Source: Flickr user Mr. Thomas
The simplest answer to the question "is Miami a walkable city?" is yes. Walk Score repeatedly ranks Miami, Florida as one of America's most walkable cities, and usually, in the top five. In 2015, the city ranked alongside San Francisco, New York, Boston and Philadelphia. We thought a breakdown of where to live in Miami without a car would be helpful for young people or car-less couples who are satisfied with a lifestyle of Uber, bicycling and walking. When looking for a home in this dynamic area, Movoto Real Estate has plenty of listings to help get your research underway.
No list of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Miami would be complete without mentioning this Art Deco gem on the east side of Biscayne Bay. This historic neighborhood is an international destination in Miami, Florida for good reason, and it may be one of America's greatest walking neighborhoods for the architecture alone. Did we mention all the fabulous shopping, bars, clubs, restaurants and one of the most gorgeous beaches in the southeast? Also: a big surprise about this area? If this is exactly where you want to live in Miami, it's not as expensive as you'd think. A glut of development created a surplus of inventory, and while it's not the lowest cost per square foot by any means, expect to find small one bedrooms, like this quaint, brightly lit studio in a gorgeous, 1940s Art Deco building, at affordable prices. And, hey, who needs a lot of space? You should be out walking around sipping mojitos anyway!
Now standing in what used to be a desolate warehouse and manufacturing area is Wynwood, one of Miami's crown jewels. What were once derelict factories are now galleries, creative office spaces, restaurants and cafes, some of which have garnered national attention, like Brad Kilgore's Alter. The annual Art Basel festival put Miami on the map as a true international art city and has become one of the most significant modern art festivals in North America. This area is where to live in Miami if you are a fan of vintage 1920s and 1930s bungalows and running errands by foot.
Are you an ardent window shopper? Does the word Chanel make your palms a little sweaty? Do you like a little performance art mixed in with your couture? If the answers to those questions are "yes, yes and okay, why not?", the Design District is your answer to where to live in Miami. This spot was converted mostly by a local developer who had a vision for a neighborhood where the arts and fashion could sit side by side. The area is close to other walkable locales on our list, like Wynwood, Little Havana and Downtown. What kind of housing should you expect in this new hot spot? You'll find lots of condos with ocean views, loft-style floor plans and extra amenities like swimming pools.
Source: Flickr user Phillip Pessar
For many, this neighborhood is where the real Miami still lives. If the idea of strolling around on a Saturday afternoon and lingering on the corner with a Cuban coffee and a Cubano sandwich sounds appealing, this may be your top choice for where to live in Miami. In recent years, this area has become more and more gentrified, likely due to its food, colorful neighbors and the sense of community it's held onto while the rest of Miami blew up. Walk up and down Memorial Boulevard between SW 12th and 17th Avenues or Calle Ocho from SW 12th to SW 16th for the cafes, restaurants and neighborhood flare. Of course, while you're walking around, check out the world-famous Cafe Versailles. In terms of property, this is not an area where you'll see high-rise condos. Instead, look for a quaint single story, like this chic, three-bedroom duplex near the Miracle Mile, that is move-in ready.
Brickell is a small area tucked inside of Downtown Miami, not far from the Miami River. High rises now sit on what used to be land occupied by lavish mansions from the 1900s. Check out the Shops at Mary Brickell Village, and look for fine dining and gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay. Get to and from this colorful, urban neighborhood via the nearby Brickell Metro Rail Station. While this area is mostly known for high-rise hotels, there are still many modern conveniences, including a Publix grocery store, making it perfectly walkable for resident and commuter alike.
Miami is a thriving, exciting, beautiful and diverse cultural location. There is plenty here for the homeowner who is looking for a new home or a seasonal southeast getaway. When searching for where to live in Miami, turn to Movoto Real Estate for an array of options to help guide your decision. Contact one of our local agents to get started today.
