Miami’s luxury real estate market offers two neighborhoods that often end up on the same short list: Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Both provide a prestigious address and easy access to the best of Miami, yet the lifestyles they offer couldn’t be more different.

Coconut Grove, affectionately called “The Grove,” is a waterfront enclave with a bohemian spirit and lush tree canopy. Coral Gables, known as “The City Beautiful,” exudes Mediterranean elegance with manicured boulevards and historic landmarks.

This guide compares what it’s like to live in each neighborhood, highlights exciting new preconstruction developments, and helps you decide which community best fits your lifestyle.

Coconut Grove: Tropical Oasis and Waterfront Bliss

Coconut Grove sits at the southern end of Miami and is just a 15-minute drive from Miami Beach. It evolved from a hippie sanctuary into a tropical oasis, cherished for its tree-lined streets, lush landscaping, and waterfront parks. The area retains an artsy, bohemian identity and community spirit. Residents can escape into privacy yet remain minutes from Brickell and Downtown.

What you’ll love

• Lush canopy and bohemian charm
  Banyan trees, palms, and live oaks line quiet streets, giving the neighborhood an intimate, jungle-like feel. Weekly farmers markets and festivals, such as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Mango Strut parade, add to its whimsical vibe.
• Waterfront lifestyle
  The Grove offers several marinas that make it a boater’s paradise. Kayaking, sailing, and sunset cruises are part of daily life.
• Shopping and dining with character
  CocoWalk’s mix of boutiques, restaurants, and live music venues blends local flavor with sophistication. An eclectic dining scene, from Harry’s Pizzeria to Jaguar, keeps foodies entertained.
• Parks and historic sites
  Enjoy waterfront strolls at Kennedy Park, Peacock Park, and Barnacle Historic State Park, or tour historic homes like the Barnacle and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Preconstruction highlights

• The Lincoln Coconut Grove – A green-certified eight-story condo with 48 luxury residences, rooftop pool, cabanas, gym, and dog park.
  
  
• The WELL Coconut Grove – A $650 million wellness-focused development by Terra and The WELL, offering holistic amenities and resort-style living.
  
  
• Ziggurat Residences – An eco-friendly project with 19 custom residences, rooftop pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, and smart-home systems.
  
  
• Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove – A 20-story tower offering full-service living and luxury wellness spaces.
  
  
• Vita Residences Grove Isle – Seventy-nine waterfront condos on a private island with panoramic bay views.

Lifestyle takeaway

Choose Coconut Grove if you crave a laid-back, nature-infused lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Here, you can boat, stroll through parks, and enjoy wellness-focused living while still being close to Miami’s urban core.

Explore more about the preconstruction projects and new luxury residences in Coconut Grove to discover which one aligns with your lifestyle.

Download your Free Miami Buyer Guide to understand the local market, buying process, and investment opportunities in Coconut Grove’s growing luxury condo scene.

Coral Gables: Mediterranean Elegance and Prestigious Address

Just southwest of Downtown Miami, Coral Gables was master-planned in the 1920s by visionary developer George Merrick and is revered for its historic Mediterranean Revival architecture. Wide, tree-lined avenues named after Spanish and Italian towns lead to plazas, parks, and fountains, earning it the nickname “The City Beautiful.”

What you’ll love

• Timeless architecture and history
  Coral Gables’ Mediterranean Revival homes, arched colonnades, and terracotta roofs are complemented by landmarks like the Biltmore Hotel, Miracle Mile, and the Venetian Pool.
• Walkable shopping and dining
  Miracle Mile offers high-end boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The neighborhood hosts culinary festivals and boasts MICHELIN-rated restaurants.
• Cultural institutions and green spaces
  Visit the Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables Museum, Actors’ Playhouse, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and Matheson Hammock Park. The area also features golf courses and tree-shaded boulevards.
• Prestigious schools and residences
  Home to the University of Miami and top private schools, Coral Gables offers stately estates, gated communities, and modern condos.

Preconstruction highlights

• The George Residences – Thirteen ultra-luxury townhomes over 5,000 square feet each, with private courtyards, summer kitchens, and four-car garages.
  
  
• Ponce Park Residences – Mediterranean-inspired condos featuring rooftop pools, deep balconies, and a pedestrian-friendly plaza.
  
  
• Alhambra Parc Residences – Mixed-use development with 78 residences, retail, and office spaces designed by Raymond Jimenez.
  
  
• Cassia Residences – A 12-story building with 174 fully furnished residences, co-working spaces, wellness spa, and indoor pool.
  

Lifestyle takeaway

Choose Coral Gables if you’re drawn to Mediterranean elegance, historic charm, and a prestigious address. This neighborhood offers sophisticated shopping, acclaimed dining, and cultural attractions in a serene, walkable setting.

Explore more about the preconstruction projects and timeless residences in Coral Gables to find the home that perfectly complements your lifestyle.

Get your Free Miami Relocation Guide to explore everything you need to know about moving to Coral Gables or purchasing a second home in one of Miami’s most timeless communities.

Which Lifestyle Fits You?

Tranquility versus Prestige
Coconut Grove’s laid-back vibe is ideal for nature lovers, yacht enthusiasts, and those seeking wellness-oriented living. Coral Gables provides a polished, heritage-rich ambiance with upscale amenities and a historic pedigree.

Waterfront versus Heritage
The Grove offers boating clubs and waterfront parks. Coral Gables offers Mediterranean boulevards, historic landmarks, and country-club living.

Community Spirit versus Refined Social Scene
Coconut Grove hosts farmers markets, art festivals, and boho cafés, while Coral Gables’ social life centers around theatre premieres, art openings, and fine dining.

Pro Tip: Both neighborhoods are within a 15 to 20-minute drive of Downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. Visit at different times of day. Weekend mornings in Coconut Grove feel like a tropical retreat, while weekday evenings in Coral Gables highlight its lively dining scene.

Find the Miami Neighborhood That Feels Like You

Whether you see yourself paddleboarding at sunrise in Coconut Grove or enjoying aperitivos along Miracle Mile, there’s a residence waiting that matches your lifestyle.

Contact me today to arrange a private tour of these neighborhoods and explore the latest preconstruction opportunities and available homes in Miami.

Let’s find the lifestyle that feels like you.