Miami's endless beaches, gorgeous homes, and renowned nightlife contribute to the Magic City's allure. While some folks enjoy the exciting vibe of neighborhoods in Miami, others prefer to live outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown. 

Whether you're moving to South Florida from elsewhere or currently live in Miami and want a larger home, there are several towns in close proximity to Downtown Miami.

To help buyers narrow down the best locations, the team at Prevu Real Estate has put together a guide to towns with easy commutes to Downtown Miami. 

Towns with Easy Commutes to Miami

• Coral Gables

• Key Biscayne 

• Miami Gardens

• Hollywood 

• North Miami Beach

• Hallandale Beach

• West Park 

Coral Gables

Folks searching for luxury homes fifteen minutes south of Downtown Miami should consider Coral Gables. 

Coral Gables enjoys direct access to the waters of Biscayne Bay. As such, locals enjoy fishing, kayaking, and kiteboarding in these calm waters. Neighborhoods like Gable Estates, Old Cutler, and Cocoplum are ideal places to buy a Mediterranean Revival home on the water. The drive into downtown Miami from these neighborhoods can take about 25 minutes via Route 1. 

If you settle in the northern reaches of Coral Gables, however, you might not enjoy the same seamless access to the water, but you might trim your potential commute Downtown to 15 minutes. 

If you're starting from the northern side of town, you can drive east on Coral Way or Route 41 to reach Miami. But, if you're on the south side of Coral Gables, Route 1 is the easiest route into Downtown. If you prefer public transportation, both the Green and Orange Metrorail lines run parallel to Route 1 through Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. 

One of the advantages of living in northern Coral Gables is access to the Shops at Merrick Park, which hosts well-known shops like Sephora, Williams-Sonoma, and Yard House. 

Key Biscayne

The eight-mile commute from Key Biscayne is usually less than 15 minutes along the Rickenbacker Causeway. The town's unique location on a tropical island means commuters won't pass through other cities on the way to Miami. 

Construction started popping up here in 1951, but the island town didn't become an independent city until 1991. Many of the original 1950s single-family homes still stand among the city's palm-lined streets, but you can also find high-rise condos near the oceanfront. 

Residents will benefit from ample water access with the Atlantic to the East and Biscayne Bay to the west. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the city's green space with two different state parks to the north and south.

As you might expect, boating is a popular pastime on the island, and the Nixon Beach Sandbar is proof of that hobby. The Sandbar creates the perfect place for boats to anchor in the shallow water and enjoy Miami skyline views. 

The entire city is less than two square miles, making daily chores and shopping convenient. The island even boasts a Winn-Dixie, Starbucks, and CVS. 

Miami Gardens

Potential homebuyers will find Miami Gardens north of Downtown Miami. The 16-mile drive takes between 15 and 25 minutes on I-95. Alternatively, Route 9 could be a better route into Miami if you buy a home on the western side of Miami Gardens.  

You'll satisfy nearly all your shopping needs thanks to the multiple commercial parks and grocery stores along Route 817 in the center of town and Route 441 on the east side. 

Residents also benefit from quick access to the Hard Rock Stadium just east of Route 817. The stadium has hosted the Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes, and performers like Bad Bunny and Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

While Miami Gardens may not be on the water, Golden Beach and Sunny Isle Beach are only ten miles away. 

Hollywood

Claiming nearly six miles of beachfront, Hollywood is a great place to live if you want the sun and sand without the hustle of Miami. 

Kayaking enthusiasts will also appreciate West Lake Park Kayaking, where Mangroves create tranquil waterways right in the heart of the city. The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk also offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the beach. 

From Hollywood, the 19-mile commute to Downtown Miami takes about 20 minutes if you're traveling on I-95. If you're on the west side of Hollywood, it can be faster to take the Florida Turnpike and merge onto I-95 further south. 

Another bonus for folks living in Hollywood is quick access to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. From the center of town, the airport is about 10 minutes away on Route 1. Or, you might take I-95 in case of traffic, which is closer to 15 minutes. 

Prospective homebuyers will find various home styles here, ranging from luxury condos near the ocean to single-family homes further inland. 

While there is a plethora of grocery stores and shopping centers all around Hollywood, the ArtsPark at Young Circle is the heart of town. Here, residents can visit top-rated restaurants, dance clubs, and local coffee shops between Tyler Street and Van Buren Street. 

North Miami Beach

Bordered by I-95 to the west and Route 1 to the east, North Miami Beach offers multiple routes into Downtown Miami, all taking between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. 

The town's interior is primarily made up of single-family homes on individual lots. Residents will only find a few shops and restaurants among these gridded neighborhoods. However, the Mall at 163rd Street hosts familiar stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and Wendy's all in one place. 

Homebuyers interested in gated communities should check out Eastern Shores. Condos and houses in the area are built atop land that was filled into Maule Bay in the 1950s, making each home close to the water. 

No matter where you are in North Miami Beach, getting to the ocean should be accessible on Northeast 163rd Street. The sea is a quick, four-mile drive from the town center that takes about ten minutes.

Hallandale Beach

Folks looking for a small town with tons of entertainment and a quick drive to Miami should consider Hallandale Beach. This small seaside town is situated on the southernmost side of Broward County. From here, the 14-mile commute into Downtown Miami is about 20 minutes via 95 South. You can also take Route 1 if your commute begins on the east side of Hallandale Beach.

Hallandale is known for the world-class Gulfstream Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack and casino. Operating since 1939, Gulfstream Park is open 365 days a year and draws spectators from around the world. Just one mile down Route 1, the Big Easy Casino features over 700 slot machines 24 hours a day. 

Residents also benefit from a three-mile drive to the beach on Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Even from the furthest corners of town, the beach is only ten minutes away. 

Along Route 1, you'll find Domino's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, and Mcdonald's, making it easy to grab a quick bite on the way home. If you prefer local cuisine, visit the Icebox Cafe or Moises Bakery Hallandale Beach, which are both near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 858. 

West Park

West Park is 19 miles north of Downtown Miami, so the drive should take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you're on the east side of town, I-95 is the fastest route into Miami. However, if you're traveling from the west side of town, you might want to take 441 south and then hop on I-95. 

The City of West Park is almost entirely residential, with streets laid out in orderly blocks. Most of the housing stock is pastel-colored, single-family homes with private lots and driveways. West Park has few commercial centers, so you'll probably want to go shopping in Hallandale Beach or Pembroke Pines. 

Though West Park is small, one of its significant advantages is the five-mile drive to the beach. West Park could be perfect if you want a quiet neighborhood with quick access to the ocean. 

Interested in buying a home near Miami? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.