Neighborhood near Art Institute -- ?? (Miami, South Beach: apartments, mover, transfer to)

[Mom1955]

I'm wondering if someone could please inform us about the neighborhood immediately near the Art Institute (1501 Biscayne). Our son is hoping to transfer to college there, and we are unfamiliar with the area. Looking for an apartment within walking distance. Is this a safe area? Thanks!

[doggiebus]

It used to be rougher than it is now. The City is trying to bring stuff to that area to help it, but it still isn't a great area. Like I said its getting better. Its probably ok to walk around there in the day but I wouldn't walk around there at night. Have you looking into apartments in South Beach, he can walk to things there in the evening and feel safe. And he can take a bus over the causeway to school and just walk.

[palermodude]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

It used to be rougher than it is now. The City is trying to bring stuff to that area to help it, but it still isn't a great area. Like I said its getting better. Its probably ok to walk around there in the day but I wouldn't walk around there at night. Have you looking into apartments in South Beach, he can walk to things there in the evening and feel safe. And he can take a bus over the causeway to school and just walk.

Wooooahhhh dude. I love this area. First of all it's my home. If I could work in my neighborhood I'd never leave it. FYI, I live at 19th and Bayshore/Biscayne in a high rise. I have friends hooked into the Miami Art Institute one of my neighbors teaches there, and I've vistited the school several times for their student/faculty openings.

I have walked many times in my neighborhood at night - to the grocery store on 2nd Ave, to Bin 18 and the Sushi place on Biscayne (these places can get packed), the Latin Café on 25th and Biscayne, Sabor de Peru, even Walgreens on 31st. Sometimes I'll just take the bike. We have a beautiful park in the heart with free tennis courts, we're so close to the Metromover for easy access to Bayside (at night there are lots of people there), easy trip to Brickell lots of cool spots there (the metromover line even ends in front of Novecento, how convenient).

If you want Pizza don't walk to Mario the Baker on 24th, when you can walk to Primos at the Grand, that place is open until 2am. Plus we've got a hidden secret: Mikes at the Venetian open late and right across the street from the institute.

Add to the fact that we are right by the Venetian Causeway, I love running and biking there, it does not matter what time or day, and once on the other side, it's so easy to bike to Ocean Drive and check out the scene there.

Can you tell that I love my neighborhood? It's fantastic. Stay away from the Checkers and Burger King at night (Biscayne and 16th), and you won't be bothered. If you hang out there, you'll be bothered. The ghetto starts west of NE 2nd Ave and should be avoided at night, if you are a female.

[Mom1955]

Thanks for the info. Anything is helpful.

[Mom1955]

Thanks to you, also, for the info. I'll just keeping gathering information so he can make an informed decision later this fall.

Anyone else with useful comments, please post. Thanks!