Welcome to Miami! This diverse Florida city is famous for its beaches, nightlife and cruises, making it a popular tourist destination. There’s more to the city than fun in the sun, however; Miami is known for its rich culture, multiple museums, Art Deco architecture and Cuban cuisine. More than 470,000 residents call the Magic City home, and many more move here every year. For those wanting to live nearby but not within the city proper, take a look at our list of the top 10 suburbs for Miami.
10. Sunny Isles Beach
- Population: 22,295
- Median Home Value: $340,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 302
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 34
Expect plenty of beaches in Sunny Isles Beach. This community is located on a barrier island, approximately 20 miles north of Miami. In addition to enjoying the glorious beaches, residents can look forward to shopping and dining along the length of Collins Avenue, the main street that runs through the city and part of the state’s scenic coastal highway, the A1A. For more outdoor fun, check out the Oleta River State Park. Find your sunny home in Sunny Isles Beach!
9. North Bay Village
- Population: 8,273
- Median Home Value: $293,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 123
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
As its name describes, North Bay Village is a small city located on Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County. Although small, the city boasts several famous restaurants and nightclubs that have attracted celebrities and residents alike over the decades. What started primarily as a vacation city has now bloomed into a thriving community, complete with schools and grocery stores. Take a look at the houses in North Bay Village.
8. Surfside
- Population: 5,802
- Median Home Value: $581,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 102
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 6
Surfside is another beautiful small town with ocean views. Home to several high-class restaurants, spas and recreational facilities, Surfside has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. Green-minded residents will love the town’s commitment to sustainability, including banning plastic straws and Styrofoam, and incentivizing the use of solar-powered systems for buildings. Check out the new home listings available at Surfside!
7. Miami Lakes
- Population: 31,628
- Median Home Value: $364,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 653
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33
Miami Lakes is located approximately 21 miles northwest of Miami. As its name implies, this city is full of beautiful lakes, but it is also home to great shopping centers, restaurants and activities such as golfing. Miami Lakes is dedicated to maintaining a small-town feel while providing full-service city amenities to its residents. Your new home at Miami Lakes is just around the corner!
6. Bay Harbor Islands
- Population: 5,964
- Median Home Value: $390,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 87
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3
Bay Harbor Islands is a small community separated from mainland Florida by Biscayne Bay. The majority of the action can be found on Kane Concourse, the island’s main thoroughfare that features a two-block district full of shopping and dining experiences, as well as public art and sculptures. With only three violent crimes committed in the past year, Bay Harbor Islands also is one of the safest towns around. Be sure to check out the houses available in Bay Harbor Islands.
5. Coral Gables
- Population: 50,999
- Median Home Value: $795,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,225
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 68
Coral Gables is a mere five miles west of downtown Miami, making it an attractive option for those wanting to a close commute. This city has no shortage of activities to enjoy, including the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Lowe Art Museum. Another highlight is the Venetian Pool, which was carved from a coral rock quarry in the 1920s. With plenty of places to shop and dine on top of it, Coral Gables makes for a fine place to live. Find your dream home in Coral Gables.
4. Key Biscayne
- Population: 13,149
- Median Home Value: $1,218,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 90
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 5
Key Biscayne is located on a barrier island across from Miami. Not only is the town surrounded by water, but it’s situated in between two great parks: Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. In addition to its natural splendors, Key Biscayne has all the amenities you’d like in a suburb, including coffee shops, places of worship and grocery stores. Take a look at the houses in Key Biscayne.
3. Palmetto Bay
- Population: 24,589
- Median Home Value: $527,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 37 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 711
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 42
Palmetto Bay is an approximately 15-mile drive southwest of Miami. There’s plenty of beach activities to enjoy here, as well as other delights such as the Deering Glade Preserve and the Deering Estate. The community is proud of its unique qualities of blending rural charm and urban amenities, making it an attractive home for future residents. Don’t miss out on the houses available in Palmetto Bay!
2. Pinecrest
- Population: 19,591
- Median Home Value: $919,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 473
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 26
Pinecrest is located 11 miles southwest of Miami. This suburban village features numerous parks and a nearby botanical garden, and the community has planted more than 10,000 street trees, which helped the village earn the distinction of being named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Pinecrest also has multiple grocery stores, places of worship and a stellar public education system. Check out the houses in Pinecrest.
