Where is the best area to buy a condo in Miami Beach Florida?
This is a popular search phrase for how people are finding our blog so I thought I would answer the question. First there are a lot of great neighborhoods in Miami Beach. What I love about Miami Beach is the diversity of the culture and the fact that it appeals to many different budgets and lifestyles.
Miami Beach is an island of about 86 blocks from north to south. Then a wider section of blocks east (the Ocean) to the west (the bay). As the island stretches north, it gets more narrow and on the west side features single family neighborhoods. Also, many of the island properties that are located out in the bay parallel to the islands are also considered “Miami Beach”.
There are many different types of properties in Miami Beach, however due to the fact that Miami Beach is one of the most desirable areas in the world, real estate is still very expensive here and often we find that many new buyers in our area are out of touch with what you actually get for your money.
First you should know that Miami Beach is one of the HOTTEST real estate markets in the US.
Yes, we did have a downturn several years ago but now the market is back and in a strong way. Many buyers here pay cash and in many instances top dollar for Miami Beach real estate.
The best area for you is going to depend on a few main factors: (1) your budget & (2) your criteria
Also, you should know that even within each of these neighborhoods there are sub-markets, and they consist of factors like:
- the location of the building (waterfront or non-waterfront)
- type of waterfront (oceanfront or bay front)
- the building and it’s brand
- the unit itself (the line of the unit and it’s view)
- the unit itself (the finishes and decor)
- parking and the number of parking spaces
- there are other factors too, but these are a few of the important ones
So let’s do this as more of a popularity contest. Where are the most popular neighborhoods in Miami Beach as well as, the newer neighborhoods?
One of the most desirable neighborhoods of Miami Beach is South of Fifth, also known as Sofi.
South of Fifth is known as the super luxury neighborhood on Miami Beach because the fact that there are many “super luxury” buildings in this neighborhood. Also, many of the properties that are most desirable are located in waterfront buildings. South of Fifth is also popular because there are a lot of higher end restaurants in this neighborhood, South Pointe Park is in the neighborhood and South of Fifth is the direct link to a highly rated elementary school, Sunset Elementary School.
View South of Fifth Luxury Buildings in a larger map
South of Fifth features some of Miami Beach’s most expensive real estate with buildings like:
- Apogee South Beach
- Bentley Beach Hilton
- Continuum South Beach Tower I
- Continuum South Beach Tower II
- Cosmopolitan South Beach
- Courts at South Beach
- ICON South Beach
- Murano at Portofino
- Murano Grande
- Portofino South Beach
- S5 South Of Fifth
- South Pointe Tower
- Yacht Club At Portofino
The West Avenue neighborhood is just north of South of Fifth.
The West Avenue neighborhood is a great neighborhood and is just north of South of Fifth. Many of the luxury properties are located on Biscayne Bay with amazing bay and city views. The best part about the West Avenue, neighborhood it is within walking distance to most of South Beach’s main attractions: Lincoln road, the beach and many of the grocery stores, shops, and gyms.
Popular Luxury Buildings in the West Avenue neighborhood are:
Another popular Miami Beach neighborhood Sunset Harbour.
Sunset Harbour is a neighborhood just northeast of the Venetian Islands. In the past it was flanked with a huge tow truck lot and more industrial type businesses, today those businesses have closed up shop and this neighborhood is becoming hub to some of South Beach’s best known local restaurants like Sardinia and Pubbelly. Not to mention home to Ognjen’s favorite Publix on the beach and the new Fresh Market. In place of the industrial shops is a new shopping center named Sunset Harbour Shops. What makes this area unique is that it is out of the way for the “tourist” feel of Miami Beach and it has a more local feel and still has easy access to all of South Beach.
View Sunset Harbour in a larger map
Miami Beach condo buildings located in this neighborhood are:
- Sunset Harbour South Tower
- Sunset Harbour North Tower
- Sunset Harbour Townhomes
- Palau at Sunset Harbour
Next, although not really “a neighborhood” rather a criteria: Oceanfront
In my opinion, any property that is considered a luxury oceanfront property is good (as long as the building is managed properly).
Two of my favorite buildings are located in an up and coming neighborhood in the 40’s in Miami Beach, just south of Soho House and Fountainbleau hotel. They are the Caribbean and Mosaic, however, there are other great oceanfront properties to consider if your budget allows it.
- 1500 Ocean Drive
- Il Villaggio
- W South Beach
- Setai South Beach
- Caribbean Condo Miami Beach
- Mosaic Miami Beach
- 1 Hotel & Homes
Finally, you can also head up to the northern parts of Miami Beach.
I would recommend properties that are oceanfront or across from the ocean in the 60’s through 80’s streets of Miami Beach like:
In the end, what you get for your money is going to vary greatly from area to area and building to building. The good news is I only touched on a few areas and a few buildings. Although Miami Beach is still a very expensive place to buy real estate, there is often something that can fit everyone’s budget if you have decent pricing expectations.
Do you need help sorting through the different neighborhoods, price points and finding the best for your money?
Give me a call today and let me help you. 305-793-8965
In the end, it’s really important to work with a local real estate specialist who knows the areas and knows how to get you the most bang for your dollar.
Copyright © By Jamey Prezzi 2012 * All Rights Reserved*Best Area to Buy a Condo in Miami Beach Florida
