With all its glamour and luxury, it's no surprise that
Miami has a couple of upscale neighborhoods. Coral Gables is technically not one of them, as it’s a separate city altogether, but it’s often regarded as one. The area, which sits right by the southeastern coast of the mainland, mixes the European charm of its Mediterranean influences with the tropicality of Florida, resulting in a beautiful paradise reminiscent of smaller Spanish islands in Southern Europe. Waterfront mansions and luxury condos also provide that signature Miami affluence, a different kind of glamour you won't find in other big cities like New York and LA. With all this in store, who wouldn't want to explore such a fascinating neighborhood?
Where is Coral Gables in Miami?
Technically speaking, Coral Gables is a separate city from Miami. Though it's often referred to as one of the most popular
neighborhoods in Miami, Coral Gables is an entirely different town. It's just that it's located so close to Downtown Miami, just southwest of the urban area, that it's widely regarded as part of the city. Coral Gables is even faster to get to from Downtown Miami than many other neighborhoods in the city, specifically Miami Beach. Hence, those who visit or even move to Miami often go to or consider the option of settling down in Coral Gables.
Is it Safe in Coral Gables?
Yes, it is. Coral Gables is even safer than Miami, specifically with how much smaller it is and how it's much more peaceful here than in the bigger metropolis. Forget about having lower
crime rates in Miami; the city even has lower crime rates than the national average, which further proves just how safe it truly is. But what is it about Coral Gables that makes it safe? Well, the city has well-planned communities, it's more family-friendly than Miami, and it's a largely residential area. The place only really has one main commercial area, Miracle Mile, so apart from that, most of Coral Gables is a tranquil suburb.
What's The Vibe in Coral Gables?
Historic, refined, and sophisticated define Coral Gables. Known as the “City Beautiful,” specifically for its Mediterranean Revival architecture. Its idyllic atmosphere permeates throughout the old-world Spanish architecture and art-deco hotspots, almost as if you've traveled back in time when you go here. The lush greenery and tranquil coast give it a tropical appeal, too, reminiscent of the equally elegant Coconut Grove, which is actually in Miami. And with its convenient location near Downtown Miami, you can't fault anyone who initially planned on
moving to Miami to settle down here instead.
Is it Expensive in Coral Gables?
Without a doubt! While it doesn't exactly have higher
living costs in Miami, it's still far from what many would consider affordable. Take, for instance, the rent here. The average rent in Coral Gables is around $4,076.00 per month, not too far from double the average rent in Miami, which is approximately $2,800.00 per month. Don't forget that Coral Gables is fairly affluent, too, with mansions, townhouses, and the like making up most of its real estate market. And if you eat out in Coral Gables, expect to pay as much as $20.00 to $55.00 per meal in a mid-range restaurant.
What to See in Coral Gables
While they're not exactly as popular as the most famous sights in Miami, Coral Gables still has its fair share of well-known spots. One of which is the iconic Biltmore Hotel, a breathtaking piece of Mediterranean architecture in Southern Florida. The grand hotel stands out with its mix of Spanish, Italian, and Moorish influences, resulting in a unique structure that's unlike any in Miami and beyond. There's also the equally famous Venetian Pool, the city's go-to cooling spot when summer gets a tad overwhelming. Lined with palm trees and historic-looking buildings reminiscent of Venice, you couldn't have found a more enchanting place to swim.
What to Do in Coral Gables
If you only a
day in Miami, why not spend it in Coral Gables instead? When the big city overwhelms you with all its hustle and bustle, you can always escape to this more peaceful city nearby. It's a great place to just roam around and appreciate its classic Mediterranean architecture, after all, which can also help you forget your everyday troubles. If you still want a bit of urban liveliness here, you can always go to Miracle Mile and enjoy its many hotspots. And of course, there's arguably no better place to luxuriate than the iconic Biltmore Hotel!
The Best Restaurants in Coral Gables
Don't overlook the culinary scene in Coral Gables just because it's not as big as the one in Miami. The
best restaurants in Miami may be world-class, especially its Michelin-starred hotspots, but the finest in Coral Gables are not too far off, either! One visit to Miracle Mile alone is enough to show you the city's exceptional foodie scene, especially with the likes of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, CRAFT, Motek, and Season 52, among many others. Much like Miami, the eateries here are just as diverse, with their many cuisines, vibes, and most importantly, price ranges.
Don’t miss out on any or all of the best hotspots in Coral Gables:
- CRAFT Coral Gables on Giralda Avenue
- Graziano's Restaurant Coral Gables on Giralda Avenue
- Luca Osteria on Giralda Avenue
- Naked Farmer on Giralda Avenue
- Bistro Café on Laguna Street
- Motek Coral Gables on Miracle Mile
- Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar on Miracle Mile
- Seasons 52 on Miracle Mile
- Bulla Gastrobar on Ponce de Leon
- Beauty & The Butcher in Red Sunset Building on Southwest 57th Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Coral Gables
As already mentioned, renting in Coral Gables is pretty pricey. Is it more expensive than
renting a luxury apartment in Miami? Well, it depends on where you're staying. Overall, the average rent in Coral Gables, which is $4,076.00 per month, is much higher than that of Miami, which is $2,800.00 per month. Some parts of the latter are more expensive, sure, but there's no denying that the former is highly priced in its own right. And if you want to stay in a big place, specifically with more than three bedrooms, then expect to pay a lot more!
Coral Gables stands out as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Miami. This beautiful area boasts a tinge of European charm, a touch of that signature Miami glamour, and the beautiful tropicality of Florida.
