West Perrine's nickname should be "Dessert Central." Ice cream stores, bakeries and chocolatiers are in good supply within a mile or two from town. Theaters and the arts thrive in the southwestern part of the area. West Perrine, Florida, is an unincorporated area, close to Little Havana and West Miami.
How Much Will It Cost?
Rates for rental apartment in West Perrine are affordable. They're also often negotiable. This is truer of individual owners than corporate landlords, but it happens often enough that it's worth a try. Rates hover around 2.4% less than the national average.
When You Should Start Looking
If you want to live here, start looking now. It may take you a while because month-to-month rents here are in demand. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too soon to start searching.
Where You Should Look
West Perrine has definite areas to consider. The most popular area for homes for rent is the south west side of South Dixie Highway. Many folks prefer the area east of SW 105th Avenue, but south of SW 176th Avenue is OK, too. You may even score townhouses for rent here. This part of town is closer to West Perrine's version of Restaurant Row.
What You Need to Move There
You'll need the usual to secure an apartment for rent in West Perrine. Have your credit score, letter verifying employment and salary, and a copy of your last paycheck stub. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Remember to try negotiating.
Life in the City
Culture: The theater district of West Miami is about a five-minute drive from West Perrine. Just the Funny Theater and Training Center is a small community theater and performing arts training academy, known for its popular improv comedy club. New Theater, Inc. is a cozy, welcoming small theater that produces traditional plays, with a rotating art exhibit in the lobby.
Shopping: Chocoholics, unite! Visit Wendy's Chocolate Shop Gift Basket Store in West Perrine. It was recently voted Best Chocolates in the Miami area, and you can buy handmade gourmet chocolates, or make your own in a chocolate class.
Big Lots always has bargains. Look for quality, brand-name items, including consumables, seasonal, furniture, housewares, toys, and electronics.
Dine out: Eat dessert first -- or last. You'll love the varied bakeries and ice cream stores in this area. Try Azucar Ice Cream Company for the amazing Abuela Marie ice cream with Guava topping. This mother-daughter owned ice cream store with a delicious Cuban twist mixes flavors like Caf Con Leche with crumbled Oreo cookies.
Lunch at La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market. Relaxed and casual, this family-owned restaurant has been serving dishes like Minuta con Pan Sandwich or Seafood with Rice for over 35 years at the same location.
Get Outdoors: Life can be a beach for an afternoon or weekend getaway. Miami Beach and Key Biscayne are fewer than 25 minutes from West Perrine.
Getting Around: A car is a necessity here. Everywhere you'll want to go is a short drive. Miami-Dade Transit buses run east to west along SW 174th Street, but that's about all. The closest Amtrak station is 30 miles away. The average commute for drivers is around 32 minutes. Some days, some hours, it takes longer. The closest passenger airport is Miami International, 25 minutes away.