Hey everyone, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Rent is about $1,709/month for a decent place. With a population of 111K, Miami Gardens is a mid-size city. You can expect to pay around $1,709 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Friendly people
- Nice parks and trails
- Good schools
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
52 upvotes
6 Replies
Sarah White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
river_vivian4
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
25 upvotes
Axel Johnson
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
adeline_guy
literally same
6 upvotes
Isla L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
5 upvotes
Emilia C.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.