Moving to the Miami area?
Living near the “Magic City” without the constant hustle? It’s possible.
Miami is more than just beaches and nightlife. It’s a global hub for culture, cuisine, and coastal living. With a population approaching 500,000 residents, many opt for the quieter, family-friendly suburbs that offer space, safety, and top schools without giving up access to the action.
Why it matters: Miami’s suburbs provide a balance of lifestyle and livability for those who want proximity to the city, minus the congestion.
What’s ahead: We break down 10 standout suburbs offering sunshine, style, and smart living.
| Miami Fun Facts |
|---|
| Miami's name, “big water”, originates from the Mayaimi tribe, but oddly enough most of Miami Beach is man-made. |
| It has only snowed once in Miami’s meteorological history, January 1977. |
| With five million passengers annually leaving on cruises out of the Port of Miami, Miami is known as the “Cruise Capital of the World”. |
1. Richmond West
Quiet, affordable, and family-focused
Population: 35,988 | Median Home: $449K | School Rating: A | Commute: 40 min
Housing: Mostly single-family homes in peaceful neighborhoods
Education: Highly rated schools in Miami‑Dade District
Safety: Secure compared to peers, 87th percentile for safety
Perks: Zoo Miami, suburban calm, strong community feel
Why it’s appealing: Suburban calm, excellent schools, and strong value
2. Pinecrest
Luxury living with leafy streets
Population: 18,981 | Median Home: $1.18M | School Rating: A | Commute: 27 min
Housing: Large estate lots, lush landscaping
Education: Miami‑Dade public schools, private options abound, University of Miami
Safety: Very safe, 91st percentile for safety
Perks: Pinecrest Gardens, Tree City USA, outstanding educational opportunities
Why it’s great: Mansions, top schools, and a treetop suburban sanctuary
3. Palmetto Bay
Village vibes, family safe haven
Population: 25,402 | Median Home: $790K | School Rating: A | Commute: 37 min
Housing: Quiet cul-de-sacs, family-friendly layouts
Education: Blue Ribbon schools, Florida International University, UM
Safety: Among lowest crime in Miami‑Dade; Annual Crime - Violent: 43, Property: 462
Perks: Deering Estate & Glade Preserve, marina, local festivals, beach activities
Why it shines: Safe, scenic, and strong for kids
4. Key Biscayne
Island escape with upscale security
Population: 15,111 | Median Home: $1.24M | School Rating: A- | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Waterfront condos, villas, gated enclaves
Education: Highly rated schools, FIU Biscayne Bay Campus
Safety: Low crime, controlled, vigilant access, Annual Crime - Violent: 9, Property: 158
Perks: Beach access, Crandon Park, Bill Baggs State Cape Florida State Park, island lifestyle
The allure: Safe, serene, and steps from ocean bliss
5. Coral Gables
Historic elegance with tight security
Population: 50,379 | Median Home: $1.01M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Mediterranean architecture, mature landscaping
Education: Top public/private schools, Coral Gables Preparatory, UM
Safety: Annual Crime - Violent: 54, Property: 1,032; 65th percentile for safety
Perks: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Venetian Pool, upscale dining & shopping, near downtown Miami
Why it works: Sophistication, safety, and culture all in one
6. Bay Harbor Islands
Boutique island life with high safety
Population: 5,937 | Median Home: $543K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Waterfront mid‑century condos, small duplexes
Education: High-performing public schools
Safety: Top-tier protection, Annual Crime - Violent: 3, Property: 44
Perks: Kane Concourse shopping, public art, community festivals
The takeway: Safe, stylish island shore living
7. Miami Lakes
Green lakeside haven with safe streets
Population: 33,247 | Median Home: $577K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 34 min
Housing: Mediterranean villas, canal homes, townhouses
Education: Miami‑Dade public schools, Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
Safety: 60th percentile for safety, Annual Crime - Violent: 32, Property: 464
Perks: Lakes, golf clubs, family parks, local eateries
Why it’s noteworthy: Laid-back lakefront living with strong schools
8. Surfside
Beachside quiet meets green living
Population: 5,719 | Median Home: $737K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Oceanfront mid-century condos
Education: Miami‑Dade public schools, excellent private school options
Safety: 16.25 crimes per 1,000 residents, Annual Crime - Violent: 6, Property: 148
Perks: Sustainable practices, boutique shopping, beachfront charm
Why it’s a standout: Clean, safer, and close to the Atlantic
9. North Bay Village
Vibrant bayfront with nightlife flair
