Three Tequesta Point #4204

Brickell vs Brickell Key: Which Miami Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Brickell and Brickell Key offer two distinct takes on Miami living, both highly sought after, but each with its own rhythm and appeal. For professionals, investors, and anyone drawn to a dynamic, walkable lifestyle, these neighboring communities consistently rank among the city’s most desirable addresses. But if you’re considering living in Brickell, choosing between them comes down to what you value most: the pulse of the city at your doorstep, or the privacy of a small island retreat just a bridge away from it all. Here’s what you need to know as you decide which address better fits your lifestyle. ## Lifestyle Miami’s high-powered Brickell neighborhood is known as the “Manhattan of the South.” If you’ve spent any time here, you know that Brickell moves with the rhythm of city life. It’s very walkable, so you’ll find the sights of towering glass buildings reflecting the nearby water, bustling streets, and a constant energy that attracts many international professionals who prefer to live close to where they work and socialize. And speaking of, you’ll be spoilt for choice for happy hours or Sunday brunches, with offerings from rooftop lounges to world-class dining, all within walking distance. ##### Brickell City Center - Brickell, Miami ##### Brickell Key - Brickell, Miami Brickell Key, by contrast, is a small but separate island, a tranquil residential enclave right beside the urban buzz of Brickell over a short bridge. Known for its serenity and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, it offers a sense of privacy hard to find so close to the heart of Miami. There is only one way in and out of Brickell Key, passing by a gate house, so it feels safe and like a small village. It has its own market, including a flower shop, beauty salon and spa, as well as a few restaurants and small businesses. To learn more about this triangular haven, join Sep Niakan, veteran Miami real estate agent and Founding Broker of Blackbook Properties, for a walking tour of Brickell Key. ## Getting Around With Brickell Key so close to Brickell, both neighborhoods are great if you like to walk. If you work in Brickell and choose to live in Brickell Key, you’ll likely walk to work. But with a walkability sWcore of 91, Brickell is one of Miami’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Dense and busy, it offers a rich mix of restaurants, shops, yoga studios, cafés, galleries, and nightclubs, all within a few blocks of one another, if not on the same street. Brickell Key offers a more intimate experience. You can enjoy strolling to small neighborhood restaurants, shops, and local businesses, and if you want a wider range of options, simply take a short walk over the bridge into neighboring Brickell. When thinking about connectivity to other areas of Miami, Brickell is the winner. It has the free Miami Trolley, as well as many convenient Metromover and Metrorail stations that will help you get around within the immediate area and other parts of metropolitan Miami. ##### Miami Trolley - Brickell.com Brickell Key is exceptionally small, and rarely gets congested when entering the island, though you may encounter delays when exiting during rush hour. A short walk from Brickell and all of its amenities, the key also offers a shuttle bus that circulates between the island and the Brickell Metrorail/Metromover station, connecting you to all of Miami. For drivers, just know both that Brickell, while very close to I-95, gets fairly congested, especially during rush hour and when the Brickell Bridge over the Miami River opens, which is several times a day. ## Outdoor Living & Waterfronts What attracts so many people to Miami in general is the ability to live close to the water, and enjoy exceptional weather almost year round. Brickell is no exception, as it sits on Biscayne Bay, and Brickell Key is surrounded by water. There are many waterfronts to walk, sit and enjoy. And while it is an urban area, Brickell specifically has a few unique and beautiful parks to escape to or take your dog to play in. * Simpson Park is a quaint tropical enclave of hardwood hammocks nestled within the urban density, and a pleasant place to escape and go for a stroll. * Brickell Park, on Brickell Avenue, is a small park nestled between Icon Brickell and the historic First Miami Presbyterian Church, with a long section of it also fronting the bay along a bay walk that connects you to the Brickell Key bridge. It is also home to an interesting pre-Columbian archeological site, as well as a small historic mausoleum that belongs to the Brickell family, protected by Miami’s Historic Preservation Society. All in all, it’s a great spot to learn about local history while enjoying the waterfront. * Miami Circle Park, also known as the Miami Circle at Brickell Point, is another fascinating archaeological site on the waterfront just at the mouth of the Miami River. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2009, you can find a perfect circle of limestone that is believed to have been built by the Tequesta Indians between 1700 and 2000 years ago. ##### Allen Morris Brickell Park. Photo credit: Phillip Pessar Brickell Key also has a few small parks, including a kids’ playground popular amongst residents, and is most popular for its walking and jogging path that circulates around the whole island. ## Arts & Culture Brickell offers an exciting blend of arts and culture with art galleries, upscale dining and unlimited nightlife, if you choose Brickell Key, you’ll be venturing into Brickell. Both neighborhoods are also within minutes of the Arts & Entertainment District in Downtown Miami, as well as Museum Park, the Design District, and Wynwood to the north, and Coconut Grove to the south. The Grove has its annual arts festival and the historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. While nearby Museum Park houses both the Perez Art Museum and the Frost Museum of Science. ##### Wynwood District For more insight, watch our full video guide comparing the different areas in Brickell and what they have to offer. ## Signature Flavors Brickell is known for its vast assortment of eateries, including the many that are within and around Brickell City Centre. But that’s not all. There’s a profusion of restaurants, bistros, cafés, bars and nightclubs where you can snack, dine, or enjoy cocktails. Favorites include the recently Claudie or quiet gem LPM for modern french cuisine, the contemporary steakhouse Dirty French, spot-on Italian at Cipriani’s at Icon Brickell, and classic seafood with a twist at The River Oyster Bar. For brunch, don’t miss The Hampton Social. Brickell Key, on the other hand, is home to only a few select dining options, including the Islanders Marketplace for gourmet essentials, the intimate 5-seat counter omakase experience at Naoe, and Brasserie Brickell Key for classic Italian favorites. ## **Retail Radar** Brickell is one of Miami’s premier shopping districts, with Brickell City Centre being home to dozens of high-end European shopping brands and anchored by a Saks Fifth Avenue. Here you can find all of the top clothing, lifestyle and home names you could ever need—from Apple, Zara, Diptyque and Sur La Table to Kiton, Boss and Intermix. Brickell City Centre is a true shopper’s delight. ##### Brickell City Centre. Photo credit: Brickell City Centre Down the street, the open-air complex at Mary Brickell Village hosts an array of more independent shops, boutiques, restaurants and service-based options. Brickell Key is limited to neighborhood conveniences; however since Brickell City Centre is only a 10-minute walk from even the furthest point in the key, you won’t be left wanting. ## **Safety: Brickell vs Brickell Key** While both neighborhoods are considered quite safe, Brickell is much more urban than Brickell Key. Brickell is Miami’s most dense neighborhood, with many entry points, and many establishments that are open round-the-clock. It is also Miami’s most densely populated neighborhood and one of the densest urban areas in Florida. Naturally, Brickell Key feels innately safer because it is a small island with only one entranceway in and out with a motorized gate, and monitored by a video-equipped guard-gate. There are no boat docks on Brickell Key, so the prospect of entering by boat is also unlikely. Brickell Key is a quiet neighborhood with not much happening late at night. ## **Architecture & Design** Over a hundred years ago, Brickell was lined with opulent mansions and home to some of Miami’s wealthiest families, earning the nickname "Millionaire’s Row." More than a century later, its architecture now reflects Miami’s evolution into a global capital of design, luxury living, and vertical urbanism. Mid-century and pre-war structures are gradually giving way to larger, design-forward developments. Most of Brickell’s mansions have been replaced with bold silhouettes and shimmering glass towers, with design influences spanning from Japanese minimalism to Mediterranean modernism, though Brickell’s architectural language always circles back to its tropical, coastal DNA. In the neighborhood’s southern section, a more low-key, residential feel remains, with clusters of low- to mid-rise condo buildings and few streets still lined with early-1900s single-family homes and some newer modernist residences. In Brickell’s core, iconic luxury condo towers here include The Four Seasons Residences, built in 2013 with all the amenities of the 5-star hotel; Brickell Flatiron, designed to be a landmark just like its New York City namesake; SLS Lux Brickell, showcasing Miami’s first high-rise LED facade; and Echo Brickell, completed in 2017. Some of the most anticipated pre-construction buildings in Miami are also rising in Brickell, many of them luxury branded. Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana’s first-ever condo tower, 888 Brickell, will capture the exuberant and sophisticated design D&G is known for. You can see all the details here in our in-depth video interview and review of 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana. Managed by the famous French crystal maker and jeweler, Baccarat Residences will include three statement towers resembling undulating waves. Both Cipriani Residences Miami and The St. Regis Residences Brickell will usher a new age of hospitality into the area, with world-class, resort-style amenities and each brand’s famous signature services. Brickell will also be home to Miami’s first ultra-luxury, solar-powered condo tower, The Residences at 1428 Brickell, ##### The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Brickell Key. Brickell Key is a man-made island just off the Brickell mainland, and the exclusive, secure luxury it offers makes