Brickell residents--Honest answers appreciated!

[Christian242]

I have been to Brickell a few times and am considering a move there with my family.
I have a few questions for you:

1-We are in our early 40's. We like a mix of urban environments that also cater to families with kids. Meaning, we would like to own a home, and be walking distance (a few blocks) from grocery, high end shops, child friendly restaurants and also fine dining. Would you say this describes Brickell or at least parts of Brickell? We are not at all interested in bars, partying or nightlife.
We don't mind being around younger people, just so as long as there are plenty of people our age too.

If you are not really interested in bars and nightlife Brickell might not be the right place for you. Furthermore in my opinion is not a family oriented place at all.

2-We have kids. Are there several other families in Brickell with kids or are we going to be one of the few people with kids? Are there good kid friendly things to do? Playgrounds? community center? etc...

I don't remember seeing any playgrounds, but what you can definitely find in that area is cranes and ongoing construction for the next 5 years.

3-Is the main language spoken English? I have no problem whatsoever with people who choose to speak Spanish, but my husband does not speak it and I don't want him being totally lost or excluded, or seen as "oh here comes the pain-in-the-behind "no speak Spanish" guy"

I believe is like any other place in Miami where you find people of different nationality that speaks different languages, but yes Spanish is the first language in Miami

4-My husband is Asian, very intelligent, well spoken, and yes, a bit nerdy--think silicon valley Asian geek Is this going to be a problem? Do people create these ethnic "cliques", and if you are not like them, they snob you?

Not at all based on my experience people in Miami are very friendly, you wouldn't have any problems making new friends

5-Could Coral Gables be a better option for us?

Definitely, Coral Gable is less than 10 minutes from Brickell, it has really good public schools, and nice places for entertainment. Furthermore the city is constantly organizing events, carnivals, and gallery nights with are mostly family oriented. Another area could be the roads, South Miami, or Palmetto Bay.

Do not hesitate to let me know if you need more information on Coral Gables, I live and work in the area

[ElGuito]

Reviving the thread.
I am finally in Miami, exploring locations for a rental. I was tourisitng around Flagler Street and the general area around the Government Center Metrorail and all around the Metro mover stops, very dynamic area.
The place I am considering is on SW 2nd Street, between SW 5th and 4th Streets< I did not see a bad area, shoddy aspect and unsafe conditions, but it was in broad day light around noon time. Yet the Neighborhood-O-Meter in this section gives it an "Orange" grade, bad, shoddy and unsafe.
The location is amazing (to me at least) close to the Metrorail, close to the Bay, plenty of services within walking distance.
It is the Rio Cristal Condo.
Is it really that dangerous?