Downtown Miami’s growth is unmatched in South Florida
Each year, life in Downtown Miami looks less like an episode of Miami Vice and more like a trip to Silicon Valley. The city’s central business district has undergone quite a makeover since the late 20th century, transforming blocks of underutilized structures into massive high-rises, cryptocurrency banks and popular new bars and restaurants. “It used to be that there was no nightlife apart from the Olympia Theater,” says Gina Robichaux, Realtor with Coldwell Banker and longtime resident of South Florida. “Things went downhill for a time; they called the whole northeast quadrant the ‘city’s underbelly.’ But now there’s a vibrant downtown nightlife.”
Despite all the changes and recent construction, the Magic City's unique charm remains. Latin American and Caribbean cultural history is prominent and celebrated; historic buildings such as the Gesù Church, the oldest Catholic parish in South Florida, shine with Mediterranean Revival appeal amid contemporary condos; and annual events, bayside parks and busy marinas champion the coastal lifestyle. With Miami Beach across the bridge, the Brickell financial district to the south and the vibrant Arts & Entertainment District to the north, Downtown Miami sits at the center of all the action, offering walkability, convenience and coastal luxury.
You can’t beat fresh stone crabs from Garcia’s
Downtown Miami has dishes to suit nearly every craving and budget, from Cuban sandwiches at longstanding joint Manolo and Rene Grill to a TV-worthy meal at Gordan Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. Despite the city’s last decade of growth, Garcia’s Seafood Grill & Fish Market has remained popular since the 1960s, serving up some of the freshest stone crabs in the area. Julia & Henry’s has everything from a casual food court to a basement speakeasy, and late-night vibes are always on tap at The Corner, which is open until 5 a.m. The contemporary upscale culinary scene is just as strong; Newcomers include the Chinese Japanese fusion restaurant Novikov, and the cigar lounge El Vecino. Nightclubs, casual apparel stores and big names such as Hard Rock Café are all present at Bayside Marketplace, a walkable two-story mall with a marina overlooking Biscayne Bay. For high-end jewelry, shoppers can visit the Seybold Jewelry Building, one of the largest diamond centers in the country and a local fixture since the 1920s. Shoppers also have easy access to a Publix Super Market at 3 Miami Central on Second Avenue and a Whole Foods Market at the Monarc at Met apartments on Third Avenue.
Epic Miami is luxury condo living at its best
This area has nearly as many luxury condo developments as it does restaurants, offering options that range from $350,000 one-bedroom studios to multimillion-dollar penthouses. Some high-rises like One Miami sit right on the water’s edge, offering spectacular views from units with the most up-to-date hurricane preparedness features like shatter-proof windows. The even more luxurious Epic Miami Residences building down the street offers three-bedroom penthouses that are larger and considerably more expensive than most single-family homes — upwards of $2 million for nearly 2,500 square feet. Robichaux says higher prices are a product of demand following an influx of new residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was total insanity after COVID. The change in the prices is crazy.” But there are still a few more affordable options farther inland, where compact two-bedroom lofts offer about 1,000 square feet of living space for $400,000 to $600,000. Buyers should be aware that the CAP Index gives Downtown Miami an overall crime score of 8 out of 10, significantly higher than the national average of 4. Flooding due to storms and rising sea levels is also a major concern for this coastal community.
Biscayne Bay views are a highlight of Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is Downtown Miami’s largest green space, covering more than 30 acres on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Access to Bayside Marketplace, Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel and the FPL Solar Amphitheater have made this park a shopping, sightseeing and event destination as well as a recreational mecca. At the Lee and Tina Hills Playground, kids can explore nautical elements such as marine animal sculptures and a pirate ship playscape. There’s plenty of lawn space to enjoy a picnic beneath the palm trees and even a small dog park. Famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi designed multiple memorials for the park including the interactive Slide Mantra, a coiled marble slab with stairs leading to a curved chute. Following the Baywalk Path around the Kaseya Center leads right into Maurice A. Ferré Park, home to a colorful sculpture garden, the Frost Museum of Science and the Pérez Art Museum. For a bit of sand and surf, Miami Beach is about 5 miles away.
