Miami's Neighborhood Renaissance: Discovering the Best Places to Live and Invest with Shane Graber
As the world frees itself from the COVID-19 pandemic, one city stands out on the real estate map - Miami, Florida. This sunny paradise has become more than just a sought-after vacation spot. It’s now a hotbed for real estate investment and a haven for those seeking community-centric living.
It’s hard to question the appeal of the city. As Shane Graber, real estate broker and founder of the Graber Realty Group, highlights, Miami boasts year-round sunshine. This thriving cultural scene effortlessly blends cosmopolitan glamor with old-world charm and, most importantly, an economy that consistently shows impressive resilience and growth.
In fact, over the past decade, Miami real estate appreciated around 183%, placing it in the top 10% nationwide for real estate appreciation and making it one of the best long-term investments in America.
“The fundamentals for places like Miami are strong, especially with the number of people moving here. The demand is high, and we’re seeing an influx of big companies relocating here,” Graber adds.
With over 15 years of experience and a keen eye for marketing and real estate investing, Graber brings a unique perspective to Miami real estate. Throughout his career, he’s consistently identified countless high-potential properties for his clients. Yet, his expertise goes beyond buying and selling - he’s a strategic advisor helping clients make informed decisions about their real estate investments in the Magic City.
Graber shares that he has noticed an interesting trend among buyers in the past years, especially after the pandemic. He reveals that new homes have become a hugely sought-after option, breaking all sales records. “Since the pandemic, four-bedroom homes, for example, have gone through a boom. Nowadays, many people need extra space for a home office, and I don’t see this trend going away soon,” he says.
Reflecting on the most promising areas for a comfortable life and a solid investment in Miami’s burgeoning market, Graber shares that the Upper East Side has a distinct and irresistible allure. Its one-of-a-kind fusion of historic elegance and modern architecture offers a diverse range of living experiences, from the calm of green spaces to the vibrancy of the architectural heritage.
“Each neighborhood within the Upper East Side has a unique identity, allowing residents to choose a lifestyle that aligns with their preferences while offering solid investment potential due to its growing popularity and timeless appeal,” Graber says.
From the lavish and historic Morningside and the charming Belle Meade community to the iconic MiMo District, showcasing the beauty of the Miami Modern architectural style, the Upper East Side is a place where the past, present, and future seamlessly blend, presenting a living experience that’s as versatile as the city itself.
According to Graber, those who prefer to stick to the Biscayne Bay shoreline can also consider the upscale Coconut Grove neighborhood - the oldest continuously inhabited place in Miami-Dade County. With calm sidewalk cafes and luxury shops in and around the recently revamped CocoWalk, Coconut Grove is a hub for dynamic and active lifestyles—with a little something for those who prefer quieter living.
Graber believes Coral Gables, just south of downtown Miami, is a good choice for high-end buyers seeking to invest in this prestigious neighborhood. Home to the University of Miami, a leading research institution, and the 1920s Venetian Pool, a public swimming pool carved from a coral rock quarry, is uniquely attractive. The city's aesthetic, marked by stately Mediterranean-style homes and boulevards, undeniably creates a timeless elegance.
Although Coconut Grove and Coral Gables have undergone price booms, Graber still believes now is a good time to invest. “This is where you'll see the most opportunity in single-family homes. This is especially significant since single-family properties have surged in demand,” he says.
As Grabber emphasizes, single-family homeowners will always be in a good position, as many people living in new condos or high-rises downtown tend to want to settle down in a house further down the line, thus increasing demand even more.
Looking ahead, Graber is optimistic about the future of the real estate market in Miami. Having witnessed the market’s resilience and adaptability, even amid economic fluctuations and uncertainties, he believes these factors will continue to fuel the market and help it remain on its current, steady trajectory.
He says, “The city has weathered numerous economic cycles, yet it continues to attract a wide range of buyers, which gives me a great sense of optimism for the future.”