Population: 8,286 | Median Home: $448K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Waterfront mid-rise condos
Education: Good mix of public and private schools
Safety: Crime aligns with small island norms, local patrols maintain peace
Perks: Bayside restaurants, celebrity-frequented clubs, yacht-view parks
The draw: Island energy with a secure community core
10. Sunny Isles Beach
Population: 22,903 | Median Home: $490K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 33 min
Housing: High-rise beachfront condos
Education: Miami‑Dade public schools with charter and magnet schools
Safety: Safe resort-like enclave, Annual Crime - Violent: 28, Property: 278
Perks: Collins Avenue dining and shopping, Oleta River State Park, beachfront lifestyle
Why it’s loved: Resort-style living with secure, seaside flair
The Bottom Line
From suburban retreats to beachfront havens, these top Miami suburbs offer safe streets, strong schools, and quality amenities. Whether you're seeking luxury, lakeside calm, or island living, these communities deliver family-friendly environments with the protection you need.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall | 80,241 | $516,900 | 30 min | A- | 1,050 | 177 |
| Miami Beach | 83,251 | $542,000 | 27 min | A- | 6,947 | 871 |
| Aventura | 40,531 | $416,300 | 32 min | A- | 1,497 | 43 |
| The Crossings | 23,276 | $414,300 | 30 min | A- | 1,830 | 309 |
| Ojus | 19,673 | $298,500 | 31 min | A- | 2,201 | 371 |
| Kendall West | 36,536 | $377,800 | 37 min | A- | 2,652 | 447 |
| Ives Estates | 25,005 | $287,500 | 33 min | B+ | 2,993 | 505 |
| Hialeah | 235,388 | $359,200 | 29 min | A- | 5,355 | 533 |
| Miami Springs | 13,901 | $504,000 | 27 min | B+ | 446 | 48 |
| Doral | 83,625 | $541,600 | 25 min | A- | 1,288 | 106 |
| Hialeah Gardens | 23,328 | $319,200 | 30 min | A- | 268 | 19 |
| South Miami | 13,207 | $736,900 | 32 min | A- | 300 | 83 |
| Miami Shores | 11,917 | $788,600 | 27 min | B+ | 410 | 24 |
| North Miami Beach | 45,655 | $317,800 | 31 min | B+ | 1,153 | 274 |
| Opa-locka | 16,507 | $281,000 | 29 mi | B+ | 880 | 391 |
| Glenvar Heights | 20,786 | $496,200 | 26 min | A- | 931 | 157 |
| Tamiami | 54,212 | $451,400 | 33 min | A- | 2,380 | 402 |
| Westchester | 56,384 | $473,300 | 29 min | A- | 2,032 | 343 |
| Sunset | 15,912 | $537,500 | 35 min | A- | 1,021 | 172 |
| The Hammocks | 59,480 | $437,700 | 34 min | A- | 2,254 | 380 |
| Kendale Lakes | 55,646 | $378,100 | 33 min | A- | 2,676 | 451 |
| Cutler Bay | 45,833 | $420,800 | 40 min | B+ | 749 | 79 |
| Olympia Heights | 12,873 | $497,300 | 31 min | A- | 1,529 | 258 |
| Three Lakes | 16,540 | $434,800 | 32 min | A- | 1,963 | 331 |
| Country Walk | 16,951 | $489,400 | 38 min | A- | 1,728 | 292 |
| Brownsville | 16,583 | $285,100 | 31 min | B+ | 3,419 | 577 |
| Palmetto Estates | 13,498 | $412,200 | 35 min | A- | 2,704 | 456 |
| Gladeview | 14,927 | $295,000 | 28 min | B+ | 3,317 | 560 |
| West Miami | 7,247 | $436,700 | 26 min | B+ | 88 | 20 |
| Sweetwater | 21,321 | $251,000 | 28 min | B+ | 341 | 17 |
| North Miami | 62,202 | $326,300 | 31 min | B+ | 2,329 | 524 |
| Fontainebleau | 59,870 | $284,600 | 28 min | B+ | 3,142 | 530 |
| Miami Gardens | 111,640 | $337,200 | 31 min | B+ | 4,530 | 816 |
| Coral Terrace | 24,142 | $496,500 | 26 min | B+ | 1,717 | 290 |
| Country Club | 49,967 | $340,900 | 35 min | B+ | 2,826 | 477 |
| Homestead | 85,796 | $346,500 | 37 min | B+ | 2,282 | 714 |
| Golden Glades | 32,499 | $346,900 | 30 min | B | 3,075 | 519 |
| West Little River | 34,128 | $293,400 | 31 min | B+ | 3,444 | 581 |
| Florida City | 13,157 | $353,200 | 35 min | B+ | 731 | 213 |
| South Miami Heights | 36,770 | $357,000 | 36 min | B+ | 3,009 | 508 |
| Leisure City | 26,324 | $333,100 | 34 min | B+ | 3,541 | 597 |
| Princeton | 39,308 | $386,000 | 41 min | B+ | 2,962 | 500 |
| Pinewood | 17,246 | $315,400 | 33 min | B+ | 3,217 | 543 |
| Goulds | 11,446 | $415,100 | 39 min | B+ | 2,782 | 469 |
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
Your Complete Relocation Guide to Punta Gorda, FL
The complete guide to relocating to Melbourne, FL
Best Small Cities for Retirees in Florida
10 Healthiest Cities in Florida
The Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida
Cost to Build a House in Florida
10 Most Affordable Cities in Florida
Complete Guide to Closing Costs in Florida
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Florida
Popular Master Planned Communities in Tampa
Master Planned Communities Near Orlando, Florida
The Best Suburbs Near Melbourne, Florida
Best Modular Home Builders in Florida
Best Tiny Home Builders in Florida
2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Miami
2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Sarasota, Florida
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.