Top 13 Miami Rich Neighborhoods for Students To Live & Explore

Looking for the best places to live in Miami while studying? From oceanfront luxury in Key Biscayne to the creative streets of Wynwood, these Miami rich neighborhoods offer safety, cafes, parks, and student-friendly apartments. Perfect for balancing classes and city life, these Miami richest neighborhoods give students easy access to universities, trendy hangouts, and cultural hotspots while experiencing the elite lifestyle Miami is famous for.

Top 13 Rich Neighborhoods in Miami for Students

These Miami rich neighborhoods combine safety, style, and student-friendly amenities, from trendy cafes and parks to social and cultural hubs. Explore the top 13 rich neighborhoods in Miami Florida, where students can enjoy both comfort and lifestyle.

1. Coral Gables

Safety Index: 9.5/10
Student Population: ~8,000 students in nearby areas
Lifestyle & Leisure: Miracle Mile, Venetian Pool, Books & Books café, Caffe Abbracci, Peacock Garden Bistro
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Biltmore Hotel Golf Course, The Miami Biltmore Club
Parks: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock Park
Shopping: Miracle Mile boutiques, Shops at Merrick Park
Nearby Universities: University of Miami, Barry University
Commute Options: Metrobus + Metrorail – ~25 mins to Downtown Miami
Best Apartment: The Standard Coral Gables

Coral Gables is one of the most iconic Miami rich neighborhoods, known for its Mediterranean-style streets, historic architecture, and upscale lifestyle. Students living nearby get easy access to the University of Miami, charming cafes like Books & Books for study sessions, and social hotspots such as The Miami Biltmore Club. With elegant parks like Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and shopping at Miracle Mile, Coral Gables perfectly balances student life with exposure to luxury, making it one of the top upscale neighborhoods in Miami.

2. Brickell

Safety Index: 9.1/10
Student Population: ~6,500 students in nearby areas
Lifestyle & Leisure: Mary Brickell Village, Sugar rooftop bar, La Centrale food hall
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: EAST Miami Rooftop, Blackbird Ordinary
Parks: Brickell Key Park, Simpson Park
Shopping: Brickell City Centre, Shops at Mary Brickell Village
Nearby Universities: Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus, Florida International University (FIU)
Commute Options: Metrorail + Metrobus – ~15 mins to Downtown Miami

Brickell is a Miami rich neighborhood and the city’s financial hub, known for high-rise apartments, trendy cafes like Cvi.che 105, and lively rooftop bars such as Sugar. Students living nearby enjoy easy access to Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus, parks like Brickell Key Park for jogging or relaxing, and shopping at Brickell City Centre. With a mix of urban convenience, nightlife, and professional exposure, Brickell ranks among the top upscale Miami neighborhoods for students seeking a city lifestyle.

3. Coconut Grove

Safety Index: 9.0/10
Student Population: ~4,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: CocoWalk, GreenStreet Cafe, Panther Coffee, Peacock Park
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: The Grove Spot, Monty’s Sunset
Parks: Barnacle Historic State Park, Kennedy Park
Shopping: CocoWalk, Mayfair in the Grove
Nearby Universities: University of Miami, Miami Dade College – Kendall Campus
Commute Options: Metrobus + Trolley – ~20 mins to Downtown Miami
Best Apartments: Casa Mariana

Coconut Grove is known for its lush greenery, bay views, and artsy cafes like GreenStreet Cafe and Panther Coffee, making it a favorite among students. Located in one of the rich Miami suburbs, it offers a relaxed yet energized lifestyle with CocoWalk for shopping, Peacock Park for outdoor activities, and elite social spots like Monty’s Sunset. As one of the Miami rich neighborhoods, its proximity to the University of Miami ensures students have both convenience and high-end experiences in a lively, upscale environment.

4. Key Biscayne

Safety Index: 9.5/10
Student Population: ~3,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Rusty Pelican, Boater’s Grill
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Key Biscayne Yacht Club, The Cape Club
Parks: Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Shopping: Village Shops at Key Biscayne
Nearby Universities: University of Miami, Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus
Commute Options: Metrobus + Rickenbacker Causeway – ~25 mins to Downtown Miami

Key Biscayne offers oceanfront living, safe streets, and lush parks like Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, making it a top pick for students seeking a balanced lifestyle. With waterfront dining at Rusty Pelican and social spots like Key Biscayne Yacht Club, this area is one of the Miami rich neighborhoods that combines luxury and student-friendly convenience. Its proximity to the University of Miami and easy commute make it one of the Miami wealthy neighborhoods perfect for both study and leisure.

