Moving to a new city is always challenging. That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to.

You’ve no doubt seen our guide on moving to Miami, which includes a short section on a few of Miami’s most popular neighborhoods. This list is a more in-depth guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas (and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop Movers  —Miami movers and movers throughout the country).

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Overview of Miami

The city of Miami’s population of 449,000 is a small part of the greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area (6.1M) as of 2023. Florida, long-known for tourism, beaches and retirees saw a surge in population during Covid (+5%). Miami grew too by 1.8%.

When planning a move here major influences to consider that are unique to Miami are the large Cuban American population (70% Hispanic or Latino, 14% White, 12% African American) and the ever-expanding cruise ship industry which provides a steady flow of tourists. The population has grown sporadically since the 1950s; most recently increasing with the boom in high-rise apartments / condos, and then the Covid migration.

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Miami Home Values

Home values appreciated substantially during Covid. Average home values increased to $552,000 with single family now at $600,000 and always popular condos hitting $430,000 (according to Zillow’s early 2024 estimates).

All of Miami saw a boom during Covid. But there are some gems you can discover by reading on.

A Little About Miami’s Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods

These are the neighborhoods that have either been neglected over the years and are making a return to popularity, or newer areas that are just now being discovered. If you’re moving to Miami and you’re looking for what the hot neighborhoods are right now, this guide is for you.

Climate Gentrification

An all-new consideration when considering neighborhoods in Miami is climate impact. Recent flooding in predominantly white neighborhoods along water ways and the ocean front have led to reconsideration of higher elevated areas. More inland areas with a slight elevation of 7-10 feet above sea level were once less desirable and accordingly racially redlined for mortgages: communities like Little Haiti, Overtown (once called Colored Town) and Liberty City. We cover them here as they are areas with lower, appreciating values.

up and coming neighborhoods in miami

Miami Design District

What once was a pineapple farm in a neighborhood referred to as Buena Vista, the Miami Design District is now one of Miami’s trendiest neighborhoods. But it took a man named Craig Robins to buy many of the run-down buildings that occupied the space in the 1980s and ‘90s and convince top designers such as Alison Spear, Holly Hunt and Peter Page to relocate there.

The 18-block neighborhood is located just north of Wynwood and filled with renovated warehouses that have been converted into upscale galleries, such as Locust Projects.

What’s Happening in the Miami Design District

The Design District is home to brand-name fashion retail shops and high-end restaurants like Ella for breakfast, Mandolin Aegean Bistro for Greek and Turkish food, and MC Kitchen, just a few of the 140 creative and design-centered businesses. There are also destinations such as Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, and Celine. If the Design District sounds hoity-toity, take heed, it’s got some funkiness to it as well. Visit the Museum of Graffiti, for example.

Schools in the Miami Design District

Schools like the Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School, the Cushman School, Design and Architecture Senior High, the Young Men’s Preparatory School,  Metropolitan International School of Miami, and others can be found in the district.

Homes in the Miami Design District

How close you want to be to the beach really drives the price of homes and condos in this district. Zillow shows average home prices of $717,000 in the near-beach zip code 33137. Slightly more inland average homes are $471,000 (zip code 33127)

Little Havana

Declared a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Little Havana is the epicenter of Cuban culture in Miami.

Originally a lower-middle-class Jewish neighborhood, this area immediately west of downtown Miami transformed into what it is today after a surge of Cuban immigrants fleeing Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled here. Still strongly counter-Castro, it’s now politically active in American politics. The strong sense of community anchors Latin-inspired restaurants, cafe, and markets.

What’s Happening in Little Havana

On the third Friday of each month the neighborhood hosts Cultural Fridays, or Viernes Culturales, a gallery night showcasing Little Havana’s cultural arts scene. If you like cigars, then check out Guantanamera Cigars, Cafe & Lounge, offering cigars and mojitos.  There’s also El Gallito Coffee Shop serving Cuban style coffee and Central American fare.

Schools in Little Havana

Schools here include Ada Merritt K-8 Center, Lincoln Marti School,  Public Carter School, and Young Women’s Preparatory. A nearby choice includes Citrus Grove Elementary School.

Homes in Little Havana

If you’re looking for an inexpensive apartment, RentCafe claims rents as low as $600 and ranging up to $2,400 on average. Zillow shows average home value of $485,000 and condos at $295,000.

Nevada

Little Haiti

This formerly quaint section of northeast Miami has boomed as more folks bypass popular neighborhoods like Brickell and Wynwood for this diverse area filled with Haitian markets, bars and little roti shops along NE 79th Street. It also happens to be higher in a city where five feet can matter when it comes to flooding.

It’s a bustling Creole-speaking community with authentic Caribbean atmosphere, churches, and distinctive architecture. The community celebrates its distinct culture with wall murals.

What’s Happening in Little Haiti

If you like authentic pizza, Ironside Pizza is the place to go, as it was voted one of Miami’s best pizza joints, according to Thrillist. Also, there’s the ‘80s-inspired bar Anderson and the brick-and-mortar offshoot to the popular Ms. Cheezious for fancy grilled cheese.

