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Hazel Reed
best-worst
Most overrated things about Coral Gables
Curious what people think. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thoughts?
5 upvotes
8 Replies
emmett_chef
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
cool_maya82
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
32 upvotes
Alexa Bailey
yep
24 upvotes
Easton S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
kaylee_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
22 upvotes
Isla Rogers
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Aiden Clark
Used to live on the South side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
14 upvotes
Elijah Kelly
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes