Kendall vs Aventura for shopping (Miami, Miami Beach: to rent, hotels, homes)

[Fointeq]

Hello all. I'm planning a trip to Miami for basically do shopping, nightclubbing and going to restaurants. I'm going to rent a car and I'm going alone. Though in the past I've been in hotels near MIA Airport as I'm traveling alone I would like a safer place so I can be more at ease. I've basically pinpoint my options to two: Kendall and Aventura. I know I will be going both to Aventura Mall and Dadeland Mall. Apart from these malls and a trip to Sawgrass Mills that I'm also planning to do, I also like doing shopping in places like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Sports Authority, Marshalls, Ross, Barnes and Nobles etc etc.
I have done my homework and now I know both places (Kendall and Aventura) have those sames stores. My question (excuse me if it is a stupid one) is this: Do you think I would notice any difference between the Best Buy, Marshalls, Target and such from Aventura to Kendall? Say for example, the Best Buy/Marshalls/Target in Dadeland will be bigger and better with more stock and selections than those in Aventura or otherwise? Staying in Aventura hotel wise would cost me about 600-700 dollars more than staying in Kendall? Is it worth it safety and convenient wise?

Side question: I always like doing some shopping in Walmart but I'm very careful about the locations. If I were to stay in Aventura my two nearest Walmart are in North Miami or in Hallandale Beach. Via google maps street view, Hallandale Beach Walmart looked better/cleaner than the one at North Miami. Is Hallandale beach a nice area? Do shops there carry less stuff?

Thank you very much!

[Coconut1]

I would go with the Dadeland area. There's no way Aventura is worth an extra 6 or $700.

Aventura is a bigger mall, but in Dadeland you have easier access to the Falls, Sunset Place, and Dolphin Mall.

I do not believe you'll notice any different in the big box between Aventura and Dadeland (the Best Buys, Targets, etc.)

The Dadeland area is just as safe as Aventura.

I have not been to the North Miami Wal-Mart, but have been to the Hallandale one. The one in Hallandale is not great, but then again, no Wal-Mart in SoFla is great. I personally don't think it's worth going to.

If you really want to go to a Wal-Mart there is one right next to Sawgrass Mills.

Hallandale as a whole is okay. Nothing to write home about. I wouldn't bother with it if I were you.

[doom1001]

I would go to Aventura for a day but stay around Kendall.As the previous poster mentioned you would be close to the Falls,Dolphin mall,Merrick Park and International Mall along with Dadeland.I'm also not a fan of the traffic around Aventura,it's bad in Kendall but just feels worse in that stretch around Aventura mall.Sawgrass mills is definitely a must,there's also an Ikea about a mile away if you're interested in household goods.Aside from the Walmart in Sawgrass there's also a huge Super Target that's attached right to the mall,Wal Mart is located in the parking lot around the mall.You'll also find TJ Maxx and Ross stores in London Square in West Kendall,Marshalls,Dicks Sporting goods and another Sports Authority on Kendall Drive around the turnpike.For shopping I'm certain I rather be in the Kendall area.However the last couple of times I've been up in Aventura and a few miles north and south of the mall I would say I think they may top Kendall in places to eat,they also have the Gulfstream casino north of Aventura which also has a shopping village with restaurants.

[hurricaneMan1992]

Unless you want to spend time at the beach or play golf at the Turnberry resort, I agree that Aventura wouldn't be worth the extra $600-700. The Walmart in North Miami Beach (163rd st) definitely has more selection than Hallanadale, but it's a somewhat sketchy area. Definitely avoid the Walmart in Miami Gardens (441/NW 2 ave). As mentioned above, there is also one right in front of Sawgrass Mills.

[Sugah Ray]

Originally Posted by Fointeq

Hello all. I'm planning a trip to Miami for basically do shopping, nightclubbing and going to restaurants. I'm going to rent a car and I'm going alone. Though in the past I've been in hotels near MIA Airport as I'm traveling alone I would like a safer place so I can be more at ease. I've basically pinpoint my options to two: Kendall and Aventura. I know I will be going both to Aventura Mall and Dadeland Mall. Apart from these malls and a trip to Sawgrass Mills that I'm also planning to do, I also like doing shopping in places like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Sports Authority, Marshalls, Ross, Barnes and Nobles etc etc.
I have done my homework and now I know both places (Kendall and Aventura) have those sames stores. My question (excuse me if it is a stupid one) is this: Do you think I would notice any difference between the Best Buy, Marshalls, Target and such from Aventura to Kendall? Say for example, the Best Buy/Marshalls/Target in Dadeland will be bigger and better with more stock and selections than those in Aventura or otherwise? Staying in Aventura hotel wise would cost me about 600-700 dollars more than staying in Kendall? Is it worth it safety and convenient wise?

Side question: I always like doing some shopping in Walmart but I'm very careful about the locations. If I were to stay in Aventura my two nearest Walmart are in North Miami or in Hallandale Beach. Via google maps street view, Hallandale Beach Walmart looked better/cleaner than the one at North Miami. Is Hallandale beach a nice area? Do shops there carry less stuff?

Thank you very much!

Sometimes clothing could be different because stores take into account demographics but I don't think the difference is that significant.

You usually find better selection in bigger stores or in stores located in lower income areas(but not poor, please skip really poor areas in NW. Miami) . If you stay in Kendall (SW 88 st) consider driving down to Homestead. Just use common sense, try shopping during daylight hours anywhere south of SW 144 St.

There is a colored map by a poster(Jacob?) in this forum with the good and bad areas it should give you an idea. There is another older map (second link by Crisp444) that I think it easier to read and in my opinion more accurate.

//www.city-data.com/forum/miami...iami-dade.html

Second map
//www.city-data.com/forum/miami...hborhoods.html