The city of Miami is a mecca for those seeking sun, fun and action. Miami is the major city within Miami-Dade County in southern Florida. For those wishing to live near Miami, but avoid the busy downtown area, plenty of neighborhoods and areas area available. The choice between places to live close to Miami is based in personal preference and the cost associated with housing in each area.
The city of Miami Beach is located approximately eight miles to the east of downtown Miami. Situated on an island, it's bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The city is located in Miami-Dade county. South Beach is a neighborhood within Miami Beach which is known for being a hot-spot of food, fun and nightlife. Throughout Miami Beach, residents enjoy palm tree lined streets, white sand beaches and direct access to the mainland via Florida Route 1A. Some of the benefits associated with living in Miami Beach is the affluent residences and high-end shopping and dining available in the city. With the barrier island only being 2.5 miles in width, access to a sandy shore is mere minutes away.
The area known as Little Havana is under two miles south of Miami. This neighborhood is known for having a high concentration of immigrants from Cuba. Those seeking a place to live close to Miami, yet immersed in a strong cultural community, may find Little Havana ideal. Plenty of ethnic food stores, markets, restaurants and bars are located in the area. In addition, for those seeking to live in a community where Spanish is spoken more often than not, Little Havana offers up cultural living right inside the U.S.. Plenty of outdoor parks and access to the Miami-Dade county school system is also available for residents.
Ten miles to the south of Miami is Coconut Grove. This outer neighborhood of Miami is a suitable living choice for those seeking to be far enough away from the bustle of downtown, yet close enough that driving in for dinner is possible. Coconut Grove is a beach town located along the banks of Biscayne Bay. The white sandy shoreline provides the ideal front yard for those fortunate enough to invest in high-cost coastal real estate. Plenty of other housing choices, from apartment rentals to estates, are available throughout Coconut Grove. Points of interest in Coconut Grove include CocoWalk, which is a combination open-air and indoor high-end retail venue. Plenty of parks, outdoor venues, beaches and entertainment can be found in the area.
To the north of Miami is yet another cultural neighborhood. Little Haiti, like Little Havana, is inspired by the strong immigrant population which calls the area home. Little Haiti celebrates the Cuban culture, cuisine, music and lifestyle that have inspired the area. Restaurants specializing in Cuban food can be found throughout the entire area and even stores and shops sell Cuban goods and specialty items. For entertainment, bars and clubs offer Cuban music and live entertainment on a regular basis. The area is landlocked but housing choices are affordable compared to other areas of Miami, especially neighborhoods located directly along the water.