There’s always something going on in the Magic City
There’s no shortage of events to attend in the Magic City, whether it’s the 40-years-running Miami Book Fair, the Miami Film Festival at Miami Dade College or the Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park. Downtown residents also have front-row seats to annual events in neighboring communities, including the popular South Beach Jazz Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival and tons of culinary, cultural and LGBTQ+ pride events.
Miami-Dade’s magnet programs include specialized schools for art and law enforcement
For students in downtown Miami, neighborhood assignments include Frederick Douglass Elementary, Jose De Diego Middle and Booker T. Washington Senior High, which score grades of C, C and B-minus on Niche, respectively. However, Miami-Dade County Public Schools operates under a school choice model, meaning that even though a student is assigned a neighborhood school, they can choose to enroll in any of the county’s specialized magnet or charter programs.
Downtown Miami Charter School, which scores a B-minus on Niche, provides an additional option for elementary students, while the New World School of the Arts is a highly regarded high school with a strong focus on visual and performance arts — Niche rates it as No. 2 among the state’s nearly 120 art high schools. The art school actually “came out of a pilot program that the public schools started in the 9170s; I was part of it,” Robichaux says. Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School, which boasts an A on Niche, operates under a unique partnership with the city’s police department, providing a well-rounded education for students considering a career in law enforcement.
Navigating Downtown Miami with Metromover’s Inner Loop
Since the 1980s, Metromover has provided convenient and free loops around Downtown Miami, stopping at key locations such as the Kaseya Center, Bayside Marketplace and Miami Dade College. In the 1990s, additional loops were added to facilitate commuters heading to the Brickell financial district or the Arts & Entertainment District. Metrobus stops dot the area, connecting riders with the Government Center Metrorail station; from here, it’s an approximately 7-mile trip to Miami International Airport. With access to Interstate 395 and the MacArthur Causeway, drivers can reach Miami Beach in about 5 miles. A handful of Citi Bike stations also provide options for those looking to explore Downtown Miami on two wheels.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Downtown Miami, Miami sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Miami, Miami over the last 12 months is $543,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Aston Martin Residences Unit 1607 – This stunning 2-bed, 3-bath + den corner residence offers 10-ft ceilings, a private elevator, and foyer. The open floor plan features an enclosed den/office, Bulthaup cabinetry, Gaggenau appliances, and Thassos marble floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and two terraces showcase sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and Brickell skyline. The
Antonello Di CristofaroOne Sotheby's International Realty
Discover a collection of exclusive residences at The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami, designed for vibrant and exceptional living. Sophisticated designs blend seamlessly with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami. Designed for modern living, it offers options for every need. A wide range of carefully curated amenities for recreation, relaxation, and inspiration. Fully furnished,
Den can be used as a second bedroom or office. Balcony offers beautiful city views. Includes 1 assigned parking space. Rent includes water, cable, and internet. Resort-style amenities: pool, jacuzzi, gym, pilates room, clubhouse, business center, grill area, sauna, steam room, and spa. Pet-friendly building. Prime downtown location—steps from Bayside Park, Bayside Marketplace, and Kaseya Center.
Welcome to your dream corner unit at One Miami! Fully remodeled in 2020, this residence offers endless water views and the perfect blend of modern design and luxury living. Features include all new appliances, brand new AC, elegant tile flooring, spa like showers, built out closets, and a custom chef’s kitchen with stone countertops. Includes one assigned covered parking space and a storage unit.
This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit, fully furnished, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Biscayne Bay. Welcome to The Elser Residences, this unit is located in the best line of the building, it includes access to a private beach club. The Elser Residences offers luxurious amenities such as 24/7 concierge, a wrap-around pool, a two-story gym, valet parking, a sky lounge, and a grilling
Experience luxury living at its finest in this stunning furnished 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence at Aston Martin Residences Miami. Boasting sleek design, premium finishes, and breathtaking views, this sophisticated home offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and elegance. Enjoy world-class amenities and the iconic Aston Martin lifestyle in the heart of Miami.
Experience the heart of downtown Miami at Vizcayne! This gorgeous 2 bedroom,2 bathroom Condo on the 18th floor floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony. Inside, you’ll find a sleek open kitchen with granite countertops, Italian cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite has plenty of closet space and a modern bathroom with a soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower. Vizcayne’s
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