5. Sunny Isles Beach

Safety Index: 9.3/10
Student Population: ~2,500 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Sunny Isles Beach Boardwalk, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Bal Harbour Shops, Cafe Roval
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Acqualina Spa & Residences, Nobu Miami
Parks: Samson Oceanfront Park, Heritage Park
Shopping: Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops
Nearby Universities: Florida International University, Barry University
Commute Options: Metrobus + A1A Coastal Road – ~30 mins to Downtown Miami

Sunny Isles Beach offers beachfront apartments and luxury condos, perfect for students who want both study and leisure. With cafes like Cafe Roval, easy access to Aventura Mall, and ocean views from Samson Oceanfront Park, it’s one of the Miami rich neighborhoods that blends lifestyle and convenience. Its proximity to Florida International University and quick transport options make it one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Miami, suitable for students seeking upscale living near the beach.

6. Bal Harbour

Safety Index: 9.5/10
Student Population: ~1,800 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Bal Harbour Shops, Carpaccio Restaurant, Makoto Miami, Surfside Beach
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: The Setai Miami, St. Regis Bal Harbour
Parks: Haulover Park, Bal Harbour Beach Park
Shopping: Bal Harbour Shops, Aventura Mall (short drive)
Nearby Universities: Miami Dade College, Florida International University
Commute Options: Metrobus + Collins Avenue – ~25 mins to Downtown Miami

Bal Harbour is famous for its luxury shopping at Bal Harbour Shops and high-end dining at places like Carpaccio and Makoto Miami, making it a hotspot among the Miami rich neighborhoods. Its safe streets, proximity to Miami Dade College, and parks like Haulover Park create a perfect mix of student life and upscale living, making it one of the rich areas of Miami ideal for students seeking luxury experiences with convenience.

7. Pinecrest

Safety Index: 9.4/10
Student Population: ~2,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Pinecrest Gardens, Deering Estate, Panther Coffee, Lokal Café
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Pinecrest Country Club, The Falls Club
Parks: Pinecrest Gardens, Matheson Hammock Park
Shopping: Pinecrest Shops, Dadeland Mall (short drive)
Nearby Universities: University of Miami, Miami Dade College
Commute Options: Metrobus + US-1 – ~20 mins to Downtown Miami

Pinecrest blends suburban elegance with student-friendly living, offering family-friendly parks like Pinecrest Gardens, cozy cafes such as Panther Coffee and Lokal Café, and boutique shopping. It’s one of the Miami rich neighborhoods, giving students a safe, calm environment while staying close to the University of Miami and city life, making it a top rich area in Miami for those seeking balance between study and leisure.

8. Downtown Miami

Safety Index: 8.7/10
Student Population: ~7,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Brickell City Centre, Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Panther Coffee, CVI.CHE 105
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: E11EVEN Miami, Sugar Rooftop Bar, Club Space
Parks: Bayfront Park, Maurice A. Ferré Park
Shopping: Bayside Marketplace, Brickell City Centre
Nearby Universities: Florida International University (FIU), Miami Dade College
Commute Options: Metromover + Metrobus – ~15 mins to Miami Beach

Downtown Miami is a central hub in Miami rich neighborhoods, offering nightlife at E11EVEN Miami, cultural experiences at Perez Art Museum, and convenient shopping at Brickell City Centre. Students can enjoy a dynamic urban lifestyle while being close to FIU and Miami Dade College, making it a top choice among wealthy neighborhoods in Miami for those seeking both academics and entertainment.

9. Aventura

Safety Index: 8.9/10
Student Population: ~5,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Aventura Mall, Turnberry Isle Golf Club, Founders Park, Sushi Samba
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: The Club at Turnberry Isle, SoHo House Miami (nearby)
Parks: Founders Park, Heritage Park
Shopping: Aventura Mall, Village at Gulfstream Park
Nearby Universities: Florida International University (FIU), Nova Southeastern University
Commute Options: Brightline + local buses – ~25 mins to Downtown Miami

Aventura stands out in Miami rich neighborhoods, offering a mix of modern apartments, luxury malls like Aventura Mall, and elite golf clubs. Students enjoy good connectivity to both Downtown Miami and nearby universities, making it a prime choice among Miami richest neighborhoods for those seeking a blend of academics, leisure, and upscale living.

