkers, no problem whatsoever.
Parfumed 8th st.

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by Leovigildo

Not worlds away, no way.
Definitely a part of Spanish SW.
80 per cent Latin in Grenada?
It was already Latin 30 years ago...
Jonkers, no problem whatsoever.
Parfumed 8th st.

WHAT ??????

[jonkers]

Leovigildo, can you say a bit more. I am not sure what you mean...is your view warm or cool on the area...although we are not from Latin America, the idea of it being Spanish is not a problem and could be quite interesting unless it also correlates with factors/perceptions that impact property values. In general, I am completely sold on Coral Gables. However, I don't want to pay for Coral Gables and get something other than Coral Gables in the perceptions of others.

Tallrick, I agree that Granada has the full spectrum...is a termite econobox in the 1200 block the same in the minds of buyers as a termite box on say the 1800 block?...same for estate house?

[tallrick]

Generally the more valuable properties are those not completely adjoined by neighbors, or with extra lot size. A home on the golf course or canal, for example , is more valuable than the same home surrounded by neighbors. Homes on Granada are generally worth slightly less than those on less traveled streets. The tiny termite farms are usually demolished or renovated anyway, so speculators selected them for their lots. The homes adjoining businesses on 8'th street are the least desireable. I have a friend who lives on venetia ave which means he has no front or rear neighbors. It is below average for a home but no crime problems there. The neighbors were Ok as well.

[jonkers]

Many thanks. This is very clear and helpful Tallrick.