As you drive through the Miami Beach neighborhoods you're evaluating, ask yourself if the homes there have architectural qualities that are pleasing and fit together. Nothing is worse that finding a home that is out-of-sync with all the others. While the landscaping will be different with each home, do they compliment each other? What about traffic patterns? Are there noisy intersections and jam-packed interstates and busy shopping centers nearby? Do you want to locate to such an area? Also remember that many Miami Beach homes are in high-rise buildings. Here are some suggestions:
- Find locations that are suitable for you.
- Locations that are adjacent to huge shopping centers, congested by traffic or targeted for future commercial development should probably be passed by.
- If the neighborhood is under siege from "McMansions," the practice of tearing down older, smaller homes and replacing them with oversized castles that unbalance the look of the area, you may want to look somewhere else.
- See if the neighborhood is prone to flooding or intense electrical storms, especially higher elevations.
- Attend "Open House" presentations, even if the home you're looking for isn't the one being shown. You may learn a lot about how the homes in the neighborhood were built. Dress comfortably and take lots of notes.
Turn to the Miami Beach Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for information about available homes and showings. You can also find such information in the ad section of the Sunday Miami Herald, and on the websites of Miami Beach realtors.
- Get an overview of Miami Beach by reading our "Miami Beach Info" section on the left.
- The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will tout the business and commercial segments,
- The Greater Miami Conventions & Visitors Bureau will tell you about attractions and entertainment.
- The City of Miami Beach website will supply tax information, public transportation and city services information.
