Best Condo Buildings in Brickell? (Miami, Madison: hardwood floors, sales, apartments)

[csmith0846]

I currently live in Ft. Lauderdale and recently accepted a position in Miami. I'm looking to relocate to Brickell as my first choice & Coconut Grove as my 2nd.

What are the best buildings for a young professional female in her mid 20's who's looking to rent under $1500 in the brickell/coconut grove area?

Safety is #1 and a gated community is a must (building with a view is a plus). Other than that, I'm all ears and appreciate any recommendations.

(also would love to hear what buildings to stay away from)

[intelfan11315]

It really depends on deals.. but times are a little desperate in brickell right now, and what you can do is pretty much walk into these buildings and ask for a showing. Remember, prices are negotiable. My best advice would be The Ivy(90 SW 3st.), when I was checking it out I believe they quoted me at 1600 for a 2/2. The views were nice too. There are others, hmm 2100 Brickell?

[kevinkagy]

Although not in Brickell, I really like Loft Downtown (2nd and 2nd) and Loft 2 (2nd Av & 3rd St). Both are in Downtown, affordable, nice, and a block from Bayfront Park. Any building in Brickell is going to be really nice, safe, upscale, but will always be pricier than the Grove or Downtown by far. Some of my favorites in Brickell are Plaza on Brickell and Avenue on Brickell because of their central location and awesome Brickell Av views. Brickell on the River is really popular with renters, but I've heard the apartments are small.

I've also heard good things about 500 Brickell. The Brickell Av-facing apartments have views down Brickell Av and of Biscayne Bay, which is nice. The pools are pretty small though. Axis might be worth checking out if you want to literally be across the street from the Brickell Metro Station.

[csmith0846]

Thanks! you both mentioned buildings I'm looking into, and I'm not too familiar with the area so I wanted to make sure I had central location & I'm so happy to hear that safety will most likely be a non-issue for me

[thewholetruth]

Brickell Key is the only place to live in Brickell. I suggest you look at Courvoisier Courts or Isola.

[atlantatomiami]

I just moved to Miami one month ago and my boyfriend and I moved into 500 Brickell. Our rent is $1700 a month for a two bedroom, two bathroom. That includes one parking spot and free valet parking for other resident vehicles- a big bonus as almost all other Brickell buildings nickel and dime you- and includes all utilities except for electric. The building provides hi-speed internet (you just have to get a router), basic cable, water, sewer and trash. There are two pools- one on the 42nd floor!- a health club with spa and free fitness classes, and great views of the water from most units in the building. We are on the 15th floor and love the area. We're only a block from the 5th street MetroMover station and two blocks from Mary Brickell village. I understand your budget is $1500- make sure to find out about parking costs and other utilities when looking in this neighborhood. Once again, they will nickel and dime you at many other buildings.

Good luck!

[andrechava]

Hi,

My name is Andrea, I am a former UM student and need to rent my 1/1 apartment located at Brickell Roads. I just got married last august and moved to South America. A friend who was currently renting it is graduating from a UM grad program and moving. Available June 1.

There are three other UM Grad Med students in the building. I own this apartment; it is a new small cozy building in a great location. Isn't fancy, elegant or big. It is close to Publix, Walgreens, 95 and in walking distance from Miami Metro-Rail and Metro. All neighbors are young professional. In Brickell you would find many large buildings with great luxury amenities but half empty. Due to the economy many buildings are closing their pools and lowering their maintenance schedules so be aware of Monthly SALES around because large buildings are full of foreclosures and you dont want that.

You will have your (1) private Parking Space inside and there is free parking around the building for visitors, beside the visitor parking spaces that can be use by resident vehicles. I just change the floors, so it hardwood floors. I also remodeled the bedroom and built a Walk-in Closet last November. The kitchen is brand new and with granite countertop. The building has a small Gym and a nice view to Brickell skyline. This apt is located in the 4th Floor. (4 floor building)

I am asking $950 a month (Internet, water and alarm included). Pets Ok and the building is right in front of a park.

The building only has 34 units and mainly owners so that keeps the place alive, clean and safe.

Let me know if you want to see pictures. Is a 5 minute drive to campus I used to commute everyday and is the best area of MIAMI.

echavarria.andrea@gmail.com

[ac11]

The Ivy and 500 Brickell are brand new high rises in Brickell. I went to go visit and you feel like you are living in a resort 24/7 with all the amenities they offer. Ivy is more towards downtown but 500 Brickell is right in the heart of Brickell Ave which is pretty kool. both have awesome ocean views as well.
One Miami is also really kool but its in Downtown.

[feelquiet]

Most of the new buildings on the west side of Brickell (not waterfront) would meet your price and needs.

Try 500 Brickell, the Avenue (1060 Brickell), One Broadway (true rentals not condos), Axis, Vue, Brickell on the River, Neo Vertika. On the east side of Brickell, the Plaza, the Mark, Solaris and the Club at Brickell aren't too expensive. Try to stick to the section of Brickell north of SE 15th road, as the southern end of Brickell is pretty dead at night too.

Brickell is on the south side of the Miami River, whereas Downtown is on the north side of the river. Technically, the Ivy is not Brickell but Downtown, although right next to the river. Downtown has a reputation for more crime and homeless panhandlers than Brickell. There are no major supermarkets in Downtown. The nightlife in Brickell is also better than Downtown. Except for a pricey strip fronting Biscayne Boulevard next to Bayside Marketplace and the Miami Arena, Downtown is pretty dead at night. For this reason, I definitely do NOT recommend the Loft or Madison or other downtown condos.

Coconut Grove is a little slower, and there are fewer options because there has been less building boom. It's a more stable market, and the units tend to be larger 2/2. You may need to share a townhome or a unit in an older highrise with a roommate if you want the Grove. Try craigslist.

Also, make sure you take the appropriate precautions when renting condos from individual owners. You don't want to be caught in a foreclosure situation and be evicted a few months down the road, or stuck in a building where they turn off the water or cable because the HOA didn't pay the bill.

[wildcat2009]

I would recommend any condo on Brickell Key for the best safety.