Some suburbs of Miami and cities nearby offer the best of Florida’s seaside lifestyle. In this article, we explore both communities with direct beach access and those a bit farther inland but still a short drive from major beaches. The purpose of this article is to present a different view of South Florida, highlighting alternative regions compared to the sought-after Miami.
These Florida cities, while rapidly gaining popularity, have not yet captured the attention of most investors, offering attractively priced properties with tremendous potential for appreciation.
In general, they are quieter and more residential communities, while still enjoying the convenience of being close to major urban centers. All the Florida cities listed here feature quality schools, parks, and green spaces for outdoor activities, a safe environment, and other characteristics that make them ideal destinations for those looking to enjoy the best quality of life in the United States.
If you are considering purchasing property in South Florida, whether for investment, living, or as a second home, this article serves as a guide to help you choose among the best cities in Florida for living or investing. Be sure to explore our Florida Relocation Guide, packed with essential tips and valuable information to make your move seamless!
The Best Suburbs of Miami and Cities Nearby to Live
Cities North of Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city near Miami with beautiful beaches, combining a laid-back atmosphere with a vibrant cultural scene. Known as the “Venice of America” due to its many canals, Fort Lauderdale offers an array of waterfront activities, from cruising along the canals to relaxing on its beautiful beaches. The city also boasts a growing arts and dining scene, making it an exciting place to live.
Water and climate are the two main factors that attract tourists, investors, and residents to the city. The Atlantic Ocean, intracoastal waterways, and a network of canals make the destination well-suited for leisure and aquatic activities.
For shopping enthusiasts, this Florida city offers a wide variety of options. The highlight is Las Olas Boulevard, a famous avenue regarded as the heart of the city, with exclusive shops and many events throughout the year.
The Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area also offers great communities for those seeking more tranquil and bucolic living environments.
Suburbs of Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Weston
Weston, located just minutes from Miami, is a planned community that stands out as one of the best cities in Florida and the United States to live in, as well as being considered one of the safest in the country. Its neighborhoods with wide, tree-lined streets bring the charm of traditional American suburbs.
What sets Weston apart is the quality of its public education, with A-rated schools, making it an ideal location for those seeking quality of life in Florida, in a tranquil and family-oriented environment, while remaining close to major urban centers like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Despite its reserved and quiet atmosphere, Weston is a self-sufficient city near Miami that offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, hospitals, banks, and a complete shopping center known as Weston Town Center.
Additionally, Weston is renowned for its world-class golf courses, as the area was originally a massive golf complex. The community also features several parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas, all within a short distance of Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches.
Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek belongs to Broward County and is located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. This city near Miami is famous for hosting Butterfly World, the first and largest butterfly park in the United States. The exhibit, in addition to showcasing butterflies, also features birds and a beautiful botanical garden.
Coconut Creek is also known for being a planned community with a strong commitment to the environment and the well-being of its residents. The city offers excellent schools, plenty of green spaces, canals, and great quality of life.
The city has just over 50,000 residents and is ideal for families.
Plantation
Plantation is just over 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale. The neighborhood offers a very residential and tranquil atmosphere. Full of charm and nature, the city is known for its numerous parks and green spaces, which invite an outdoor lifestyle. Its planned neighborhoods, safe environment, and strong sense of community make Plantation an ideal place for families seeking quality of life in South Florida.
Cooper City
Cooper City is gaining the attention of many families looking for a quiet and safe area to live near Fort Lauderdale. The community is recognized for its A-rated public schools and offers the perfect balance between the bucolic charm of the suburbs and urban convenience, as it is close to both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Pompano Beach
Located near Miami, Pompano Beach is a coastal community known for its stunning beaches and welcoming atmosphere. With a variety of beachfront parks, restaurants, and an expanding cultural scene, Pompano Beach attracts residents seeking a seaside lifestyle without sacrificing urban conveniences.
Deerfield Beach
Strategically located in Broward County, between Boca Raton and Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach offers easy access to international airports, shopping centers, parks, and more. Known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere, the city is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy Florida’s seaside lifestyle.
The Palm Beaches Region
The Florida cities listed in this section belong to the prestigious “The Palm Beaches” region, located in Palm Beach County, Florida. They are situated along Florida’s east coast, around West Palm Beach. This region is known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, luxurious resorts, and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has evolved from being just a coastal city to gaining a cosmopolitan charm, while still maintaining a suburban and tranquil atmosphere. In recent years, it has become a sophisticated destination for those looking to live and enjoy the exclusive lifestyle the east coast of Florida has to offer.
In addition to boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., the city is rich in culture, architecture, vibrant nightlife, and an exceptional culinary and shopping scene. All of this is complemented by Florida’s pleasant climate, with mild temperatures year-round.
West Palm Beach is now one of the most sought-after cities near Miami for those looking to live in Florida. It is less than an hour from Fort Lauderdale and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Miami. High-speed rail connections make it easy to travel between West Palm Beach and these major Florida hubs.
Boca Raton – One of the Best Cities Near Miami
Boca Raton is considered one of the most elegant and luxurious seaside resorts in the world and is among the cities near Miami that we highly recommend for living or investing. Located in Palm Beach County, close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is a favorite destination for Americans seeking retirement in Florida.
With its pleasant tropical climate year-round and beautiful beaches, Boca Raton serves as a vacation refuge for Americans escaping the harsh winters of other parts of the U.S.
But it’s not just Americans who are drawn to Boca Raton. The city is well-known among foreigners and is home to a large Brazilian community.
Despite being a relatively small community (about 100,000 residents), it is well-developed and comparable to Florida’s major cities. In Boca Raton, in addition to the beaches, you’ll find a rich cultural scene, excellent restaurants, outstanding shopping centers, golf courses, luxury condominiums, and reputable schools.
Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is a city that combines a relaxed beachfront atmosphere with a rich cultural and community heritage. Known for its white sand beaches and the iconic boardwalk, this city near Miami attracts residents and visitors seeking an active and healthy lifestyle.
The city’s revitalized downtown offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and art spaces, reflecting the community spirit that defines Boynton Beach. Additionally, the city is surrounded by natural areas, such as Ocean Inlet State Park and Green Cay Nature Preserve, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and water sports.
With growing population diversity and an expanding economy, Boynton Beach is becoming an attractive destination for families and professionals, offering quality schools and a variety of housing options to suit different lifestyles. The city masterfully balances the tranquility of a suburb with proximity to metropolitan attractions, making it an ideal place for those seeking quality of life in South Florida.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a small city north of Miami, close to West Palm Beach, that we recommend for those looking to live or have a second home in Florida.
Though small, it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all audiences. The city is part of the “The Palm Beaches,” a region along the Atlantic coast known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, luxurious resorts, and a wide range of shopping and dining options.
Wellington
Wellington deserves a place on the list of charming American small towns. Known as the equestrian capital of the world, it hosts world-class horseback riding competitions. Additionally, the community offers a variety of parks and natural areas, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Also part of The Palm Beaches, Wellington is less than 30 kilometers from West Palm Beach and Florida’s east coast, with quick and easy access to all the seaside lifestyle activities.
This Florida city offers a unique and exclusive atmosphere, combining a rural and bucolic environment with the sophistication of equestrian sports, along with the coastal influences of Florida. You’ll find excellent residential communities close to great schools, making Wellington an enchanting place to live in The Palm Beaches.
Cities South of Miami
Coral Gables
Coral Gables, often referred to as “The Beautiful City,” is one of South Florida’s most sophisticated communities. Known for its Mediterranean architecture, tree-lined streets, and rich cultural heritage, Coral Gables combines natural elements with a European aesthetic.
Pinecrest
Pinecrest, located in South Florida, is one of the most desirable suburbs of Miami, known for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
Kendall
Kendall is one of the most dynamic and growing communities in South Florida, located about 20 kilometers west of Miami.
Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines is one of South Florida’s most sought-after cities, located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Which Miami suburb Do You Want to Live In?
We have over 20 years of experience in the South Florida real estate market, including the Central Florida region (Orlando). During this time, we have served thousands of clients from all over the world with the most diverse goals. All the regions and cities mentioned in this article are part of our day-to-day work at CAP International.
This article, designed as a guide to help you choose among the many cities near Miami, was created based on our experience over these 20 years. Our team includes agents specialized in each of these Florida cities.
If you’d like to know more about opportunities in Miami, Orlando, and cities near these two major Florida hubs, contact me directly via WhatsApp: +351 91 252 9601 (Carlos Barros)