With a vibrant social scene, exotic weather, and plenty of nightlife, it’s no wonder so many young professionals move to Miami for work or play. However since the pandemic started, many young professionals have been unchained from their office desks and have flocked down to Miami causing rent prices to skyrocket. Yet, there are many different neighborhoods in Miami with different vibes, different people, and different price points. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best places to live in Miami if you’re in your 20s or 30s and want to meet new people while living comfortably on your own budget. And of course, sharing a place with a roommate makes things more affordable and fun.
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1) Brickell
Brickell is one of Miami’s most popular neighborhoods among young professionals, thanks to its beautiful skyline and high-end residential developments. With lower rents than other parts of town, Brickell can be a great place to live if you’re just starting out or want a fun and inexpensive way to meet people. Brickell offers you an urban living experience with access to plenty of restaurants, bars and nightlife. And if you want to head over to the beach, you can make it there in 15 minutes, assuming you don’t hit traffic. If you work downtown or around Brickell, it could be worth considering as your next home. Many of the buildings in Brickell are flush with amenities, vistas and ample spacious layouts that are ideal for sharing with roommates.
2) South Beach
South Beach is a great place to live if you’re young and looking for a hip and fun vibe. While it can get quite expensive, South Beach offers plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration, great food and world class nightlife. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that rent prices can be higher on South Beach than anywhere else; That said, these rates are still much lower than housing costs across Los Angeles or New York City. Just make sure you take a look at all of your options before committing — you might find another neighborhood with similar amenities that provides better value. Within South beach, the Bay View area is one popular alternative where you can enjoy close proximity to restaurants and bars without paying high beachfront prices. Another advantage of living on the beach is that you can save you some money by not having a car. You can easily get around by walking, biking or grabbing a cheap Uber when needed.
3) Wynwood
Wynwood is one of the hippest neighborhoods in all of Miami, with its famous and abundant street art murals all around. It’s an ideal location for young professionals looking to live among hipsters. Not only that, but Wynwood has become a mixture of fashion, art and technology hub in Miami. It’s also strategically close to other areas like Downtown, Midtown and Edgewater — so you can easily access some of Miami’s best amenities. Wynwood has new venues for food and nightlife popping up regularly so you will never be bored living there. Places like Mana Wynwood (where several famous DJs have made their mark), Astra, El Patio, and Manta. Don’t mistake it’s hipster vibe to cheap living. Living in Wynwood can come with a hefty price tag for rent, but you can stay away from the ultra-lux apartments and find something affordable. Ideally with a roommate.
4) Downtown
If you’re looking for a roommate, there are countless apartments downtown that come fully furnished. You could even live with more than one roommate and split the rent even further. If you’re lucky enough to get an apartment with views of Biscayne Bay, it might even seem like you’re living on vacation. Downtown is also within walking distance of all your favorite Miami hotspots. Plus, whenever you walk out your door, you’ll be sure to run into friends who share similar interests; lots of young professionals flock to downtown for its vibrant nightlife scene and its trendy restaurants. Go out after work with friends or grab drinks at happy hour — your options will always be endless. Downtown is also home of some of Miami’s most Iconic (or infamous) dinging and nightlife institutions such as Club Space, E11even, Kiki on the River, Seaspice and the Wharf. With a wide array of public transportation options as well as ample street parking, getting around town couldn’t be easier when you call Downtown home.
5) Buena Vista
If you’re an aspiring young professional, Buena Vista may be right up your alley. Also a great neighborhood for retirees and families with kids, Buena Vista is conveniently located close to downtown while still offering plenty of outdoor space and a suburban feel. There are also lots of shopping, dining and entertainment options within walking distance from wherever you settle down.
6) Coconut Grove
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with lots of young people, then Coconut Grove is definitely worth your consideration. This hip part of town is known for its incredible food and nightlife options — it’s an active area that comes alive once dinner time hits. If you want to live somewhere safe where you have tons of fun options when it comes to food and entertainment, then Coconut Grove should be near the top of your list. And since there are so many young professionals here, it’s easy to find people who also need roommates.
7) North Miami
While much of North Miami is still an up-and-coming neighborhood, it’s only a matter of time before word spreads about how easy it is to live here. Thanks to great transportation, affordable housing and an abundance of green space, North Miami attracts young professionals who want easy access to downtown without breaking their bank account. Living in North Miami gives you also access to Broward County locales such as Aventura, Hallandale Beach and Hollywood.
8) Edgewater
Edgewater is a quiet residential neighborhood on the north side of Miami that is been majorly growing in the past few years. It’s close enough to Downtown, Wynwood and the Design District, but far enough away that you don’t feel like you’re living in the middle of the action. The apartments there can be pricey, but you might be able to find an apartment with roommates if you don’t want or can’t afford a place of your own right away. Since Edgewater sits on the Bay, most apartments boast an incredible view of the water and Miami Beach in the Horizon. Getting to the beach can be quick as well, and you can cross over the Venetian Causeway in less than 15 minutes. It also makes for a scenic bike ride or run. When it comes to things to do, Edgewater has several great bars and some serious food spots as well such as Boho, Mimi’s or Pura Vida to name a few.
9) Coral Gables
For young professionals, Coral Gables is a dynamic neighborhood that offers apartment living with a lot of diversity. You’ll be able to walk to different restaurants, including authentic Cuban cuisine and other international foods. And if you’re looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars here as well. You won’t have a hard time meeting new people if you live here because many of your neighbors will be like-minded professionals. Coral Gables is also home to the University of Miami, so you’ll also find many students and grad students living in the area.
10) Upper East Side
This trendy district is home to some of Miami’s most upscale living spaces. From art galleries to one-of-a-kind restaurants, bars and lounges — the Upper East Side offers everything you need for a fulfilling life as a young professional. Whether you’re starting out on your own or planning on taking on a roommate, there are plenty of options when it comes to rent and price ranges in Upper East Side. Because of its proximity to downtown, South Beach and Midtown (along with a slew of MetroRail stops), residents can easily commute wherever they want to go throughout Greater Miami. The real estate isn’t cheap but if you want luxury at an affordable price, consider the Upper East Side.
Wherever you end up living in Miami or South Florida, you’ll no doubt get year round warm weather, access to beaches, diverse food options and world renowned nightlife. All this doesn’t come cheap, so do yourself a favor and setup shop with a roommate first. You can start with finding your Miami Roommate easily and for free with Diggz.