Surfside vs Bay Harbor vs North Beach (Miami, Miami Beach: 2013, condo)

[LAtoMIA]

Are there any major differences between Surfside, Bay Harbor Village, and North Beach (between 71st and 88th St) and of the three, which is most desirable (in terms of safety, commute to mainland, and proximity to grocery stores, cafes, restaurants…etc.)? I’ll be starting grad school at Barry University (Miami Shores) in August and I’ve narrowed my search down to these three areas so just looking for some input.

[hurricaneMan1992]

In terms of commute and safety, I'd say Bay Harbor Islands. In terms of stores, cafes, and restaurants, North Beach. Best compromise between all the above would be Surfside. You can also look into Normandy Island and North Bay Village, where you'd get more bang for your buck.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by hurricaneMan1992

In terms of commute and safety, I'd say Bay Harbor Islands. In terms of stores, cafes, and restaurants, North Beach. Best compromise between all the above would be Surfside. You can also look into Normandy Island and North Bay Village, where you'd get more bang for your buck.

I would rank North Beach last. Surfside has a nice shopping/restaurant district.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by FlyMIA

I would rank North Beach last. Surfside has a nice shopping/restaurant district.

Surfside's shopping district is all of about 2 blocks long between 94th & 96th St. on Harding. North Beach's retail district runs along Collins Ave. for 10 blocks from 65th Street to 75th. It also runs along 71st St. from Collins out to Normandy Island.

North Beach has far, far, more shopping/restaurants than Surfside. However, living in Surfside would put someone within walking distance of Bal Harbour.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

Surfside's shopping district is all of about 2 blocks long between 94th & 96th St. on Harding. North Beach's retail district runs along Collins Ave. for 10 blocks from 65th Street to 75th. It also runs along 71st St. from Collins out to Normandy Island.

North Beach has far, far, more shopping/restaurants than Surfside. However, living in Surfside would put someone within walking distance of Bal Harbour.

But what is there to offer in those stores and restaurants? Surfside actually has some pretty good places to eat. Bal Harbor has stores and some good places to eat too. North Beach there is not much. The stores are mostly pharmacies and convenience stores and what not.

I just find Surfside to have more to offer, maybe less quantity but more quality.

For the OP's commute there is not a huge difference between the three. Only thing to keep in mind is depending how North you are the quickest way to Barry might be using a bridge with a one dollar toll each way. However there are passes for that toll which I believe have flat rates. Like $300 a year or something like that.

[LAtoMIA]

Originally Posted by FlyMIA

Only thing to keep in mind is depending how North you are the quickest way to Barry might be using a bridge with a one dollar toll each way. However there are passes for that toll which I believe have flat rates. Like $300 a year or something like that.

This is actually something I found out yesterday. The Broad causeway that goes over Bay Harbor Islands has a dollar toll, but I was not able to find a link anywhere online that gives information on yearly passes and such for those who may be residing within that area. If anyone knows where I could get more information regarding this would be greatly appreciated. I think this will have a lot of influence where I decide to live ($300/year isn't awful if it makes my commute quick and easy, but $2+ a day for tolls...not so good)

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by FlyMIA

But what is there to offer in those stores and restaurants? Surfside actually has some pretty good places to eat.

Firstly, I want to clarify that I wasn't disagreeing with you ranking Bay Harbor and Surfside as being better choices for the OP, especially given his commute. However, I must take issue with you now stating that the restaurants in Surfside are better than those in North Beach. With a couple of exceptions, nothing could be further from the truth, especially if you like Latin American cuisine. There is a reason that North Beach is called Little Buenas Aires. There are a multitude of very good South American restaurants there including those specializing in Brazilian, Argentinian, Peruvian, Columbian, Uruguayan, and Venezuelan cuisine. Of course, there are a couple of Cuban restaurants as well, not to mention the usual Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and French restaurants that one can find anywhere. In fact, there are about 25 or so ethnic restaurants that I can walk to from my condo on 65th. And that doesn't include the restaurants serving the usual American-type offerings.

While Surfside does have some very nice Italian restaurants (especially Pescecane!), I can't think of any other restaurant/cuisine there that would be worth a special trip.

[hurricaneMan1992]

North Beach has so much more to offer than Surfside. Don't believe me? Drive up and down Collins Ave and Harding Ave between the two locations on a weekend evening, you'll notice North Beach is much more active. Those people are there for a reason! Surfside is fine if you're OK with walking to the same couple of places every time, but if you want variety, North Beach wins.

[hurricaneMan1992]

Originally Posted by FlyMIA

However there are passes for that toll which I believe have flat rates. Like $300 a year or something like that.

Is it really that much? Rickenbacker Causeway is $60/year, and the daily toll rate is actually higher than Broad Causeway!!!

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by LAtoMIA

If anyone knows where I could get more information regarding this would be greatly appreciated. I think this will have a lot of influence where I decide to live ($300/year isn't awful if it makes my commute quick and easy, but $2+ a day for tolls...not so good)

Here you go (And it's actually only $250, not $300): Bay Harbor Islands toll booths going electronic - Miami Beach - MiamiHerald.com

The causeway is going to be converted to the SunPass system next year. Here's the pertinent paragraph from the linked article pertaining to the annual pass:

Drivers who frequently use the Broad Causeway will have the option to connect their SunPass to a program that allows them to pay a $250 flat annual fee instead paying the $1 toll each time. This service can be provided in person at the Bay Harbor Islands town office, 9665 Bay Harbor Terrace.