South Miami, FL 161 Apartments for Rent

I only came for two days of playing / But every time I come I always wind up stayin / This the type of town I could spend a few days in / Miami the city that keeps the roof blazon -- From "Miami" by Will Smith

South Miami was founded by people who just wanted to grow some avocados and mangoes. South Miami is a city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, approximately nine miles southwest of Miami. First incorporated in 1927, South Miami had a population of 11,657 in the 2010 U.S. Census. This is one scrappy little city! They have had their town nearly destroyed many times by hurricanes, from the first major recorded one in 1926 to Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and again when Hurricane Bonnie hit in 1998. But the town's residents have proven each time that they aren't going to let some little hurricane defeat them, and they always rebuild the town, better than ever.

South Miami is a short drive from Miami International Airport. U.S. 1 (Dixie Highway) runs through South Miami, and is a major commercial strip.

Finding an Apartment in South Miami

With the variety of rental properties in South Miami, how do you find one that fits your needs? A little bit of prep will make your apartment search go smoothly.

Would you be happy in a studio for rent, or would two bedroom apartments work better for you? If you need more space, you might want to check out house rentals or condos for rent. Do you have any pets? If so, pet friendly apartments should be high on your list. Some landlords and complexes may require a pet deposit. Also consider whether you'd like to sign a year-long lease or would prefer the flexibility of going month to month.

When you see a place you like, having necessary paperwork will give you a head start. Most landlords will want to see photo ID and proof of income (like bank statements and / or pay stubs). A credit and / or background check may also be required.

South Miami Neighborhoods

South Miami doesn't have named neighborhoods, but the major roads in South Miami are Sunset Drive, Southwest 64th Street, Southwest 72nd Street, Ludlam Road, and Southwest 62nd Avenue.

South Miami offers convenient access to city amenities and the beach. The city has many locally owned boutiques, businesses, and restaurants. The Shops at Sunset Place is an open-air mall with a 24-screen movie theater, and a Whole Foods Market is across the street.

You will most likely need a car to get around, since public transportation options are pretty limited here. At the same time, you can catch a bus if you need to, because the Metrobus network operates routes through the greater Miami area. There is also a Miami Metrorail station on Sunset Drive.

Living in South Miami

South Miami offers convenient access to city amenities and the beach. The city has many locally owned boutiques, businesses, and restaurants. The Shops at Sunset Place is an open-air mall with a 24-screen movie theater, and a Whole Foods Market is across the street.

While the climate is generally warm and humid, during hurricane season (running from June to November) residents should stay informed about any developing storms that may hit South Florida.

The city's international population is reflected in the numerous restaurants, such as Mojito Grill (Cuban), Miyako (Japanese), and The Mexican Taqueria and Restaurant (Mexican). Le Royal French Bakery is known for its croissants and pastries, and Caf Pastis serves French classics like onion soup and bouillabaisse.

South Miami Hospital was ranked the No. 3 hospital in the Miami metro area by U.S. News & World Report. South Miami has 11 parks for residents to play ball or just unwind. Brewer Park has basketball and handball courts. Professional sports fans can cheer for the Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers and Miami FC. The University of Miami Hurricanes are a top-ranked Division I football team. Nature lovers can escape to the Florida Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida Keys.

Residents of South Miami can take advantage of many cultural opportunities in the Miami metro area. The Miami Museum of Science features laser light shows in its Planetarium. At the Miami Seaquarium, visitors can see dolphins, sea lions, killer whales, and other marine creatures. The Miami Children's Museum and Zoo Miami, the only tropical zoo in the United States, are on Watson Island.

The Prez Art Museum Miami showcases 20th and 21st century international art. The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami hosts free jazz concerts the last Friday of every month. The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, once the winter home of James Deering, is a National Historic Landmark featuring collections of European and American art as well as 10 acres of formal gardens. The Miami Design District is a neighborhood that is home to galleries, antique stores, and other creative businesses. The Ultra Music Festival and Winter Music Conference, both focusing on electronic music, are held in Miami every year.

Now that you know about all South Miami has to offer, the next step is finding a great new apartment to call home.