Guide: Moving to Miami Beach, FL
At Goldman Residential Group, we understand that finding the right property is only part of a successful residential real estate transaction. We pride ourselves on helping our clients find the best fit for them and their families in this large, diverse city. We hope you enjoy this neighborhood guide curated by Hazel and Evan!
Introduction to Miami Beach, FL
Miami Beach is the perfect intersection of nature and glamour. It’s a 10-mile stretch along the Atlantic Ocean with world-class beaches, a historic Art Deco District, and the fabulous South Beach.
It’s internationally known for incredible dining, nightlife, shopping, and accommodations, and is one of the most desirable places to live and play in South Florida. Some of the city’s most breathtaking residences, including waterfront private homes and condominiums, are offered here.
There are also several private island communities such as Palm, Star, Allison, DiLido, Sunset, La Gorce, Hibiscus, San Marco, Rivo Alto, and the exclusive Fisher Island, only accessible by ferry.
Residents of Miami Beach will enjoy a vibrant community and plenty to do year-round. Miami Beach residents can benefit from its world-class golf courses, marinas, shopping, and dining & entertainment.
Families with young children can enjoy nearby attractions like Jungle Island and The Children’s Museum.
Things To Do In Miami Beach, FL
As a Miami Beach resident, you’ll have access to great attractions and the best nature has to offer. There is an endless supply of modern and Art Deco oceanfront condos and hotels. Miami Beach residents can also take advantage of their proximity to water by booking boat excursions or private boat rentals:
Miami Beach Botanical Garden is an oasis in the middle of beautiful South Beach. It’s a place where residents and visitors can enjoy beauty and serenity.
Venetian Islands are made up of six man-made islands connected by the Venetian Causeway. The islands are Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, Rivo Alto Island, and Belle Isle. The causeway is extremely popular among locals for jogging, rollerblading, biking, and dog walking. Along the way, you can expect to see countless luxurious waterfront properties with exceptional landscaping and furnishings, as well as spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Lincoln Road Mall is an outdoor mall that attracts over 11 million visitors annually due to its various shops, cafés, galleries, restaurants, bars, and other businesses. It’s also an outdoor venue. Residents can enjoy a weekly farmers market, seasonal antique market, and free movies year-round at Soundscape Park.
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is home to the nation’s largest concentration of buildings in the Art Deco architectural style. This sleek and bright architectural style contributes to Miami Beach’s charm. Residents can enjoy this area’s unique style as they stroll along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. Some of the famous buildings in this district include:
- Beacon South Beach Hotel
- Colony Hotel
- Clevelander South Beach Hotel & Bar
- The Villa Casa Casuarina (formerly known as the Versace Mansion)
- National Hotel
- The Webster Flagship Location
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is one of Miami’s most well-known destinations, yet it has so much to offer locals in the way of fabulous dining, exciting nightlife, and an incredible spa. On-property dining includes lauded restaurants such as Hakkasan, Scarpetta by Scott Conant, Stripsteak by Michael Mina, Arkadia Grill, and La Cote. For an unforgettable evening, the Fontainebleau is home to the famous club LIV and BleauLive, an entertainment series that attracts some of the top names in entertainment. For a more relaxed experience, the Lapis Spa is one of the most beautiful spas in Miami, and it’s accessible to locals through the purchase of a day package.
Best Schools In Miami Beach, FL
We know finding the right schools is an important part of picking a neighborhood. Here are some of the best schools in Miami Beach, FL:
Lehrman Community Day School provides a dynamic general and Judaic curriculum within a pluralistic Jewish environment for students 18 months through 5th grade. The school’s focus is to nurture each child’s potential, social confidence, and spirituality through engaging experiential opportunities.
North Beach Elementary School is set on developing internationally minded, independent, healthy, active life-long learners to help create a global community. The school prides itself in implementing a curriculum that promotes and supports inquiry as a basis for international education, developing knowledgeable, open-minded, and caring individuals.
South Pointe Elementary School is a public elementary school that offers students the opportunity to participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) which is the elementary-level version of the IB Program. It focuses on educating the whole child to become a global citizen.
Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School is a public IB/Steam designated middle school that offers students a variety of academic programs and extracurriculars including:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) which is specifically designed for middle school-level students
- Junior Scholars Program for both gifted and non-gifted students
- Participation in STEAM programs and competitions such as SECME Robotics, MAST Academy weather on wheels, Futures City Competition, Green School Challenge, and the Fairchild Challenge
- Access to a state-of-the-art wellness center
Miami Beach Senior High School is a public high school that offers students many different programs including the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, Advanced Placement (AP), AP Capstone, Dual Enrollment, and Academy-related courses and certification exams.
North Miami Beach Senior High School is a public high school that offers students several magnet programs including Digital Media, Biomedical, Nursing Assistant, Medical Research, iPrep, and Environmental Science.
Hebrew Academy Miami is a top-rated private Jewish day school. It serves students as young as six weeks of age through 12th grade via its academic programs which include: Early Childhood Education, Miriam Stern Rosenblatt Elementary, Charlotte Rohr Middle School, Fana Holtz High School. It balances Judaic Studies, Ivrit, Zionism, and College Preparatory education. Its academic curriculum is enriched through special STEM programs and ability-leveled classes. It is the oldest Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School south of Baltimore.
Best Restaurants In Miami Beach, FL
Miami Beach isn’t short of things to do or places to eat. Amazing dining is available to residents.
Carbone is one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants of the last decade, and worth the wait (reservations are required). One of its most famous dishes is the Spicy Rigatoni, which has been photographed and posted to social media by patrons countless times.
Estiatorio Milos is known for its excellent fish and seafood dishes, as well as a refined approach to Greek favorites. Seafood is flown in daily from the Mediterranean. It was named one of Ocean Drive’s Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami in 2021 and was featured in the Absolute Best of South Beach by Purewow in 2020.
iL Pastaiolo is an Italian restaurant with a Neapolitan trattoria-style and handmade pasta you won’t stop craving. iL Pastaiolo clings to the “old” traditions that will never change but always adds a modern twist for an Italian touch that will never go out of style.
Joe’s Stone Crab is one of the most famous restaurants on Miami Beach. It’s been open for more than 100 years, and it’s known for its stone crab claws. Their stone crab is sweeter and more firm in texture because they’re harvested in the warm waters of the Florida Keys and surrounding Gulf. Other menu items include a variety of seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, as well as soups and salads and shareable sides like fries, blistered corn, and grilled tomatoes.
LT Steak & Seafood is a casual yet elegant New American restaurant by Chef Laurent Tourondel, fusing international flavors and techniques from France, Asia, and Latin America.
OLA Restaurant is an award-winning upscale restaurant offering modern Latin cuisine with signature cocktails and fine wines.
Prime 112 is known for putting a twist on the classic steakhouse menu. Aside from its refreshing approach to traditional fare, Prime 112 is known for its lively, upbeat atmosphere. It’s a high-energy environment that’s perfect for an exciting meal.
Prime Italian is a modern Italian restaurant made popular by its oversized portions and upscale, shared dining experience. Among its most famous dishes is a one-pound Kobe beef meatball.
Prime Fish is a seafood restaurant famous for its unique combination of “fish shack meets upscale dining.” It’s famous for its weekend brunch which offers bottomless mimosas and a buffet featuring over-the-top dishes like Truffle Mac n Cheese.
Your Dream Home Is Closer Than You Think
We partner with each client to find, not only the best property, but THE dream home that perfectly fits their lifestyle. With 59 years of combined experience and as life-long residents of South Florida, we have a deep understanding of the most coveted communities in this vibrant city. We are also client-centric in our approach, reducing the stressors that accompany residential real estate in a competitive market. We can help you and your family find the best home in the perfect neighborhood as well as painters, decorators, stagers, marble installers, landscapers, insurance options, plumbers, etc., to make your home exactly what you want it to be. We can offer you many options for anyone in any field who can assist you in getting your home up to the standards you want. Get in touch with us today.