Miami is not one city but dozens of very different neighbourhoods, each with its own pace, prices and personality. Choosing the right one matters as much as choosing the right home. Here is how to narrow it down.
Start with your daily routine
Traffic in Miami can turn a 10-mile drive into an hour. Before you fall in love with a home, check the journey to work or school at rush hour. If you work in Brickell or downtown, living near the Metrorail or Metromover can save you hours every week. If you work near the airport, Doral or Miami Springs may be a better fit than the beach.
Decide what kind of life you want
- Walk everywhere, city energy: Brickell, Downtown, Edgewater
- Beach every day: Miami Beach, North Beach, Key Biscayne
- Trees, space and good schools: Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendall
- Bohemian village feel: Coconut Grove
- Value and newer buildings: Doral, Kendall
- Boats and a slower pace: Fort Lauderdale
Set a realistic budget
A common rule is to spend no more than about a third of your gross income on rent. Remember the extras: electricity (air conditioning runs most of the year), internet, renters' insurance, parking and, in some buildings, amenity fees. Ask for the typical monthly electricity bill when you view a home.
Check the building, not just the apartment
Ask about:
- How quickly repairs are handled — and whether there is an online way to report them
- Hurricane protection: impact windows or shutters, and a generator for the lifts
- Parking: is a space included, and is there visitor parking?
- Shared facilities: pool, gym, clubhouse and how to book them
- Security: front desk, visitor registration, cameras
- Pet rules if you have — or plan to get — a pet
Visit at different times
A street that is quiet at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday may be very different at 11 p.m. on a Saturday. If you can, walk around the area in the evening and at the weekend before you sign.
Think about flood zones
Parts of Miami are low-lying. Ask whether the building has had flooding, and consider renters' insurance that covers your belongings in a storm. Ground-floor homes in some areas are more exposed than higher floors.
Ready to look?
Our Areas We Cover page has a quick guide to typical rents in each neighbourhood, and our leasing team is happy to suggest areas based on how you live. Browse our available homes, save your favourites and book a viewing online.
