Downtown Miami Neighborhood Profile

While downtown Miami was once the exclusive domain of bankers and businesspeople, the area has changed dramatically in the past decade as downtown's grown in popularity as a place to live, eat and play. Tall buildings still dominate the skyline, but it's just as likely you're looking at a condo building as an office tower.

The geographic borders of downtown vary depending upon who you ask, but most people consider "downtown" to include the business district, centered at the intersection of Flagler Street and Miami Avenue, the Omni district located near Biscayne Bay and the financial district on Brickell Avenue.

Interesting Facts About Downtown Miami

• As of the 2000 census, downtown only had 13,392 residents, but there's no doubt this has grown dramatically with the recent housing boom. (Note: the Census definition of downtown does not include the Brickell area.)
• The median income of downtown households is $38,703.
• 23% of those living downtown do not speak English well.

Things to Do in Downtown Miami

Downtown is full of exciting activities and events for both adults and children. Some favorite activities include:

• Shopping is available throughout the area with numerous retail shops centralized around Flagler Street. You also might want to visit one of the city's unique malls: Bayside Marketplace.
• There are many fantastic restaurants downtown.
• I love spending time by the water and downtown offers some great opportunities. Try taking my Downtown Miami Waterfront Walking Tour.
• History buffs will be interested in visiting the Freedom Tower, which welcomed a generation of Cuban immigrants to Miami.
• Try visiting the Miami Art Museum or one of Miami's other great museums.

Transportation

Most Miami residents drive on the congested South Florida freeway/road system to get around the area. However, downtown is also the hub of Miami's mass transit system. Major airlines serve the nearby Miami International Airport.