1. Richmond West
- Population: 31,973
- Median Home Value: $275,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 42 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,231
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 376
Coming in at No. 1 on our list is Richmond West. Located about 22 miles southwest of Miami, Richmond West is a quiet residential community with a top school system, so families can rest assured that their children are receiving the best education around. The town is also located just west of Zoo Miami, which features more than 3,000 animals.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall | 75,371 | $356,500 | 33 minutes | A- | 1,050 | 177 |
| Miami Beach | 91,718 | $443,400 | 27 minutes | A- | 6,947 | 871 |
| Aventura | 37,988 | $345,000 | 32 minutes | A- | 1,963 | 82 |
| The Crossings | 22,758 | $284,600 | 31 minutes | A- | 1,830 | 309 |
| Ojus | 18,036 | $189,800 | 30 minutes | A- | 2,201 | 371 |
| Kendall West | 36,154 | $230,300 | 40 minutes | A- | 2,652 | 447 |
| Ives Estates | 19,525 | $165,900 | 33 minutes | A- | 2,993 | 505 |
| Hialeah | 238,942 | $203,700 | 28 minutes | B+ | 5,355 | 533 |
| Miami Springs | 14,315 | $387,100 | 27 minutes | B+ | 446 | 48 |
| Doral | 61,824 | $374,700 | 28 minutes | B+ | 1,464 | 77 |
| Hialeah Gardens | 24,043 | $173,000 | 30 minutes | B+ | 517 | 30 |
| South Miami | 12,219 | $528,400 | 27 minutes | B+ | 487 | 41 |
| Miami Shores | 10,562 | $512,100 | 28 minutes | B+ | 523 | 34 |
| North Miami Beach | 45,887 | $180,500 | 32 minutes | B+ | 1,683 | 323 |
| Opa-locka | 16,356 | $114,300 | 28 minutes | B+ | 880 | 391 |
| Glenvar Heights | 16,898 | $375,000 | 32 minutes | B+ | 931 | 157 |
| Tamiami | 55,271 | $272,400 | 34 minutes | B+ | 2,380 | 402 |
| Westchester | 29,862 | $304,800 | 31 minutes | B+ | 2,032 | 343 |
| Sunset | 16,389 | $366,200 | 35 minutes | B+ | 1,021 | 172 |
| University Park | 26,995 | $283,300 | 32 minutes | B+ | 2,198 | 371 |
| The Hammonds | 51,003 | $288,600 | 39 minutes | B+ | 2,254 | 380 |
| Kendale Lakes | 56,148 | $236,700 | 39 minutes | B+ | 2,676 | 451 |
| Cutler Bay | 44,867 | $262,400 | 43 minutes | B+ | 1,278 | 97 |
| Olympia Heights | 13,488 | $320,700 | 32 minutes | B+ | 1,529 | 258 |
| Three Lakes | 15,047 | $270,200 | 33 minutes | B+ | 1,963 | 331 |
| Country Walk | 15,997 | $307,300 | 39 minutes | B+ | 1,728 | 292 |
| Brownsville | 15,313 | $146,200 | 32 minutes | B+ | 3,419 | 577 |
| Palmetto Estates | 13,535 | $212,600 | 39 minutes | B+ | 2,704 | 456 |
| Gladeview | 11,535 | $115,800 | 33 minutes | B+ | 3,317 | 560 |
| West Miami | 8,052 | $303,800 | 28 minutes | B | 78 | 11 |
| Sweetwater | 21,543 | $155,200 | 30 minutes | B | 341 | 17 |
| North Miami | 62,996 | $183,200 | 32 minutes | B | 2,329 | 524 |
| Fontainebleau | 59,764 | $175,800 | 29 minutes | B | 3,142 | 530 |
| Miami Gardens | 113,069 | $170,900 | 32 minutes | B | 4,530 | 816 |
| Coral Terrace | 24,376 | $313,400 | 29 minutes | B | 1,717 | 290 |
| Country Club | 47,105 | $208,300 | 32 minutes | B | 2,826 | 477 |
| Homestead | 70,477 | $195,300 | 39 minutes | B | 2,282 | 714 |
| Golden Glades | 33,145 | $197,100 | 34 minutes | B | 3,075 | 519 |
| West Little River | 34,699 | $149,000 | 34 minutes | B | 3,444 | 581 |
| Florida City | 12,077 | $143,400 | 38 minutes | B | 875 | 375 |
| South Miami Heights | 35,696 | $198,500 | 39 minutes | B | 3,009 | 508 |
| Leisure City | 22,655 | $156,200 | 34 minutes | B | 3,541 | 597 |
| Princeton | 22,038 | $239,700 | 41 minutes | B | 2,962 | 500 |
| Pinewood | 16,520 | $165,000 | 33 minutes | B | 3,217 | 543 |
| Goulds | 10,103 | $216,600 | 37 minutes | B | 2,782 | 469 |
| Westwood Lakes | 11,838 | $282,100 | 30 minutes | B- | 2,102 | 355 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Florida Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Illinois