5 Affordable Places To Live in Florida With Easy Access to Miami
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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If you are looking to buy real estate in Florida, there’s a good chance you are going to try and aim for purchasing in one of the Sunshine State’s hottest markets: Miami. The legendary city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, industry and recreation, as well as a hefty price tag.
“Miami, and South Florida as a whole, is a unique market where affordability and convenient access rarely go hand in hand,” said Dan Richards, president of Flyhomes Mortgage.
According to Zillow, the average price for a home in Miami is around $579,925. Should that be out of your price range, perhaps it’s time to look outside this popular metropolitan area to find other locations where housing is less costly and commuting is a breeze.
Here are five affordable places to live in Florida with easy access to Miami.
Hialeah
“Average housing prices in this city are around $325,000 and Hialeah’s best feature is its access to Miami via I-95 and an expanding Metrorail system,” shared Chad Phillis, the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals.
Phillis continued to sing Hialeah’s praises, adding that “[l]uminaries among both investors and residents have become fans of Hialeah’s vibrant community and its affordability by market standards.”
Hollywood
This isn’t the same Hollywood that’s located in Los Angeles. This is Hollywood, Florida which Nancy Batchelor, the vice president at Compass called “an under the radar gem that is close to everything-great shops, restaurants, beaches, schools — but you can live there for a fraction of the cost. The area is much more affordable than Miami.”
“Set perfectly between Miami’s energy and the quiet elegance of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood is a global destination with visitors coming to stay along the historic oceanfront Boardwalk along the Atlantic featuring shops, restaurants, and accommodations to fit every taste and budget,” described Batchelor.
Palmetto Bay
Located just 20 miles south of Miami, Palmetto Bay offers single-family homes that, while at the upper limit of the national median home price ($420,000), still provide real options in that range, according to Richards.
“The area is known for its highly rated schools, family-friendly environment and rare coastal access at this price point, making it a compelling choice for buyers who don’t want to compromise on lifestyle,” Richards explained.
Miami Gardens
About 16 miles north of Miami, Miami Gardens is one of the more affordable options for those who want to be close to the city without paying Miami prices, according to Mark Sanchez, the founder and real estate manager of Tropic Residential.
“The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,705 per month, which is a big difference compared to Miami’s skyrocketing rental costs,” Sanchez reported.
“It is home to Hard Rock Stadium, so there is always something going on, but it still has a suburban feel with plenty of parks and restaurants,” Sanchez went on to say. “A lot of people who work in Miami choose to live here because they get more space and a quieter neighborhood while still being just a short drive from downtown.”
North Miami
This isn’t northern Miami, but rather North Miami, where Phillis highlighted that homes tend to be priced for an average of about $400,000.
“North Miami combines urban buzz with suburban ease,” continued Phillis. “Its proximity to I-95 not only facilitates an easy commute to Miami, but positions residents within reach of a growing array of cultural and business offerings.”
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