As the 8th most walkable city in the United States, Miami is the ideal place to live if you don’t own a car. The city’s overall Walk Score is 73 so you can do most things on foot, from enjoying the beaches, to experiencing the culture, fabulous shopping and dining. Miami may be known for its art deco architecture but in reality you’ll find housing of all different shapes and sizes here, throughout its 25 main neighborhoods.
Downtown Miami
It comes as no surprise that Downtown Miami is the city’s most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 86. Not only is this the heart of Miami, it’s the commercial center of South Florida; home to banks, company headquarters, offices, shops, entertainment, parks, museums, and of course homes. In total, 13,703 people call Downtown Miami home, and when locals talk about ‘downtown’ they mean the Central Business District. Homes range from historic buildings – the oldest in the city are found here – to modern hi-rises. The Miami Metrorail and Metromover are right on your doorstep, however, the price you pay for convenience is a higher crime rate and fewer schools.
Brickell
Keeping close to the heart of Miami the Brickell neighborhood is the second most walkable in the city with a Walk Score of 83. Sitting south of the Miami River this upscale neighborhood was Miami’s Millionaire’s Row and is today one of the largest financial districts in the country. Luxury condos and apartments provide high-rise living for the 31,759 residents and Brickell still has the millionaire’s lifestyle with some of Miami’s most expensive homes. Walk to the lifestyle center of the neighborhood, Mary Brickell Village, for its fabulous restaurants, bars, and boutique stores.
Little Havana
Little Havana is one of Miami’s best known and loved neighborhoods, and it’s rated third in Miami with a Walk Score of 82. Located just west of Downtown Miami and south of the Miami River, Little Havana is home to 76,163 people, many of whom are Cubans. Residents can sample the vibrant atmosphere and culture that this neighborhood provides in the shape of festivals, excellent restaurants, music, street life, and a great sense of community. Schools are run by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system and include the historic Miami Senior High School.
Wynwood / Edgewater
With a Walk Score of 81 the twinned neighborhoods of Wynwood (north of Downtown Miami), and Edgewater (the coastal section), are the fourth best places to live in Miami for walkability. Edgewater’s historic homes stand alongside high-rise residential towers, while the artsy Wynwood neighborhood has funky restaurants, cafes, and stores. Wynwood also contains the Miami Fashion District and it’s been nicknamed ‘Little San Juan’ for its large number of Puerto Ricans, many of whom own the restaurants and markets. Together, these two neighborhoods are home to around 22,200 people.
Overtown
Overtown is number five on our list with its Walk Score of 76. Just northwest of Downtown Miami this was historically called “Colored Town” and was home to many Black Americans. Today the neighborhood is on the up again and its 6,736 residents can use the Metrorail from Overtown Station to get around the city. The historic Lyric Theatre, Dorsey House, churches, and a museum are some of the attractions in Overtown, and there are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Each of these Miami neighborhoods has their own sub-neighborhoods too, all with something great to offer the diverse range of people who call Miami home. And, the further out from the city center you get, the more family friendly the homes and neighborhoods are.
