Riverside stays unique in that it's both an extension of Little Havana and an integral part of Downtown Miami. You couldn't have asked for a more one-of-a-kind neighborhood in
Miami, which flourishes with the colorful culture on one side and stays vibrant with the urban energy of the other. And the fact that it's a largely residential district helps, too! Say what you want about Riverside, but part of why it's one of the best places to stay in the city is that people can live fairly peacefully here, all while having a lot of fun!
Where is Riverside in Miami?
Riverside enjoys a very central location within Miami. True to its name, the area lies along the Miami River in its Downtown area, namely its north and south banks. It's also on the west side of Downtown, placing it right smack in the middle of other
central neighborhoods in Miami. It's specifically east of Little Havana, which is why many also refer to it as East Little Havana. Riverside even shares a bit of the Cuban flair that the former is known for. Overall, this urban district has one of the best areas in all of Miami.
Is it Safe in Riverside, Miami?
Generally speaking, yes, Riverside is a safe part of Miami. Though it's always worth noting that safety in Miami is a complex issue altogether. Naturally, it doesn't help that
Miami's crime rates tend to skew moderate to high, with its current general crime rate at around 59%. This means that while its central areas are generally safe, it's still worth taking the necessary safety precautions when you go out. You should especially be careful at night, when the city's total safety rate substantially decreases. Most of Miami's more urban areas, including Riverside, tend to be pretty sketchy after dark.
What's The Vibe in Riverside, Miami?
Riverside boasts a whirlwind of different vibes that it's truly unlike any other in the city. The neighborhood is primarily known for its distinct urban energy, especially with its modern nightlife scene and fast-paced lifestyle. Its location along the Miami River gives it ample scenery and lots of water-centric activities, helping it rival the likes of Brickell, Miami Beach, and more. And since it's close to Little Havana, you can feel a bit of Cuban culture by way of its many restaurants. If all of that and more is your jam, you'll want to settle down in Riverside when you
move to Miami.
Is it Expensive in Riverside, Miami?
Surprisingly, Riverside is far from the most expensive neighborhoods in Miami. Is it still pricey here? Of course! This is still part of Central Miami, after all, which means the
living costs here are fairly high. But compared to the likes of Downtown Miami and Brickell, they're much more affordable to ordinary folks! Take the average rent here, for instance, which is at a median price of around $1,406.00 per month. Considering that the city-wide average is $2,800.00 per month, Riverside is truly more affordable than the rest of the Downtown area.
What to See in Riverside, Miami
Truth be told, Riverside doesn't have any of Miami's famous landmarks. You'll find most of them in other parts of the city. Instead, the area has its own local attractions, which aren't exactly top tourist spots, but are entertaining just the same. They include Miami Riverwalk, Bayside Marketplace, and, of course, the nearby Downtown and Brickell areas. The Miami Riverwalk is undoubtedly the most unique and most well-known of them all, especially that beloved scene of tall skyscrapers against lush palm trees. Paired with the glistening waters of the Miami River, you couldn't have asked for a more quintessentially Miami sight!
What to Do in Riverside, Miami
Riverside is pure entertainment at its finest. You can spend an entire
day in Miami here and you'll never get bored! During the day, you can either stroll through Miami Park, taking in all its famous scenery, or perhaps even go boating along the river if you can afford it. At night, it's time to eat and party to your heart's content! Riverside boasts some of the best places to eat in the city, some of which even rival those in Downtown Miami and Brickell! As for its nightlife, Riverside may not be Ocean Drive, but the bars and clubs here are exciting just the same!
The Best Restaurants in Riverside, Miami
It's not an exaggeration to say that Riverside has some of the
best restaurants in Miami, and a big part of that is its location. Since it's so close to Downtown Miami and Brickell, these areas' culinary excellence easily spills over to this part of town. Hence, if you find some hotspots here familiar, it's because these are also well-known eateries in Downtown Miami. Some famous names here include Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita on S Miami Avenue, Bistro Café on NE 1st Avenue, and CVI.CHE 105 on NE 3rd Avenue, among many others. What's not to love?
Many of Riverside’s best places to eat include:
- Crazy About You on Brickell Bay Drive
- Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita on S Miami Avenue
- Giselle Miami on NE 11th Street
- Sexy Fish Miami on S Miami Avenue
- Bistro Café on NE 1st Avenue
- Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cucina
- CVI.CHE 105 on NE 3rd Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Riverside, Miami
As already mentioned, renting in Riverside in Miami is surprisingly more affordable compared to the rest of Miami. Considering its location right beside Downtown Miami, you'd think the rent here will be sky-high. Or, at the very least, higher than the city-wide average, which is $2,800.00 per month. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! The average median rent in Riverside is only about $1,406.00 per month. Not only is this slightly low for
renting a luxury apartment in Miami, but it's also not too far too how much it costs to rent a place in other cities in the US.
Riverside has some of the best in Miami. It has a sprinkle of Cuban culture from its proximity to Little Havana, a slice of Downtown Miami’s urban energy, and the peaceful residences of a typical Miami suburb.