The friendly streets offer plenty of family-owned businesses, music stores selling vinyl, bookshops, and clothing boutiques. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex showcases Afro-Caribbean art, dance and theater. The Caribbean Marketplace is worth a stop to buy produce and locally made handicrafts. 

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Schools in Little Haiti 

Schools in Little Haiti include Miami Edison Senior High School, Toussaint Louverture Elementary and Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Elementary, among others.

Homes in Little Haiti

The average price for homes in Little Haiti is $513,000, which can be a steal in Miami. Condos are a more affordable $195,000. Rent goes for around $2,200 on average, though finding something to rent under $1,000 isn’t impossible.

Midtown

Midtown Miami is the collective term for the Wynwood and Edgewater neighborhoods of Miami. Mixed-use development has brought attention and residents. This area of pedestrian-friendly buildings features green spaces, 600,000 square feet of retail space and more than 1,000 residencies. It’s started a trend in similar developments.

What’s Happening in Midtown

There are plenty of places to eat or grab a drink nearby with places like Mason for lobster rolls and Lagniappe for drinks.  For shopping, there are The Shops at Midtown for major retailers like Nordstrom Rack, West Elm, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and PetSmart.

Schools in Midtown

There are quite a few schools in the area including the Metropolitan International School of Miami, The Learning Nest and BridgePrep Academy Greater Miami, and Sunshine State Academy

Homes in Midtown

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Midtown, know that it can be expensive. An average condo or townhouse goes for around $743,000. There are some units that go for $2 million and higher.

South of Fifth

Though it’s been overshadowed by Long Beach for years, South of Fifth, or SoFi, is finally getting some recognition as a great place to live. Located in the oldest part of Miami, this neighborhood is much quieter than South Beach but close enough to it be able to get to the clubs and restaurants there quickly.

An affluent neighborhood, the area is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and Government Cut.

What’s Happening in South of Fifth

South of Fifth is home to some of Miami’s most historic restaurants like Joe’s Stone Crab, Prime 112, Prime Italian, Smith & Wollensky, Nikki Beach Club, the Big Pink, and low-key Ted’s Hideaway. Another popular destination in South of Fifth is South Pointe Park, with 17 acres of lush green space, paved promenades, outdoor exercise areas, and kids’ play areas.

Schools in South of Fifth

South Pointe Elementary School, Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center, Miami Edison Senior High School, and Ransom Everglades Middle School are among the schools located near South of Fifth.

Homes in South of Fifth

There is a good supply of homes for sale with a long selling cycle and low competition. All that is good news for you. Generally, home prices are lower in South of Fifth. Fischer Island that shares the same zip code is a very different story.  Condos predominate here with an average selling price of $474,000.

Aventura

Conveniently located to interstate I-95 and minutes from downtown, Aventura is a much more cost-friendlier option for those who are on a budget.

A city in its own right, this suburb has been carefully planned since its inception in the 1970s, with several public golf courses and clean parks. It’s very walkable with easy access to water and the beach.

What’s Happening in Aventura

Aventura has plenty of parks such as Oleta River State Park, clothing-optional Haulover Park, and Greynolds Park. But what is most popular in this city is Aventura Mall, which has restaurants such as Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar and My Ceviche, as well as luxury shopping stores like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy.

Schools in Aventura

The schools in Aventura are part of the Miami-Dade School District. There is one charter school, the ACES Aventura City of Excellence School, which is Aventura’s first municipally run charter school and serves nearly 1,020 students in grades K-8.

Homes in Aventura

Even after Covid Aventura offers good value with homes averaging around $500,00 for a home. Again the market has slowed so shop carefully for a good deal.

Aventura

Conveniently located to interstate I-95 and minutes from downtown, Aventura is a much more cost-friendlier option for those who are on a budget.

A city in its own right, this suburb has been carefully planned since its inception in the 1970s, with several public golf courses and clean parks. It’s very walkable with easy access to water and the beach.

What’s Happening in Aventura

Aventura has plenty of parks such as Oleta River State Park, clothing-optional Haulover Park, and Greynolds Park. But what is most popular in this city is Aventura Mall, which has restaurants such as Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar and My Ceviche, as well as luxury shopping stores like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy.

Schools in Aventura

The schools in Aventura are part of the Miami-Dade School District. There is one charter school, the ACES Aventura City of Excellence School, which is Aventura’s first municipally run charter school and serves nearly 1,020 students in grades K-8.

Homes in Aventura

Even after Covid Aventura offers good value with homes averaging around $500,00 for a home. Again the market has slowed so shop carefully for a good deal.

There you have it: the best up and coming neighborhoods in Miami

Neighborhoods are about location and lifestyle, to be sure. But more importantly, they are about the people who live in them.  These neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to meet most anyone’s wants. We hope this guide to up and coming neighborhoods in Miami helps you make the right choice and you’ll consider  Bellhop Moving  and our Miami movers. We also help coordinate moves for other great Florida cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa should you be interested!

Warren Sly