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Where To Live for Families (Video)

You may notice I did not once mention South Beach, and there’s a reason for this
January 09, 2013 By Matt Meltzer in Miami: Local News  | 5 Comments

Video Transcript:

Hi, I’m Matt Meltzer from Miami Beach 411, and today we’re going to be talking about places to move for families, both with and without children.

If you’re married and don’t have children, I’d recommend living in Brickell, Midtown or Downtown. These areas are full of people – both married and single – looking to make new friends. Plus, the culture and nightlife in these areas will give you a chance to really take advantage of everything Miami has to offer before you have kids.

Additionally, you can take public transportation while you live there, something most people in Miami can’t do.

Now, once you have kids, you may want to move to a less urban environment. My first suggestion would be to move north, to Broward County, to the cities in and around Fort Lauderdale. They have the same great weather and outdoor opportunities as Miami, without the stress of a big city.

If you’re determined to stay in Dade County, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay in Southwest Dade are probably your best options. They have the best schools and the most housing, and the long commute is often worth it for the pleasant lifestyle. Coral Gables in Central Dade is nice, if you can afford it. And Miami Springs, just north of Miami International Airport, is also a great place for families. It’s like a little small town right in the middle of Miami. And some families have been living there for generations.

If you’re a single parent, you may want to look at Kendall. Yes, it’s a big sprawling suburb. But the rents are still pretty low there, and the schools are not bad. The buildings are new, and there’s plenty of shopping and amenities around, if you can handle the commute.

You may notice I did not once mention South Beach, and there’s a reason for this: South Beach is not a safe place for a couple. Actually it’s pretty much a relationship killer. There’s just too much temptation, and South Beach has a tendency to bring out the dark side in even the best of people. You may not listen to me or take my advice, and that’s fine. But I can’t be held responsible for what happens to you after you move there.

Wherever you decide to move in Miami, raising a family here can be tough. But choosing the right part of town is an important first step. And once you get that down the rest is a lot easier. So good luck to you and your family, and enjoy your time in Miami.

Related Categories: Miami: Local News,

About the Author: Matt Meltzer is a featured columnist at Miami Beach 411.

See more articles by Matt Meltzer.

See more articles by Matt Meltzer

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5 Comments on

"Where To Live for Families (Video)"

Aaron K. says:

Matt,

You are a complete and utter moron.  Ya great idea to have people move to kendall which is basically a third world country.  Hope they dont mind driving 6 hours to get to civilization.  How you are even still employed by this site is beyond me.  You forgot to mention Opa-Locka as you probably see that as a great alternative to the high rent of south beach.  Your a cheapskate and your writing skills suck.

Posted on 01/18/2013 at 9:19 AM

Elley says:

Aaron: Kendall a third world country?! Put down the crack pipe.

Posted on 01/19/2013 at 5:01 AM

Andif says:

I am married and has a child but still want to move to Miami Beach, please Matt any suggestion, you will not be held responsible?

Posted on 03/14/2013 at 5:53 AM

Odette says:

I live in Miami Springs, cool place,  nice people,  cops EVERYWHERE. It’s very safe, sadly my mom says the property taxes are ridiculously high here. :-(
On a separate note: Broward is nice and has plenty of clubs like Miami the people up that way are much nicer too. So,  it’s nice for young adults,  families ... everyone!

Posted on 03/20/2013 at 9:05 PM

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