While there's no doubt that New York City's Upper East Side is more famous, the one in
Miami deserves some attention, too. After all, this sunny neighborhood is just as chic, upscale, and luxurious, all while providing the kind of warmth only Florida can offer. Even vintage style is alive and well here, with the Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture that lines the famous Biscayne Boulevard, and mid-century hotels set a walk down memory lane. Lush greenery abounds the place, too, providing some much-needed shade in the public plazas that feature indie art galleries, chic boutiques, and upscale restaurants. What's not to love?
Where is the Upper East Side of Miami?
True to its name, the Upper East Side is located in northeastern Miami, right along the coast of Biscayne Bay. Though it's a fair distance away from the city center, it remains one of
Miami's central neighborhoods, especially since it's surrounded by the city's prominent districts. There's Edgewater to its south, Little Haiti to its west, the Miami Shores to its north, and if you go beyond Biscayne Bay to its east, you'll reach Mid-Beach and Normandy Shores. You can't get any more central than that. Many would even argue that its distance from Downtown Miami is a plus, since the area gets to be much more peaceful.
Is it Safe in Miami’s Upper East Side?
Generally speaking, yes, the Upper East Side is a safe neighborhood in Miami. The area even ranks in the 64th percentile when it comes to safety, which means it's safer than 64% of the rest of the city. With that said, however, the Upper East Side doesn't exactly have low
crime rates in Miami. They're not the highest, but they are slightly higher than mid-range, which means there are still parts of it that are worth avoiding. So overall, you still need to be careful and take the necessary safety precautions when you stay here.
What's The Vibe in Miami’s Upper East Side?
Miami's Upper East Side never fails to lure in locals and tourists alike with its mix of nostalgic look, tranquil suburban vibes, and tropical appeal. The Modern Miami (Mimo) architecture, with all its clean symmetry and complex design, defines the look of the neighborhood, giving it a cool mid-century modern spirit. Paired with the lush greenery of the Miami coast, and you've got a resort town-like city district that's soothing as it is exciting. Overall, the Upper East Side provides a lovely escape from Downtown's hustle and bustle, making it a great place to settle down for anyone
relocating to Miami.
Is it Expensive in Miami’s Upper East Side?
It's more accurate to say that Miami's Upper East Side is right smack in the middle of expensive and affordable. It's not necessarily the priciest part of town, but it's not exactly cheap either. Take, for instance, the average rent here, which is $2,736.00 per month. The fact that it's only a little under the city-wide average—$2,800.00 per month—proves that the prices here are not too far from the general
living costs in Miami. Even eating out here, which would only cost you around $15.00 to $40.00 per meal in affordable to mid-range restaurants, are still not that expensive compared to the rest of the city.
What to See in Miami’s Upper East Side
Admittedly, there aren't that many notable sights to see in Miami's Upper East Side. Instead, the neighborhood itself is what's worth seeing, especially its treasure trove of Modern Miami (MiMo) architectural structures. As mentioned previously, the mid-century modern look defines the district, making it seem as if the place itself never evolved from the 1950s and ‘60s. This vintage aesthetic is a far cry from the overwhelmingly chromatic gleam of Downtown Miami and is fairly reminiscent of the retro glamour in Ocean Drive, but without all the neon lights.
What to Do in Miami’s Upper East Side
Miami's Upper East Side practically invites you to just relax and luxuriate in this more tranquil part of town. While it has its pockets of urban excitement, the suburban feel practically overtakes all of it, making for a more peaceful area where you can stroll under the sun and dine outdoors without being too noisy. Here, you can simply enjoy an afternoon coffee break bathed in the sunset's orange twilight and breathe in the fresh air brought about by the lush greenery nearby. It's such a heavenly experience when the rest of Miami, especially its more urban parts, overwhelm you to no end!
The Best Restaurants in Miami’s Upper East Side
Don't think that just because the Upper East Side is a more peaceful, almost suburban-like neighborhood in Miami that it doesn't have an exciting culinary scene. This couldn't be further from the truth! While it may not have that many Michelin-starred hotspots, it still has some of the
best restaurants in Miami. Biscayne Boulevard alone has the likes of Osteria, Luna Pasta e Dolci Ristorante, Moshi Moshi MiMo, and Uptown 66, among many others. This one fabulous strip of awesome eateries alone proves that even the Upper East Side's foodie scene is just as diverse and high-class as the rest of them!
Discover the Upper East Side’s awesome foodie scene by checking out these hotspots:
- Luna Pasta e Dolci Ristorante on Biscayne Boulevard
- Moshi Moshi MiMo on Biscayne Boulevard
- Osteria on Biscayne Boulevard
- Pinch Kitchen + Bar on Biscayne Boulevard
- Uptown 66 on Biscayne Boulevard
- El Turco Upper Buena Vista on NE 2nd Avenue
- Giselle Miami on NE 11th Street
- Ferraro's Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar on NE 79th Street
- Battubelin Italian Restaurant on NE 79th Street
- Pastamarket on NE 82nd Terrace
What to Know About Renting in Miami’s Upper East Side
As already mentioned, Miami's Upper East Side is fairly pricey, but it's far from what many would consider expensive. And this applies to rent as it does to everything else. The average rent here is about $2,736.00 per month, not too far from the city-wide average. That price alone is already pretty high in the grand scheme of things, but it's still par for the course in terms of
renting a luxury apartment in Miami. With that said, it's worth noting that the neighborhood doesn't have that many apartment complexes or condo buildings. You're more likely to see available houses and lots here than typical condo units.
Take a look at modern Miami by exploring its Upper East Side district. It’s an upscale neighborhood with lush greenery, beautiful homes, and a luxurious commercial scene that also adds to the city’s signature glamour.