it a highly coveted address. And with one of Miami’s most luxurious new developments, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami, soon to rise on the island, its prestige and desirability continue to grow. If you are interested in buying into one of most exclusive and luxurious properties in all of Brickell, than watch our video on what you can expect at The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami. Notable addresses in Brickell Key include Asia, one of few Miami condos to offer both bay and river views, and Carbonell, towering over the northern tip of the island. ## Prices & Perspective ​Brickell has a wider range of price points and sizes, with an average listing price of $386 per square foot. Brickell Key, on the other hand, tends to be more expensive overall, with fewer buildings and limited inventory driving prices higher. The average listing price is $486 per square foot, as of the date of this blog post. Explore buildings for sale and rent in Brickell and Brickell Key to find the perfect property to fit your lifestyle and investment goals. ## **Which Neighborhood is Better for You? Brickell or Brickell Key** Ultimately, the choice comes down to lifestyle. If you thrive on urban energy and endless options at your doorstep, Brickell delivers. If you’re drawn to a quieter, more private setting with stunning views, Brickell Key offers a rare island escape just steps from it all. If you still feel unsure, reach out to us and our expert team of international real estate agents will help you find the perfect property. To learn more about how different neighborhoods in Miami compare to one another, check out our other neighborhood guides below: * Edgewater vs South Beach * South Beach vs Miami Beach * South vs Mid-Beach vs North Beach * Brickell vs South Beach * Brickell vs Edgewater

The Most Luxurious Condo Buildings in Brickell Key

Brickell Key has long been a coveted address. Offering a private island lifestyle right next to the heart of Miami’s financial district, it guarantees you exclusive and secure luxury. Surrounded by water on all sides, condos on this triangular isle are designed to take advantage of its strategic position and often offer better price points than mainland Brickell. In this blog, we’ve listed the best condos in Brickell Key to give you a sense of the architecture, the amenities, and the prices you’ll encounter if you choose to own one of these high-end residences in Miami’s dynamic Brickell neighborhood. And with one of the most exciting and luxurious new developments in all of Miami on the horizon—The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental plus a new flagship Mandarin Oriental Hotel—to complete this idyllic island, its prestige and desirability are only increasing. ## — Why Choose Brickell Key? Brickell Key is a man-made, semi-private island off the coast of Brickell (mainland Miami). It is roughly 44 acres and has mostly residential condo towers properties, a couple of office towers, and a few cafes and shops. It’s a very unique spot to enjoy a private island lifestyle while also being very close to Brickell’s financial and urban action just a 10-minute walk away. Surrounded by water, Brickell Key features a park and a jogging path outlining the island—that you can see for yourself with our exclusive walking tour of Brickell Key—so you can make the most of those breathtaking views and bay breeze. This gated community might be compact, but is still home to urban conveniences including highly-rated Miami restaurants and the iconic spa and restaurants at the soon-to-be-rebuilt Mandarin Oriental Miami. Additionally, even though you’re within walking distance to all of Brickell, the condo towers here have covered and secured parking included in your condo ownership. ## — The Best Condos in Brickell Key Here are the most expensive condo towers in Brickell Key, Miami, ranked by price per square foot of available listings, as of the date of this blog post: ### 5\. Courts Condo #### **Address:** **801 Brickell Key Boulevard** #### **Average List Price:** $759 per square foot #### Built in 2002, Courts Condo Brickell Key rises 33 stories along a glistening waterfront with 319 well-appointed residences. It was designed by J. Scott Architecture and it’s perfectly positioned on the island to offer the best skyline views of Brickell and Downtown Miami. These spacious residences, featuring one to three bedrooms, and also offer floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant windows, walk-in closets, marble flooring, and other luxurious touches. Living here, you enjoy access to a host of amenities including a bayfront swimming pool, fitness center, squash and racquetball courts, business center, children’s playroom, and more. Units here come with an assigned parking spot and some also over small storage spaces. ### 4\. Two Tequesta Point #### **Address: 808 Brickell Key Drive** #### **Average List Price:** $849 per square foot Two Tequesta Point stands 40 stories tall on the eastern side of Brickell Key. Designed by J. Scott Architecture to capture uninterrupted bay views, the high-rise is home to 269 luxury residences. Developed by Swire Properties and completed in 1999, this modern tower features Mediterranean touches for a timeless appeal with large floor plans; one bedrooms start at 907 square feet, with larger floor plans going up to more than 5,000 square feet. A favorite if you love racquet sports, each of the Brickell Key condos for sale at Two Tequesta Point feature high-end finishes with access to resort-style amenities such as a bayfront pool deck, private waterfront cabanas, a barbeque area, squash and tennis courts, a children’s playroom, valet services, and more. ### 3\. Three Tequesta Point #### **Address:** **848 Brickell Key Dr.