With its year-round warm weather, an abundance of beaches and outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife scene, Miami is a great place to call home. That said, it won’t be the right city for everyone.
Luckily, there are many great places to live near Miami that don’t have the same heavy traffic, high cost of living, nightlife, and hustle and bustle – but are still close enough to the city to benefit from everything it has to offer. To help you find the right place to buy or rent in, we’ve gathered a list of 11 great cities near Miami to consider instead.
#1: Coral Gables, FL
Miles from Miami: 6
Population: 50,000
Median home sale price: $854,990
Average 1-bed rent: $3,098
Walk Score: 56
Bike Score: 38
Transit Score: 56
Coral Gables, FL, also known as “The City Beautiful,” is a small city with a population of around 50,000. It is situated a few miles southwest of Downtown Miami and is filled with wide, tree-lined avenues named after Spanish and Italian towns. If you live in Coral Gables, you will have access to well-known shops and cafes along Miracle Mile, as well as outdoor wonders such as the Venetian Pool and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and an 83-acre paradise of tropical plants and trees near Biscayne Bay.
There is also a ton to do if you move to Coral Gables, especially since it’s so close to Miami. You can visit the University of Miami, shop at the Miracle Mile, dine at one of the many restaurants, or enjoy the nightlife. You can also visit the Venetian Pool, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and or take a walk through the Miami Zoo.
Homes for sale in Coral Gables, FL
Apartments for rent in Coral Gables, FL
#2: Hollywood, FL
Miles from Miami: 22
Population: 154,000
Median home sale price: $467,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,525
Walk Score: 52
Bike Score: 35
Transit Score: 53
Hollywood, Florida s known for its beaches, art deco architecture, and its status as a major cruise ship port. The city features a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade called the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic. Hollywood Beach is also designated a Blue Wave Beach, a distinction that places it among the nation’s cleanest, safest, and most user-friendly beaches.
There are several things to do for those living in Hollywood. You can visit the Hollywood Boardwalk, take a walk or jog along Hollywood Beach, or visit one of the many shops and restaurants in the area. There is also the Anne Kolb Nature Center, which has several hiking and biking trails, and an educational center.
Homes for sale in Hollywood, FL
Apartments for rent in Hollywood, FL
#3: Pembroke Pines, FL
Miles from Miami: 24
Population: 172,000
Median home sale price: $487,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,197
Walk Score: 32
Bike Score: 25
Transit Score: 41
Pembroke Pines is a diverse city with a wide range of housing options, a friendly community, and plenty of activities and amenities nearby. If you decide to live in the area, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are just a few ideas: Visit the Pembroke Pines Museum of Art, check out the Pembroke Pines Nature Preserve, explore the old-fashioned charm of Downtown Pembroke Pines, spend a day at the Pembroke Pines Aquatic Complex, play a round of golf at one of the city’s many golf courses, or shop till you drop at the Pembroke Lakes Mall.
Homes for sale in Pembroke Pines, FL
Apartments for rent in Pembroke Pines, FL
#4: Davie, FL
Miles from Miami: 27
Population: 106,000
Median home sale price: $420,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,148
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 17
Transit Score: 43
Davie is located in the southeastern part of the state, about 20 miles from Fort Lauderdale. The area is known for its Western-themed town center, which includes a rodeo arena, and for its large population of horses. Davie is also home to Nova Southeastern University, a private research university.
If you decide to live in Davie, some popular things you can do include visiting the Young At Art Museum, taking a nature walk at the Long Key Natural Area and Preserve, playing golf at one of the many championship golf courses, and enjoying the many shops and restaurants in the area.
Homes for sale in Davie, FL
Apartments for rent in Davie, FL
#5: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Miles from Miami: 30
Population: 182,000
Median home sale price: $497,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,400
Walk Score: 56
Bike Score: 38
Transit Score: 56
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city about 30 miles north of Miami. It’s known for its beaches, boating, and as a popular vacation city. If you decide to move to Fort Lauderdale, there is plenty to do to keep you busy. Some popular attractions include Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, the Everglades, and the Museum of Discovery and Science. There are also many parks, such as Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Esplanade Park, and Holiday Park. For a quick taste of the town, stop by Kaluz Restaurant, J. Alexander’s Restaurant, and or Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant.
Homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Apartments for rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL
#6: Plantation, FL
Miles from Miami: 31
Population: 95,000
Median home sale price: $585,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,384
Walk Score: 29
Bike Score: 34
Transit Score: 42
The city of Plantation is located in central Broward County, west of Fort Lauderdale. The city’s boundaries stretch from the Everglades to the west and include parts of the Seminole reservation and the unincorporated community of Lauderhill.
There are several things to do for those living in Plantation. You can visit the Plantation Heritage Park, which is a history museum that tells the story of the city’s founding. You can also go to the Plantation Preserve, which is a nature preserve that is home to a variety of wildlife. Finally, you can take a walk or bike ride through the Plantation Historic District, which is a National Historic Landmark District.
Homes for sale in Plantation, FL
Apartments for rent in Plantation, FL
#7: Sunrise, FL
Miles from Miami: 34
Population: 95,000
Median home sale price: $340,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,525
Walk Score: 37
Bike Score: 34
Transit Score: 44
Sunrise is situated in the heart of the tri-county region (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) and is a gateway to many residential, business, entertainment, and cultural sites. The city is known for its spectacular and colorful sunsets and natural beauty.
Sunrise is a great place to enjoy local art, dine at some of the best restaurants, or spend time at a park. Some of the city’s top attractions include Sawgrass Mills, the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, and the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Homes for sale in Sunrise, FL
Apartments for rent in Sunrise, FL
#8: Coconut Creek, FL
Miles from Miami: 39
Population: 61,000
Median home sale price: $300,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,082
Walk Score: 25
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 41
Coconut Creek is a city located in Broward County and is known for its butterfly gardens, which are home to over 3,000 butterflies. If you decide to call Coconut Creek home, know there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you occupied. For starters, you can visit the Butterfly World, the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, or the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. You can also go shopping at the Coconut Creek Promenade or the Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Homes for sale in Coconut Creek, FL
Apartments for rent in Coconut Creek, FL
#9: Deerfield Beach, FL
Miles from Miami: 44
Population: 81,000
Median home sale price: $275,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,456
Walk Score: 39
Bike Score: 27
Transit Score: 50
Deerfield Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal communities in Florida. Its stunning waters and tranquil atmosphere make it easy to see why so many people are drawn to this city.
Located on the east coast of Florida, Deerfield Beach has a lot to offer its residents. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or take a nature hike. Performing arts venues like McCurdy’s Theatre & Comedy Institute and Young Americans Theatre are top spots amongst locals. The city is also known for its parks and green spaces like Quiet Waters Park, Villages of Hillsboro Park, and Deerfield Island Park, just to name a few. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and charming cafes throughout the city.
Homes for sale in Deerfield Beach, FL
Apartments for rent in Deerfield Beach, FL
#10: Boca Raton, FL
Miles from Miami: 47
Population: 99,000
Median home sale price: $580,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,184
Walk Score: 38
Transit Score: 56
Boca Raton is located in the southeastern part of the state and is known for its luxury homes, golf courses, and country clubs – it’s also an excellent place to put down roots.
The city has many popular museums, including the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum, and the Boca Express Train Museum. Mizner Park Amphitheater and Sunset Cove Amphitheater are just a few of the performing arts venues that contribute to the city’s unique arts and culture scene. The city is also known for its parks and green spaces, like Sugar Sand Park, South County Regional Park, and Patch Reef Park. There’s something for everyone living in Boca Raton.
Homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL
Apartments for rent in Boca Raton, FL
#11: Coral Springs, FL
Miles from Miami: 48
Population: 133,500
Median home sale price: $571,550
Average 1-bed rent: $2,177
Walk Score: 38
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 45
Coral Springs is a city place to call home. The schools are top-notch, there are plenty of parks, and the residents are welcoming and diverse. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere. There are also many activities to do in Coral Springs, including – visiting the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital, hiking and biking through the Trails of Coral Springs, playing tennis at the Tennis Center, visiting the Coral Springs Museum of Art, and much more.
Homes for sale in Coral Springs, FL
Apartments for rent in Coral Springs, FL
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Miami. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
Explore more Miami articles
9 Most Affordable Miami Suburbs to Live In
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.