Best Neighborhoods in Miami If You Have (or Want) a Family

If you’re thinking about moving to Miami with a family—or even just as a couple still figuring out if kids are in the cards—where you land matters more than almost anything else. This isn’t like picking a neighborhood in most American cities. Here the lifestyle, the schools, the commute, and the sheer chaos of South Florida all collide in ways that can make or break daily life.

For The Young and Single

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.

If You Have (or Want) a Family

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 Forgot South Beach?

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.

Here's a map of the neighborhoods mentioned.

Editor’s Note: Originally published January 09, 2013. Updated in 2026 with new photography; Matt Meltzer’s original writing remains unchanged.