** #### **Average List Price:** $894 per square foot Built in 2001, Three Tequesta Point was the last addition to the three-condo Tequesta complex. Perched on the northeastern tip of Brickell Key, the high-rise is privy to enviable views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, Downtown Miami, and Dodge and Fisher Islands, and the greater Atlantic Ocean beyond. Also developed by Swire Properties and designed by J. Scott Architecture, this bayfront luxury tower features 46 stories with 238 luxury condos and boasts some of the most amazing views on the island. Amenities at this high-rise include the private island feel exclusive to Brickell Key, a two-level fitness center, a bayside pool deck, a spa, a tennis court, a squash court, a social room, a BBQ area, and much more. Floor plans here range from 1,087 square-foot 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath units to a 5-bedroom residence offering more than 5,300 square feet. ### 2. Carbonell #### **Address:** **901 Brickell Key Blvd** #### **Average List Price:** $902 per square foot Built in 2005, Carbonell stands 40 stories tall on Brickell Key’s exclusive waterfront. Designed by J. Scott Architecture, this statement building is home to 284 modern condo residences. Owing to its stellar position—dominating the tip of Brickell Key—residents get to enjoy enviable and unobstructed bay, river, and city views. Paying homage to its namesake, Cuban Contemporary and Modern sculptor Manuel Carbonell, an original bronze Carbonell sculpture stands greeting residents at the entrance. And with only nine residences per floor, each Carbonell condo comes outfitted with the finest of materials. Some of the amenities you can enjoy here as a resident include a waterfront swimming pool, a bi-level fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts, a club room with a prep kitchen, and much more. ## And the Most Expensive and Best Condo in Brickell Key Goes to… ### 1\. Asia #### **Address:** **900 Brickell Key Blvd** #### **Average List Price:** $2,047 per square foot Located on the northern edge of the island, Asia is the building where you’ll find one of the best Brickell Key condos for sale as few Miami condominiums offer you as a resident such modern and expansive floor plans with both bay and river views. Finished in 2009, this 36-story tower was designed by J. Scott Architecture and developed by Swire Properties. Each of its 123 luxury residences is outfitted with plush touches such as extra-high ceilings, marble floors, granite countertops, best-in-class stainless steel appliances, and portable touchscreen consoles. In keeping with its island sensibilities, amenities at this waterfront building include a grand pool deck, tennis courts, fitness center, full-service concierge, and more. ## — Best Luxury Brickell Key Pre-Construction Condo ### The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami **1 Island Drive** #### **Expected Completion:** 2030 **Stories:** 76 **Architect:** Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates **Developer:** Swire Properties With its prime southern, corner location within Brickell Key, two floors of resort amenities, and exclusive access to the Mandarin Oriental flagship hotel’s storied hospitality, this collection of 228 waterfront homes is poised to become the best Brickell Key buildings, if not the best in all of Brickell. The two-building complex will be designed by New York’s renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, with interiors in the residential tower curated by A-List Parisian designer Tristan Auer. The prestigious 800-foot Mandarin Oriental Residences tower will feature no more than five residences per floor, and almost all are corner units, affording water views from most angles. The smallest residences will start at a generous 2,300 square feet with two bedrooms and will go up to 5,840 square feet with five bedrooms. Inside, they’ll feature Molteni kitchens, 11-foot-high ceilings, plus 8 to 12-foot-deep private balconies with a wet bar, creating entertaining options few other Miami condos can provide. Thai landscape architecture firm Shma is meticulously creating an urban oasis for the 5-acre complex, creating lush tropical getaways right in your backyard. Ultra luxurious amenities include eight different pools, a Hammock Forest, multi-use sports courts, Mandarin Oriental’s famous spa, a signature restaurant with outdoor dining, and pet care and grooming services. You also get to enjoy resident-only access to the amenities and services available at the new Mandarin Oriental’s flagship hotel next door. Prices for this incredible project—the last one to be built on the island—start at $3.5 million. To learn more about this unparalleled project, watch our exclusive video on The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, where Blackbook Properties lead broker Sep Niakan chats with Adrian Gonzalez about what makes this development one of the most anticipated in all of Miami. ## — Quick Facts About Brickell Key ### How Safe is