If the nightlife, shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment in the vibrant city of Miami appeal to you, but you’re not into the traffic, congestion, and lack of space to spread out, you’ll definitely want to check out this list. In these Miami suburbs you get the best of peaceful, luxury living close to all the action of city life.

1. Key Biscayne

Key Stats:

  • Unemployment rate: 5.4 percent
  • Average commute time: 22 minutes
  • Median household income: $121,624
The affluent and beautiful island town of Key Biscayne kicks off our list of the best Miami suburbs to live in. Home buyers in Key Biscayne will find a everything from chic oceanfront condos to sprawling villa style homes on large lots. Residents enjoy miles of clean, scenic beaches and waterfront activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Local specialty shops and boutiques provide a unique shopping experience, while fine dining options, including plenty of fresh seafood restaurants, are sure to please local foodies.

2. Coral Gables

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 7,597
  • Average commute time: 21 minutes
The conveniently located suburb of Coral Gables is just six miles southwest of Miami, and earned the second place spot on our list. Chic modern condos and beautiful Mediterranean style homes are common in this Miami suburb. Grab fresh local produce at the Coral Gables Farmers Market, play golf or tennis at multiple local courses and clubs, or stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Coral Gables Merrick House or Montgomery Botanical Center. Coral Gables is full of amenities, including local art galleries, theaters, upscale eateries, and shopping at the Village of Merrick Park.

3. Doral

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 7,110
  • High school graduation rate: 94 percent
The laid back suburban city of Doral earned the third spot on list of the best Miami suburbs with a variety of wonderful options for home buyers. Whether you’re looking for chic condo living and onsite amenities, or more room to spread out in a spacious townhouse, you’ll find plenty of choices in Doral. Hit the links at the Costa Del Sol Golf Club, or cool off by the lake in Doral Central Park. Convenient shopping from big name retailers is available at the Miami International Mall, and residents with wanderlust are just minutes away from the Miami International Airport.

4. Cooper City (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Total crimes per 100k: 1,804
  • Median household income: $89,020
Cooper City earned a fourth place spot on our list of the best Miami suburbs, and with a rate of just 1,804 total crimes per 100k, it’s also one of the safest. Chic modern condos and Mediterranean and villa style homes are common in this Miami suburb. Hit the links at the Cooper Colony Golf and Country Club, or enjoy the state of the art facilities at the Brian Piccolo Park and Velodrome. Cooper City residents get the best of both worlds, as the peaceful suburb is conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

4. Plantation (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 5,542
  • High school graduation rate: 92 percent
Plantation is the second Miami suburb tied for fourth, with plenty of local amenities for residents to enjoy. Modern townhouses and condos and Mediterranean style homes are common picks for home buyers. Hit the links at the Jacaranda Golf Club, enjoy a picnic at Plantation Central Park, or shop until you drop at the Westfield Broward Mall. Plantation is just a quick drive away from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

6. Miami Lakes

Key Stats:

  • Unemployment rate: 7.1 percent
  • Total crimes per 100k: 2,185
The growing suburb of Miami Lakes has plenty of options for potential home buyers, including gorgeous villas and Mediterranean style homes with mature landscaping, and chic townhouses. Hit the links at Don Shula’s Golf Club, then grab a bite to eat at the steakhouse on site. Well maintained city parks with tennis courts, walking paths, and fishing are the perfect spots to enjoy a sunny day.

7. Miami Shores (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Median home price: $371,000
  • Average commute time: 24 minutes
The close-knit beachside suburb of Miami Shores is tied for seventh on our list. Architectural styles run the gamut, from Tudor style homes to sprawling Italian inspired villas. Hit the links at the Miami Shores Country Club, or cool off on a sunny day by taking a boat out on the water. This scenic village is also home to Barry University, which draws local business and shops to the area.

7. Pinecrest (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Median household income: $112,659
  • High school graduation rate: 95 percent
Located just 11 miles south of Miami is the peaceful little suburb of Pinecrest. Residents in this Miami suburb have plenty of room to spread out in sprawling Mediterranean and breezeway style homes on large lots. Grab fresh local produce weekly at The Green Market, or tour the beautiful Pinecrest Gardens on a sunny spring day. Community events like the Fine Arts Festival and the Chili Cook-Off are a great way to get to know your neighbors and enjoy local talent and food.

9. Davie (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 5,147
  • Average commute time: 26 minutes
The growing suburb of Davie has over 93,000 residents, and thousands of amenities to match. Chic contemporary style homes, townhouseS, and spacious Mediterranean style homes are common in this suburb. Enjoy scenic nature trails, boating, fishing, and horseback riding at the scenic Tree Tops Park, or hit the links at Pine Island Ridge Country Club. Broward College also brings plenty of dining and shopping options to the area. Davie is just minutes from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami, giving residents access to two bustling cities.

9. Sunny Isles Beach (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Unemployment rate: 6.2 percent
  • Total crimes per 100k: 2,507
Sunny Isle Beach, the second Miami suburb tied for ninth, rounds out our list with gorgeous waterfront views to the east and west. Home buyers searching for chic modern condos and townhouses will have their pick in this suburb. Residents enjoy waterfront activities like fishing, boating, and swimming on beautiful summer days. Foodies will love the variety of local restaurants, from classic seafood and steakhouse spots, to delicious sushi and Peruvian fare.

Our Methodology

To figure out which Miami suburbs would make the cut, we took a look at the following criteria:
  • Amenities per capita
  • Standard of living (cost of living, median home value, median rent, median household income, and high school graduation rate)
  • Total crimes per 100k
  • Unemployment rate
  • Average commute time
We ranked each suburb in the above categories and averaged the scores. The suburbs with the lowest overall scores made our list of the best Miami suburbs to live in. To see how the rest of the suburbs we ranked measured up, check out the table below: Best Miami Suburbs Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These: