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Miami-Dade County, FL Real Estate
Homes for sale in Miami Dade County are some of the most desirable properties in Florida for strong property values, quality workmanship, and location. Here's everything to know about the lifestyle, economy, and housing market when looking for a home in the area.
Miami-Dade County, FL : Luxury coastal living made extraordinary
Miami-Dade County is a thriving cosmopolitan county with an eclectic mix of cultural influences. Located in the southeastern edge of the Florida peninsula, it's the state's most populous county with 2,690,113 residents, based on data from the 2021 American Community Survey. The City of Miami serves as the county seat.
Its population is no stranger to elegant coastal living – some of the wealthiest cities and suburbs in Florida are located in the area, including Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, Key Biscayne, Miami Shores, and Surfside. Pinecrest has the highest median income in the state as well as some of the priciest homes for sale in Miami Dade County.
But perhaps its true bounty is its natural beauty – encompassing more than 2,000 square miles, a third of its total land area is located within the Everglades National Park. There are 16 beaches in Miami-Dade County, offering sun, sand, and surf at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. There are also several protected natural areas within county boundaries, where adventurers will find historic sites, shipwrecks, coral reefs, citrus groves, and various species of tropical fish and water birds.
The Florida Keys, a 120-mile chain of scenic islands that extends to the south and southwest, can only be accessed through Miami-Dade County, making it an excellent starting point for island hopping and exploration.
Located approximately 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 68 miles from West Palm Beach, the area is bounded by Broward County to the north, the Florida Keys to the south, Everglades National Park to the west, and Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic to the east. Its central location is ideal for business, luxury travel, and property investment.
Miami-Dade County is home to 34 villages, towns, cities, and municipalities, as well as several unincorporated communities:
- Miami
- North Miami
- South Miami
- West Miami
- Miami Beach
- Aventura
- Biscayne Park
- Bay Harbor Islands
- Coral Gables Key Biscayne
- Cutler Bay
- El Portal
- Doral
- Golden Beach
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Florida City
- North Miami Beach
- Miami Lakes
- Miami Gardens
- Miami Springs
- Miami Shores
- Bal Harbour
- Hialeah
- Homestead
- Hialeah Gardens
- Opa-locka
- Indian Creek
- Medley
- Palmetto Bay
- North Bay Village
- Pinecrest
- Surfside
- Sweetwater
- Virginia Gardens
Click here for more information on towns and cities in Miami-Dade County.
Greater Miami residents are served by the Miami International Airport (MIA) , an international airport with more than 1,000 daily flights to 167 destinations and over 120 on-site retail and dining options. Other airports within Miami-Dade County include Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport, and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF).
Major roads in and around Miami-Dade County include the Florida Turnpike, Airport Expressway (SR 112), Gratigny Parkway, State Road 826 and 836, and Interstates 95, 75, 195, and 395.
Named for Virginia soldier Francis L. Dade, the county and its surrounding areas was home to the Tequesta and other Native American tribes before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. The area prospered in the late 19th century, when local landowner and entrepreneur Julia Tuttle persuaded railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend the railroad to Miami.
The county eventually became a popular destination for tourists and snowbirds from the Northeast in the early 20th century and saw a large real estate boom in the 1920s. It retains its popularity as a travel destination to this day, with luxury resorts, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife and art scene. It has also grown to become one of the largest urban centers in the United States with esteemed cultural institutions, shopping centers, and residential developments.
General market overview
MLS data shows that Miami-Dade County continues to be a stable housing market with climbing home values and steady demand for housing. The Miami Metro Area saw the third-highest annual growth in the United States in November 2022. It had a median home sales price of $605,303, a 23% increase from $490,633 during the same month in 2021, according to CoreLogic's January 2023 U.S. Home Price Insights report. These trends make Miami-Dade County an ideal market for long-term homeownership and real estate investment.
Miami-Dade also has a robust vacation home market. Its coastal communities provide access to some of the finest beaches and outdoor attractions in Southeast Florida. Its lush subtropical environment, with long summers and pleasant winters, lends itself well to a wide range of outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
Buyers who have been planning to trade up to a larger home or move to a better neighborhood will find an excellent selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in Miami-Dade County. Prevalent architectural styles include Ranch, Modern, and Spanish Colonial Revival. The most desirable properties come with outdoor pools, spacious driveways, and tropical landscaping while many condo towers offer resort-style amenities like fitness centers, rooftop gardens, lap pools, and more.
Typical property types
Waterfront properties
Waterfront properties are undoubtedly some of the most in-demand luxury homes for sale in Miami Dade County. Many of these properties have direct water access with private docks and spacious viewing decks and outdoor patios that are perfect for entertaining friends and family. This property type is ideal for second home buyers and property investors who want to expand their real estate portfolio. It often serves as a lifestyle enhancement for luxury buyers and savvy investors. More than a trophy property, a waterfront home is a wonderful place to build new memories, share experiences, and escape from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Single-family homes
Miami-Dade County offers single-family homes in an array of layouts and architectural styles. From single-level Ranch-style properties to Spanish Colonial Revival-style estates with oversized garages and sprawling lawns, buyers will have plenty to choose from. Many of these properties are located in gated communities and established neighborhoods that offer peace and privacy.
New construction homes
The housing market offers new construction and custom-built homes by leading builders like CC Homes, Century Homebuilders Group, Certain Homes, GL Homes, Hollub Group, and Lennar Homes. Buyers who prefer energy-efficient, turnkey-ready homes with new appliances will benefit from new construction. Most new construction homes are located within subdivisions and master-planned communities with shared amenities and enhanced security.
Brickell
Known as a financial district and business hub, Brickell offers modern condo towers and office buildings within walking distance of designer boutiques, galleries, fitness studios, and trendy bars and restaurants. As one of the most exciting places to live in Florida, Brickell offers upscale urban living with a vibrant nightlife and art scene. The most desirable condos, lofts, and apartments command stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline. Brickell City Center is a lifestyle complex that offers luxury retail and innovative dining concepts.
Coral Gables
This affluent enclave is known for its opulent mansions and a wealth of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Colonial, Contemporary, Mediterranean, and Ranch. It also harbors several historic homes with beautiful landscaping. Residents enjoy upscale retail and fine casual dining at Miracle Mile, live entertainment courtesy of Actors' Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre, art exhibits at Coral Gables Museum, and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay at Matheson Hammock Park & Marina.
Coconut Grove
As the oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove offers a glimpse into the area's rich heritage with its Florida Cracker and Key West-style properties along with Contemporary, Mediterranean, and Mid-Century Modern homes. The Ralph M. Munroe House, located in Barnacle Historic State Park, is the oldest home in Miami-Dade County.
Other local attractions include Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a waterfront estate with Italianate architecture, and CocoWalk, an upscale shopping center with major retailers and popular brunch spots.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is an iconic city with waterfront parks and boardwalks. It offers some of the most coveted homes for sale in Miami Dade County. Buyers can choose from a fine selection of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes with Modern, Contemporary, Art Deco, and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Connected by bridges to the mainland, the city provides access to white sand beaches and fishing piers. Local attractions include North Shore Open Space Park, Lummus Park, South Pointe Park, and South Beach.
Economy
Miami-Dade County has the 14th largest gross domestic product out of 3,033 counties in the U.S. with a GDP of $154.9 billion as of 2021. A center of trade and commerce, the county is home to the Port of Miami (PortMiami), which contributes over $43 billion each year to the local economy and provides more than 334,500 jobs in the state.
As the largest passenger port and "Cruise Capital of the World", PortMiami had a record-setting 5.5 million passengers in 2018 alone. Its strategic location at the intersection of east-west and north-south trade lanes, the port serves the cruise industry and ocean cargo carriers, connecting American producers to international markets.
Miami International Airport is another major contributor to the local economy. It's the largest airport for international cargo in the U.S. and the third largest for international flights. The airport is served by over 80 airlines, including 23 U.S. all-cargo carriers.
The average household income in Miami-Dade County is $92,005, according to 2022 demographic data from Miami Matters. Housing expenses in Miami, the county seat, are 47% higher than the national average while utility prices are 4% higher. Grocery prices are 21% higher while bus fares and gas prices tend to be 9% higher. However, buyers are willing to pay a premium to experience the high quality of life that Miami-Dade County has to offer.
Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the fourth largest school district in the U.S. and an A-rated school district for three years straight. It provides quality education and other services to 331,500 students and over 50,000 adult learners. It also supports more than 34,400 jobs across 516 schools in the county.
View the Miami-Dade County Public Schools directory here.
The Miami Metro Area is home to 59 vocational schools, colleges and universities. Higher educational institutions in Miami-Dade County include:
- Acupuncture and Massage College
- American Medical Academy (AMA)
- Atlantis University
- Barry University
- CBT Technology Institute
- Florida Career College
- Florida International University (FIU)
- Florida National University
- Florida Memorial University (FMU)
- Miami Dade College
- Miami International University of Art & Design
- SABER College of Nursing & Physical Therapy
- Saint John Vianney College Seminary
- Thomas University
- Talmudic University Yeshiva Bais Moshe Chaim
- University of Miami (UM)
Recreation
Residents enjoy a leisurely lifestyle with access to a wide variety of water sports and outdoor activities. There are many operators offering sunset cruises and island tours with exciting opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. Miami-Dade County also has several fishing spots that are teeming with bluefish, pompano, red snapper, and Spanish mackerel.
On land, residents enjoy hiking, running, cycling, wildlife viewing, and nature photography along the many trails and boardwalks throughout Miami-Dade County. Those who prefer indoor activities can visit any of the galleries, museums, fitness centers, and dance and yoga studios across the county.
Attractions
Miami-Dade County is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches with crystalline waters, coastal dunes, walking paths, and sand volleyball courts. Some of the finest beaches in the area include Bal Harbour Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach Oceanside Park, North Shore Open Space Park, South Beach, and Surfside Beach.
Miami-Dade County offers world-class deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, and flats fishing in Biscayne and Florida bays. Although fishing can be enjoyed year-round, some of the best times for fishing are from late fall through late spring. There are size and daily bag limits for certain fish while some species are limited to seasons to ensure sustainability. For deep sea fishing, residents and vacationers can book half- or full-day private charters with a professional guide. Night charters through Biscayne Bay are also available for catching nocturnal fish species like tarpon and swordfish.
When fishing from land, the most popular fishing spots are Haulover Inlet Jetty, Newport Fishing Pier, Pelican Harbor Marina, Oleta River State Park, and South Pointe Park Pier.
Parks and recreational facilities
Living in Miami-Dade County comes with ready access to green spaces and community centers for leisure, sports, fitness, and nature and wildlife viewing. Parks and facilities include Biscayne Gardens Park, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Model Cities Bike Path, Nixon Smiley Pineland Preserve, North Pointe Community Center, Pine Ridge BMX Park , and Zoo Miami.
Miami-Dade is a golf destination with gorgeous landscapes, pristine greens, and practice facilities for players of all skill levels. Highlights include the Biltmore Golf Course, Country Club of Miami, Greynolds Golf, Killian Greens Golf Club, Miami Lakes Golf Club, Miami Springs Golf Club, Miami Shores Country Club, Miccosukee Golf & Country Club, Redland Golf & Country Club, and Riviera Country Club.
Shopping and Dining
The county offers upscale shopping and dining with major retailers, designer brands, and fine casual restaurants at Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Dadeland Mall, Dolphin Mall, Miami Design District, Shops at Merrick Park, and The Falls Shopping Center.
Arts and Culture
Miami-Dade County is home to the Bass Museum of Art, Gold Coast Railroad Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Museum of Art and Design (MOAD), Paradox Museum, Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), and World Erotic Art Museum.
Its prestigious cultural venues include the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, New World Symphony, Overtown Performing Arts Center, Seminole Theatre, and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.
Events and festivals that take place in Miami-Dade County include Art Basel, Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Miami Carnival Parade & Concert, and more.
Work with Florida exclusive listing today
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