Brickell Key? Brickell Key is an inherently safe neighborhood because it is a gated island with only one entrance, where everyone coming in or out passes through a gate house. There is a strong community feel here, and it has security guards surveilling the island constantly. It does not have any boat docks either, eliminating the possibility of anyone entering by boat. All of these factors make this tiny residential neighborhood a very safe haven for families and individuals. ### Best Restaurants in Brickell Key This petite island offers maximum privacy, and yet is home to some of the finest places to eat. Here are some of our favorites: * NAOE is one of the top places for sushi and omakase not just in the neighborhood, but all of Miami * Similarly, newcomer Ikigai highlights the depth and richness of traditional Japanese flavors * Brasserie Brickell Key is where folks choose to go for scrumptious Italian dinners paired with a great selection of wines * Amand Café & Bistro serves health-conscious dishes with a Mexican flair, from cold-pressed juices to chilaquiles * Islander Marketplace is the go-to place for convenience. It has a great selection of prepared foods, a salad bar, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks For a wider selection of eats, you’ll need to head off the island just a mere 200 yards away into the business district of Brickell or take a short drive south to Coconut Grove or north across the bridge into Downtown. ### Shopping in Brickell Key Shopping options are sparse on this exclusive island, except for the Islander Marketplace, a convenience store, a grocery store, a clothing store, a salon, and a florist. The marketplace is where you will find your basic groceries to gourmet picks for a wide selection of warm and cold prepared foods. For everything else, it’s best to head next door into Brickell. The plethora of shops at Brickell City Centre, for luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment options, is just three block away. The Shops at Mary Brickell Village for casual buys is about 4-5 blocks away, and routine finds at two Publix and Starbucks are also nearby, while Whole Foods is just over the Miami River Bridge in Downtown Miami. ### The Best-Located Condo in Brickell Key We find Three Tequesta Point to be the best-located condo building on this exclusive island, as it combines utmost privacy with views you’ll hardly find anywhere else. Sitting on the northeast corner of the island, the best units of this building capture the broadest views of Downtown, Dodge Island (Port of Miami), Fisher Island, Key Biscayne, and all the action on the water—a real treat for pensive evenings. If you’re looking for the best condos in Brickell Key for sale, browse through our selection for details on average prices, amenities, and availability. Reach out to us by email, text, or phone and we will be happy to help you. **ARE WE FRIENDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA?** 📣 Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 📣

Get to Know Brickell, Miami: Comparing North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key

Brickell is one of Miami’s most desirable and popular neighborhoods, known the world over. Starting at the junction of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, extending from Downtown Miami south along the water to the Rickenbacker Causeway that leads to Key Biscayne, Brickell is now known as the “Manhattan of the South.” Indeed, Brickell is one of the world’s most important international financial hubs, home to many transnational companies and professionals from around the world. But Brickell is more than just Miami’s Financial District and the largest global banking center in the US south of New York. It’s an ultimate live, work, and play destination, and many celebrities have made their home in Brickell, including such Latin pop icons as Luis Miguel, Jennifer Lopez, and the late José José, as well as salsa legend Marc Anthony. To really get to know Brickell, and also know where you might want to live, Brickell actually consists of subdivisions that exist as distinctly different neighborhoods within the area. While maybe not official, for locals, Brickell is divided into three sections: North Brickell, South (or Old Brickell), and Brickell Key. Let’s take a look and compare these three neighborhoods of Brickell. --- ## North Brickell: The Financial District --- ###### Baccarat Residences Brickell on the Miami River - Artist Rendering The area around Brickell Avenue North of SW 15th Road is technically known as North Brickell or the Financial District, and is characterized by older and newer skyscrapers, including mixed-use condo/hotel developments that are also home to offices and businesses. This area is immediately adjacent to Downtown Miami if you go over the Miami River. But when people refer to ‘Brickell’ as a neighborhood, it’s typically this northern area that they’re referring to. The Financial District is known for large-scale commercial office development, with major international banks establishing headquarters there. Many residential towers in the Financial District are on the waterfront, with direct access to Biscayne Bay, and there are several, new luxury condos that have been built and are planned, the branded Baccarat Residences Brickell on the Miami River. But, due to limited availability along the waterfront, newer constructions are