Key Biscayne living for non-spanish speakers (Miami, Coral Gables: apartment, condos, crime)

[Camillamts]

A family of 5 relocating from Northern Europe to Key Biscayne. 2 kids that will attend the local public school and kindergarden. Will it be a problem for them not to be able to speak Spanish (to start)? What are people like compared to other areas around Miami? Would you choose Key Biscayne over Coral Gables?
Thanks!

[Jolseen]

You don't need to speak spanish to live in key biscayne or coral gables. I'd rather live in coral gables it gets annoying driving on and off the key, but both are really nice.

[roadtrip75]

Kids from Key Biscayne attend Coral Gables High School, which according to the latest numbers is about 8% white, 80% Latino.

[WINTERFRONT]

Most kids in CGHS come from Little Havana, South Miami, and Westchester.

[yrralis1]

1) English is well spoken on Key Biscayne.

2) It also happens to be one of the lowest crime areas due to the fact that in order to exit the island there is only one road .

3) You'll be fine with the local school and if you decide to go the private route Ransom Everglades is close enough. They are top notch.

4) Key Biscayne is isolated though and traffic can create an obstacle if trying to exit the island .

[FlyMIA]

You dont "need" to speak spanish for just about anywhere east of US-1 and Coral Gables.

[Manolón]

Camillants

If you come from Northen Europe, Key Byscaine will be a better option.
Nice beaches, WARM WATERS, nice condos, sunsets...
Most people living in Key Byscaine are AFFLUENT Hispanics and Jews, but there's a growing European presence.
For example, most Spanish bankers that recently bought the Transatlantic and the Mellon Bank in Miami live in Key Byscaine, the same goes people from the financial sector in Brickell.
My neighbour, an old Italian guy that lives in Spain since the Roman empire, bought two condos for the price of a lousy apartment here.
Coral Gables is your typical American suburban area, there are houses that are nice, other areas are kind of congested, no beaches. Boring place. Good for Americans used to suburban living.
Schools are in English and everybody speaks English (and also Spanish).
It's just like in Holland, Dutch is the official language but everybody speaks English.

[tallrick]

There was a time when Key Biscayne was almost worth the money!

Key Biscayne to Westwood Lakes

Now you have to be nuts to live three feet above sea level there.

[Manolón]

But Moses lives there, no need to worry!!!

[santiago33]

Both are nice areas. I would go with whatever location reduces the rush hour commute.

Remember Coral Gables is quite large. You can be on 8th St and 57th Ave or you can be by Old Cutler and 120th St and still be in Coral Gables.