Want to buy a place in Miami...

[karina]

Hi there - hopefully you girls can help! My plan is to purchase a condo in a happening area that I can get a good return on (as far as rent), so I can rent it out for a few years, and then possibly live in it, if I decide to move to Florida.

I hear they are developing Downtown Miami and Aventura tremendously, but always wanted to purchase in South Beach. Also, possibly thinking of Fort Lauderdale, near the beach and Las Olas. I spoke to a realtor, and he said I will probably get more bang for my buck in South beach. What are your thoughts on these areas?

[HeatherFL]

Being from South Beach, I'd say to go there. Aventura is nice, but a bit snooty in some areas for my taste (not that South Beach can't be that way.) Plus I feel like it's too far from the more fun areas of Miami. Still, if you choose to buy there it probably would be a good investment. Las Olas is nice too, but I honestly believe that South Beach offers more as far as selection with restaurants, grocery shopping, etc.. I'd stay away from Downtown. Sunny Isles is really up an coming (Trump is building there) but again, it's just not my scene.

Do you have any specifics needs/wants?

~H.

[karina]

I want an area that is fun, vibrant and where I'm able to get the most bang for my buck when I rent it. I am looking at a few places in Downtown Miami, and some art deco units in SoBe.

[HeatherFL]

Well for that I'd say South Beach. As for Downtown Miami, it's a questionable area in a lot of places. Are you meaning Brickell or just down by Bayside? I personally wouldn't buy downtown until I was sure the new development was really taking off and the area was safer.

~H.