being built further inland. Brickell’s urban core, just south of the Miami River, has expanded from Brickell Avenue west to the Metrorail line, as a result of a construction boom in recent years. --- ## South Brickell: The Area Known as Old Brickell --- ###### St. Regis Brickell - Artist Rendering The area south of SW 15th Road (Broadway) is known as Old Brickell or most commonly as South Brickell, and is far more residential than the Financial District. The oldest area of Brickell to be developed, and previously home to Brickell Mansions from the turn of the century, this area is known for its tree-lined streets where families walk and fitness seekers get in a run or walk. It’s adjacent to Little Havana, Coral Way and The Roads neighborhoods, and will take you straight to the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne or south into Coconut Grove. South Brickell consists primarily of older low-and-mid-rise buildings, with a sprinkling of newly planned condo developments including St. Regis Brickell and Una Residences, both luxury waterfront buildings. South Brickell also has a few streets of single-family homes, including some opulent mansions that date back to the days of Mary Brickell. --- ## Brickell Key/Claughton Island: A Private Gated Community --- ###### Brickell Key Located just south of Downtown Miami and the Miami River, Brickell Key is an affluent, private, gated community situated off of 8th Street in the middle of the Financial District. A man-made island of 44-acres created in the late 1800s, Brickell Key was developed in the 1970s with several luxurious waterfront condos, townhouses, an office building, and the Mandarin Oriential Hotel. Brickell Key is very popular as it provides island-living in the middle of an urban core. --- ## Lifestyle: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- While the Financial District in Brickell has earned the nickname “Brookell” and was, until recently, referred to the “Brooklyn of the South,” Brickell is currently denser than Brooklyn as far as population per square mile. A fabulous neighborhood for sworn urbanites, and those who want to seamlessly transition between work and play, North Brickell is also known for its endless abundance of excellent restaurants and great night life, as well as diverse shopping and dining opportunities at Mary Brickell Village and Brickell City Centre. South Brickell is far more residential and a favorite neighborhood among young families with growing kids and those who want to enjoy a more suburban vibe. Here, apartments are slightly larger and the lifestyle caters more to families. It’s quieter and more established than the dense streets of the Financial District. Brickell Key represents an elite level of privacy, tranquility, comfort, and convenience, with its waterfront access, gorgeous Bay views, and serene walking path. Brickell Key is a private island paradise within minutes of Downtown Miami and the Financial District, ideal for those who want to get away from it all at the end of the day but still be close to everything. --- ## Business: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- The Financial District is the core of Miami's banking, investment, and financial sectors. This area, along with Downtown Miami, is also home to most of the state's foreign consulates. In fact, in the Brickell/Downtown area you’ll find the consulates of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, as well as several others. The Financial District is also a vibrant commercial center with several international and regional headquarters and fast-growing startups. This business clientele demands a wide variety of retail. As such, open-air restaurants, great shopping, an assortment of small businesses such as health and fitness centers, boutiques, beauty salons, med-spas and cosmetic surgery center. VIP nightclubs abound here. South Brickell has far less corporate and commercial activity, although the area is home to smaller professional offices including physicians and other health professionals such as acupuncturists, as well as attorneys, accountants and other private offices. Brickell Key is an even smaller community, with amenities such as a market, restaurant, beauty salon, florist, and dry cleaners, as well as the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which is home to several exclusive restaurants as well as an elegant spa and fully-equipped fitness center. --- ## Architecture and Housing Options: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- No matter which area of Brickell you are in, you will find there are plenty of luxurious condo buildings with beautiful units, diverse amenities, and varied architectural styles. Brickell lies south of the Miami River, extending to the Rickenbacker Causeway. North Brickell or the Financial District, is the most dense and offers the widest variety of housing options, including many mixed-use buildings where commercial and residential properties coincide. There have been many new luxury condo buildings built in this area in the last ten years, including waterfront and branded options, such as the highly popular Icon Brickell buildings, Brickell City Centre’s Reach and Rise Residences, 1100 Millecento, the Brickell Flatiron Building (completed in 2020), SLS Lux Brickell, and Jade Brickell. ###### Rise at Brickell City Centre In contrast, the area south of 15th Road or Broadway, known as