Ah, Miami. This city has so much to offer. Sunshine, clear waters, and plenty of things to do for both singles and families, we can see why over 460k people live here! But if you’re moving to Miami for the first time – whether you’re already in the sunshine state or coming from out of state – you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to finding a new home. You might be wondering, where to live in Miami? What’s the process of renting an apartment like? We’re here to help.
We put together our best apartment hunting tips to help you seamlessly navigate the experience. Learn how to find the right place for you, in the best neighborhoods in Miami that’ll fit your needs.
Where to live in Miami
Before moving to Miami, you’ll need to first figure out where it is you want to call home. Miami neighborhoods each have something special to offer. You’ll want to find the one that makes the most sense for your family and lifestyle.
Best upscale neighborhoods for apartment rentals in Miami
Miami is one of the nation’s 10 most expensive rental markets, and the city’s hottest neighborhoods are always in high demand. If you’re looking for an upscale spot where you can enjoy the city’s legendary nightlife and renowned cultural attractions, focus your search on the following hotspots.
South Beach
South Beach has long been known as the center of Miami’s sizzling nightlife, and it’s also one of the city’s most popular residential neighborhoods. Plan to spend an average of $2,800 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment right next to your favorite nightclubs, restaurants, and beaches.
Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami has quickly become one of the city’s most desirable places to live and its average rental prices reflect how popular it’s become. You’ll spend about $2,900 per month for a two-bedroom apartment right in the center of it all.
Brickell
Located just south of Downtown, Brickell is also an emerging hotspot in Miami. Average monthly rent prices for two-bedroom apartments are $2,900, and most rentals here are sky-high condo buildings. When you live here, you can take advantage of the city’s metrorail and dine at your favorite corner cafés.
Coconut Grove
Situated near South Miami, Coconut Grove offers a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rents for two-bedroom apartments here average $3,500, and you’ll find beautiful vintage homes, sidewalk cafés, art galleries, and live music throughout the neighborhood.
Miami’s most affordable neighborhoods
Miami’s rental market can be pricey, but the city is still home to several affordable neighborhoods. Take a look at some of Miami’s best up-and-coming areas and quiet suburbs, where you’ll find numerous rentals priced on the lower end of the market.
North Beach
Want to live near the waterfront but don’t want to pay South Beach prices? Set your sights on North Beach, one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the Miami Beach area. Average two-bedroom apartment rental prices here cost $2,100 per month, and when you live here, you’ll gain easy access to the beach, bike trails, and great nightlife.
Little Haiti
Located just north of Wynwood and just west of the Upper East Side, Little Haiti boasts a convenient location without the high prices. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Little Haiti is $2,100 and living here gives you quick access to top-notch cultural venues, cheap eats, and peaceful gardens.
Miami Shores
Situated right on Biscayne Bay and north of Little Haiti, Miami Shores is home to two-bedroom apartments with average rents of $1,500 per month. The neighborhood’s proximity to Interstate 95 makes commuting easy, and the area is also just minutes from Miami Beach.
Little Havana
A few miles inland, Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood has been a cultural hub for decades. Here you’ll find some of the city’s best coffee, great Cuban restaurants, and colorful bungalows. In this neighborhood, rent costs an average of $2,100 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, making it one of Miami’s more affordable places to live.
How to find an apartment in Miami
Once you narrowed down where you’re looking to settle, next comes the apartment hunting processes. If you’re not used to renting in a bustling market, make sure to keep these tips in mind.
Set aside ample time to search for an apartment
Since this rental market can be competitive, you’ll want to time your apartment search perfectly to increase your chances of landing the place you want. It could take you a week or more to find an apartment you like, and the application process could take two additional weeks. If you’re applying to rent in a condo building, the process can take even longer, since you’ll also need to apply with the condo association. You’ll need to start looking at least month before your current lease expires to ensure a seamless move.
No matter how smoothly the application process goes, there’s a good chance you’ll want to start clearing out your old apartment as you get ready to move. Find a storage space in your new neighborhood and store your belongings securely as you plan to relocate.
Be ready to act quick
As you start to search for Miami apartments, one of the first things you’ll notice is that new rentals disappear quickly. Demand is high in many neighborhoods throughout the city, and an apartment might only be on the market for a day before a new resident signs a lease. In fact, as Miami realtor Hal Feldman states, “once you identify the place you want, the rush is on. An hour delay on submitting an offer can mean losing your perfect rental.”
Always show up prepared
You’ll need to move quickly when you find a place that meets your needs. Many Miami realtors recommend bringing a few standard documents with you when you view a unit or meet with a real estate agent. Have on hand your government-issued ID, a current credit report, a recent pay stub, a bank statement, and a letter from your current or most recent landlord, and you can easily expedite the rental application process.
Whether you’re moving to Miami for the first time or you’re just seeking a great new apartment in this vibrant city, you’ll find options for every budget and preference. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll make your search for the perfect Miami apartment much easier.
