Downtown Miami Real Estate
Downtown Miami, FL
Where is Downtown Miami?
Downtown Miami is the large metropolitan area of Miami. Although a number of Miami’s neighborhoods can be considered part of the “greater downtown,” we will focus on the area commonly known by locals as “Downtown Miami” or the Central Business District. This area is bounded by Biscayne Bay to the east, I-395 to the north, the Miami River to the south, and I-95 to the west.
History of Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami has rich history, a stark contrast from shiny new Brickell, its neighbor to the south. A small section of Downtown Miami bounded by Miami Court, N 3rd St, W 3rd Ave, and S 2nd Street, was designated as a US historic district in 2005, as it is home to over 60 historic buildings. Many of these buildings popped up around the Great Depression, but some structures from the 1800s, like the Gesu Church, still stand tall.
Other notable buildings in this district include the Alfred I. DuPont Building, the Olympia Theatre, and the Miami-Dade County Courthouse. If you’re interested in learning more about Miami’s history, the Miami History Museum is conveniently located in the center of this district!
Downtown Miami Real Estate
Downtown Miami’s growth as a wide metropolitan area keeps increasing at an incredible rate. Luxury condos have changed the face of the empty lots that once existed. Data shows that Downtown is among the most active residential real estate markets in the United States!
The fear of excess inventory is now something of the past; a report on the greater Downtown Miami Real Estate Market shows that habitation of the twenty-three thousand condo units has risen to a remarkable 97%. Many people, including buyers and renters, are getting interested in this area due to the location, market value, pricing, and lifestyle. As of 2014, more than half of the Downtown’s inhabitants are renters. Most of these renters are young professionals following the normal trend of relocating to an urban area.
Those looking to live in Downtown Miami have many options to choose from, each providing a very different living experience. The Riverfront condos – The Mint, The Wind, and The Ivy – are located…you guessed it, on the Miami River. This gated community feels like a little city in itself, with plenty of restaurants and recreation. Further to the north, luxurious high rises line Biscayne Blvd. These include Marina Blue, Marquis, and one of Miami’s most iconic structures, 1000 Museum Park by Zaha Hadid. The buildings on the mouth of the river, like the Epic Hotel & One Miami, offer some of Miami’s best downtown and Bay views.
Downtown Miami Lifestyle
Downtown is the perfect destination for people seeking incredible views, walkability, and being in the center of the action. It is home to many popular education centers, parks, museums, company headquarters, banks, government offices, shops, courthouses, theatres, and the majority of the oldest buildings in the region. The outstanding skyline in this area is not just another beautiful sight, but architectural evidence to a striking collection of futuristic structures, show-stopping attractions, and historical landmarks.
In recent years, an organization called “Witness the New Downtown” has encouraged development within the CBD, calling on entrepreneurs and small business owners to set up shop downtown. This movement, which includes improved lighting and the creation of pedestrian streets will create a safer community feel that Downtown Miami residents desire.
Downtown Miami Demographics
A majority of Downtown Miami’s population is college educated young professionals, and these numbers are increasing steadily. However, Downtown Miami is more diverse than it may seem on paper, offering residents and visitors a little bit of everything.
Restaurants & Bars
As part of the Witness the New Downtown movement, a number of restaurants have opened in the past few years, in addition to the Downtown classics. Grab lunch at Clove Mediterranean Kitchen, Salad Box, or Vinaigrette Sub Shop. For a sit-down dining experience, try Zuma for sushi, Bouloud Sud for exotic Greek dishes, or Pez Mexican Seafood. If you’re looking for bars in Downtown Miami, look no further than Area 31 for breathtaking sunset views, play pool at Mama Tried, or catch a gameday at Black Market.
Hotels
Because of all the tourist attractions in Downtown Miami, it is a hot zone for hotels. In fact, Downtown Miami sees about 5 million visitors each year! These lucky tourists have a number of posh hotels to choose from including Epic Hotel, The Intercontinental, and the JW Mariott Marquis.
Downtown Miami Parks & Recreation
While Downtown Miami is riddled with skyscrapers, that doesn’t mean it’s just a concrete jungle. In fact, Downtown’s parks are some of Miami’s greatest tourist attractions!
Leisure
On the entire east coast of Downtown Miami, you’ll find a number of lush green parks. Bayfront Park, home of Ultra and other exciting events, is open to the public year round to gather and walk their dogs. Maurice A. Ferre park, formerly called Museum Park is another green spot where there are community movie nights with craft brews and food trucks. Bayside, one of Downtown’s largest tourist attractions, has bars, restaurants, shops, and docks where visitors can take boat excursions.
Exercise
In addition to the parks where people can run, bike, or even practice yoga at free sunset sessions, Downtown Miami has a number of gyms. Exhale Spa located in the Epic Hotel holds a variety of yoga and cardio classes for men and women. There is also an Orange Theory fitness and a number of independent gyms scattered through the Downtown area.
Things to do in Downtown Miami / Downtown Miami Points of Interest
American Airlines Arena
The home of the Miami Heat is right here in Downtown Miami! On nights of home games, the city comes to life with fans from all over sporting their Miami Vice Heat jerseys.
Museum Park
Museum Park is the bayfront area with both the Perez Art Museum and the Frost Science Museum. Both museums are well known throughout Miami for being a great educational spot for family and friends.
HistoryMiami Museum
HistoryMiami is the largest history museum in Florida. It’s broader than just Miami though, and does a great job conveying the story of Florida as a whole. There’s something for everyone here, including many photo opps and a place for kids to learn and create.
The Future of Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami has incredible history and a bright future ahead. Many new developments will make Downtown an even more desirable spot in the years to come. The new Virgin Trains Station provides a luxurious railroad experience, beating the traffic and taking guests all the way up to West Palm Beach. This train will soon go all the way to Orlando making back-and-forth travel incredibly convenient.
A number of new residential complexes like Riverside District and the Aston Martin building will change Miami’s skyline forever and take Downtown’s luxury to new heights.
Finally some new tourist attractions are in the works, including a 190-foot “observation” ferris wheel as well as a tower that will offer a number of recreational & daredevil activities like bungee jumping.
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