6 Best Miami Neighborhoods for Beach Lovers

Turning your life into a never-ending tropical vacation is easy when you rent in Miami. Whether residing on Miami’s mainland or its neighboring island, Miami Beach, you’re always just a walk or drive away from white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and endless sunshine. Talk about a beach lover’s paradise!

If living near a beach is your ultimate non-negotiable, Miami and Miami Beach have many beachfront neighborhoods awaiting your arrival. From the colorful streets of South Beach to the quieter shores of Key Biscayne, here’s our list of the best neighborhoods in Miami for beach lovers:

• South Beach
• Coconut Grove
• Key Biscayne
• Surfside
• Bal Harbour
• Nautilus

Why Miami Is a Dream Destination for Beach Lovers

If you want to live by a beach, you might be asking why Miami? Why not somewhere in California or the Carolinas? Or perhaps another area of Florida like the Panhandle or Gulf Coast? While any of these mentioned destinations will give you a taste of beach living, they can’t outshine Miami. From the city’s endless supply of beaches to its year-round sunshine, Miami is the ultimate fix for anyone craving coastal luxury.

Criteria for Choosing Miami Neighborhoods

Before we dive deeper into Miami living, let’s talk about things to look for in your apartment search. First, we know that being by a beach is important to you. But how close exactly do you want to be? Are you looking for somewhere with fewer crowds and quiet shores? Or would you rather be at the center of all the action? Evaluating the factors below can help answer these pressing questions:

Affordability

It’s no secret that Miami can be expensive. Whether you’re looking to live in the city or its namesake beach, expect to pay premium costs well above the national average rent price. To combat high prices, consider implementing a budgeting strategy or living with roommates. Doing so can mitigate the financial obstacles of renting in Miami and make your beachside living dream more in reach.

Beach access

If you’re reading this blog, beach access is likely a non-negotiable for your search. However, with Miami’s prime location, many apartments will have access to the coast without actually being on it. If you want to be right on the beach, your best fit might be along the shores of Miami Beach. However, if you want a taste of both urban and coastal living, you might benefit from being closer to Miami’s city hub.

Local lifestyle

Beachside living in Miami can look many different ways. While some areas offer peaceful waves and few crowds, others are the primary destinations for tourists and party-goers. Before you commit to an apartment in Miami, make sure you’re somewhere that aligns with your lifestyle. Our list below will explore some neighborhoods that cater to these different lifestyles and help determine which areas are your best fit.

6 Best Miami Beachfront Neighborhoods

Finally, the moment all you beach lovers have been waiting for. Now that you know what to look for when searching for a Miami beachfront neighborhood, let’s provide you with some of our best options. Below, we’ve compiled a list of areas perfect for your seaside renting experience:

South Beach

South Beach offers the quintessential Miami experience. From its eye-catching Art Deco-style buildings to its breathtaking coastline, this neighborhood redefines what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Though it’s a popular destination among tourists, South Beach also houses many long-term residents, particularly those who can’t go without frequent beach visits (like yourself).

If you’re looking for the best seaside views in South Beach, consider luxury condos like those at 1500 Ocean Drive or 50 S Point Drive. Or, if you want to be just steps away from the neighborhood’s most luxe restaurants and boutiques, look at places like Edwards Apartments, which is right on Collins Avenue, a hub for some of the area’s must-see attractions.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove epitomizes tranquil, coastal living. Sitting on the coast of Biscayne Bay on the south side of Miami, this stunning Floridian suburb offers a patch of paradise for renters. It’s categorized by its quiet neighborhoods, lush greenery, and waterfront views. However, the area is also known for being central to popular nightlife spots, restaurants, and popular shopping centers like Grove Center and Cocowalk.

If you’re looking for an apartment in Coconut Grove, consider popular communities like Grove Central Residences or Platform 3750. These residences will offer easy access to local amenities, luxurious living features, and, of course, breathtaking views of Coconut Grove.

Key Biscayne

Just offshore from Miami lies Key Biscayne, a small island village across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway. Though only a few minutes from Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne is a stark contrast to the city’s main hub. Here, you’ll find just a handful of schools and businesses, contributing to the area’s small-town feel. For the most part, Key Biscayne is strictly residential, with high-end condos and waterfront estates lining its pristine beaches.

Because it’s quite small, Key Biscayne fosters a smaller rental market than other neighborhoods on this list. However, you should still be able to find some gems during your search, such as 1121 Crandon Blvd or 240 Galen Drive, which will provide a taste of beachfront living on this exclusive island.

Surfside

If you want to feel like you’re on vacay 24/7, check out apartments in Surfside like 301 86^th St. Considered the small-town heart of Miami’s beachfront, this cozy community is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches. Many apartments have rooftop pools for stunning beach and water views.

When not on the beach, you can find most Surfside residents on Harding Avenue, which features charming, old-timey buildings and neighborhood delicatessens. You’ll also encounter locals taking advantage of the area’s luxury hotel presence, either grabbing a bite at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club or basking in the beauty of the St. Regis Bal Harbour.

Bal Harbour

Similar to Surfside, Bal Harbour offers a secluded, small-town feel right off the Atlantic coast. With a population of about 3,000 people, this area is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy secluded, seaside living.

Renters in Bal Harbour spend most of their time lounging on the beach or exploring the famous Bal Harbour Shops. Comprised of luxury boutiques like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci, this open-air mall is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. To be close to these shops, consider rentals on the famous Collins Avenue, like 10185 Collins Ave or 10275 Collins Ave. Each will provide easy beach access and endless adventures.

Nautilus

A gem found in the heart of Mid-Beach, Nautilus is a coastal-lover’s paradise. This part of Miami Beach has less of a tourist presence than its beachside counterparts and is known for its tranquil, residential feel.

Here, renters will encounter quiet avenues lined with tropical palm trees and stunning residences. Though the area’s Spanish-Style single-family estates aren’t typically rented out, you can find an array of luxurious apartment options, like those at 4025 Indian Creek Drive or the Gator Apartments, that offer the same exclusive Miami Beach lifestyle.

Explore Apartments for Rent in Miami on Apartments.com

Ready to find your slice of paradise in Miami or Miami Beach? Discover all kinds of beachfront rental listings on Apartments.com! Whether you want to be right on the coastline or just a drive away from the heart of the city, we have endless apartments and homes just waiting to be explored.

From luxury high-rise apartments with stunning ocean views to cozy studios just steps away from the sand, Apartments.com has something for everyone in Miami. Use our advanced search tools to filter through thousands of listings based on your budget, desired amenities, and preferred location. Discover apartments for rent in Miami and Miami Beach today to bring your beach living vision to life.