10. Edgewater

Safety Index: 8.7/10
Student Population: ~4,200 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Margaret Pace Park, Epic Hotel Rooftop, Panther Coffee, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Edgewater Yacht Club
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Hyde Beach at SLS Brickell, E11EVEN Miami, Ball & Chain Miami
Parks: Maurice A. Ferré Park, Margaret Pace Park
Shopping: Biscayne Boulevard boutiques, Midtown Miami Shops
Nearby Universities: Miami Dade College (Wolfson Campus), University of Miami (UM)
Commute Options: Metrobus, Metrorail, and walking to Downtown – ~15 mins to Brickell

Edgewater is one of the Miami rich neighborhoods, featuring stunning waterfront views, upscale cafes like Panther Coffee and La Mar by Gastón Acurio, boutique shopping on Biscayne Boulevard, and leisure at Margaret Pace Park. Students benefit from a safe, walkable neighborhood with easy access to Downtown Miami, making it a top choice among upscale neighborhoods in Miami for student lifestyle and modern living.

11. Surfside

Safety Index: 9.0/10
Student Population: ~2,500 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Surfside Beach, Shops at Bal Harbour, Le Zoo, Casa Tua Cucina, Mandarin Oriental Spa
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: The Surf Club Restaurant, Setai Miami Beach, The Standard Spa & Rooftop
Parks: Surfside Community Park, North Shore Open Space Park
Shopping: Bal Harbour Shops, boutique stores along Collins Avenue
Nearby Universities: Miami Dade College (North Campus), Barry University
Commute Options: Metrobus, walking, and bike-friendly streets – ~25 mins to Downtown Miami

Surfside is one of the Miami rich neighborhoods, known for its safe streets, oceanfront views, and boutique lifestyle. Students can enjoy restaurants like Le Zoo and Casa Tua Cucina, relax at Mandarin Oriental Spa, or explore Surfside Community Park. With easy access to Bal Harbour Shops and Downtown Miami, it’s a prime choice among wealthy neighborhoods in Miami for student living, safety, and leisure.

12. Design District

Safety Index: 8.8/10
Student Population: ~3,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, De La Cruz Collection, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, All Day café
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: E11EVEN Miami, Wynwood Walls events, private art gallery openings
Parks & Green Spaces: Palm Court, Museum Park
Shopping: Miami Design District boutiques, Louis Vuitton, Hermès
Nearby Universities: Florida International University (FIU), University of Miami
Commute Options: Metrobus, walking, ride-share – ~15 mins to Downtown Miami
Best Apartments: Casa Mariana

Design District is one of the Miami rich neighborhoods, famous for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and trendy eateries. Students can explore the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami or enjoy meals at Mandolin Aegean Bistro and Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. With its creative student vibe, rooftop events, and proximity to universities, it stands out among Miami richest neighborhoods for those seeking a dynamic blend of culture, lifestyle, and student-friendly living.

13. Wynwood

Safety Index: 8.5/10
Student Population: ~4,000 students nearby
Lifestyle & Leisure: Wynwood Walls, The Wynwood Yard, Panther Coffee, Coyo Taco, Kush Wynwood
Elite Clubs & Social Spots: Gramps, E11EVEN Miami (short drive away), art gallery openings
Parks & Green Spaces: Wynwood Green, Margaret Pace Park (nearby)
Shopping: Wynwood Shops, local boutiques, and vintage stores
Nearby Universities: Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus, University of Miami
Commute Options: Metrobus, scooters, walking – ~20 mins to Downtown Miami
Best Apartments: Bella Vista

Wynwood is one of the most Miami rich neighborhoods, known for its colorful murals, artsy vibe, and music venues. Students can enjoy coffee at Panther Coffee, street tacos at Coyo Taco, or explore Wynwood Walls for inspiration. With its unique student-friendly culture, creative spaces, and local events, this rich area in Miami is ideal for students who want to combine art, lifestyle, and urban living in a thriving, youthful community.

Students often prefer living near Miami rich neighborhoods for the blend of safety, social life, and proximity to cafes, parks, and cultural hubs. These areas provide access to upscale experiences while staying connected to universities and transport options. Amber helps students find safe, affordable, and convenient student apartments in Miami around these neighborhoods, making it easier to enjoy the city lifestyle without compromising on comfort, budget, or accessibility.