South Brickell or Old Brickell, is far more residential. This area consists mostly of low-to mid-rise apartment and condo buildings to the west of Brickell Avenue, where many mid-century and prewar buildings are currently being replaced by larger, newer buildings. On the east side of Brickell Avenue, high-rise condo towers line the waterfront, and the area is known as the "Millionaires' Row" section of Brickell Avenue. It’s also an iconic section of Brickell, where some famous buildings like the Atlantis Condominium designed by Arquitectonica and seen in Miami Vice is located. South Brickell also contains single-family homes dating back to the early-1900s along South Miami Avenue. ###### Santa Maria Condo Brickell Key, also known as Claughton Island, is a man-made island just off the mainland neighborhood of Brickell. Brickell Key consists of high-end condo towers, all of which feature a slew of upscale, private amenities. These amenities include such things as infinity pools, fitness centers, spas, party rooms and such luxuries as racquetball, squash and/or tennis courts, as well as concierge service and valet parking. ###### Brickell Key I If you want to see available condos for sale and for rent in Brickell, search here. --- ## Cost of Living: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- Brickell has a vast range of housing options accommodating residents at different income levels. The area features housing options that range from rental apartments to exclusive waterfront penthouses, as well as affordable condo units suitable for families. The average listing price for a condo residence in Brickell is around $399 per square foot, or about $530,966\. In more luxurious buildings, however, listings may run as high as $29,110,500 or in the neighborhood of about $2,039 per square foot. --- ## Walkability and Transportation: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- Brickell is one of the areas in Miami where you can easily live a car-free lifestyle thanks to its density and an extensive public transit network, particularly if you are within or close to the Financial District. Brickellites take advantage of the close proximity of things to get around by foot, bike, scooters, or the free trolley system that connects to trolleys serving Downtown, Midtown, and Coral Gables. The free Metromover is another popular form of transportation in the area, with stations located approximately every two blocks throughout the Financial District, and service to Brickell Key through the free trolley service. The Metromover operates 3 lines serving the greater Downtown area: the Downtown Loop, the Omni Loop, and the Brickell Loop. The Metromover also serves Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Downtown Miami, where you can connect to the Brightline system at Miami City Center, and take advantage of trains serving areas outside of the city. There’s also a shuttle bus service that circulates between the Brickell Metrorail/Metromover station, South Brickell, and Brickell Key, with several stops along Coral Way, SW 2nd Avenue, SW 8th and 10th streets, Brickell Avenue, and Brickell Bay Drive. Looking to live car-free? Don't miss our article on other Miami neighborhoods where you can live without a car. --- ## Parks and Greenspace: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- Despite its reputation as an urban oasis, Brickell has its share of awesome greenspaces: shady, breezy outdoor spots where you can catch a quick lunch while watching the sea, or simply sit back and chill, forgetting your worries. Some of the best parks in the Financial District include Brickell Park, Miami Circle Park, and the lush and shady Simpson Park. In the area of South Brickell you can catch the outdoor vibe at Southside Park, Alice C. Wainwright Park, or Allen Morris Brickell Park. These are great locations for children and families, as well as pets and their human companions. In Brickell Key, Brickell Key Park, set on the southernmost tip of the island, offers quiet waterfront views beneath cool breezes and swaying palms, and the walking path on the perimeter of Brickell Key is a favorite for everyone who lives in Brickell. --- ## Arts and Culture: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- While Brickell has maintained a reputation as a hub for nightlife and entertainment venues, in recent years, the local art scene has been steadily growing. With elite, world-renowned galleries such as Avant and Eternity opening flagship venues at Brickell City Centre, and David Rosen Galleries opening its offshoot The Hippie Royals Gallery in Mary Brickell Village, the Miami art scene has spread to the Financial District. While South Brickell is generally more residential, its spacious living spaces have drawn a small community of artists to reside there. And in Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental serves as a venue for exhibitions and events during Miami Art Week. There are also many rooftop bars and lounges that can offer unparalleled views and opportunities to destress from a long week. Brickell is also very centrally located, and its motley of convenient transportation options provide quick and easy access to the Downtown Arts District, Wynwood, and the Design District, as well as Coral Gables and Miami Beach, so access to arts and culture is guaranteed, no matter where you choose to live in Brickell. --- ## Eating & Shopping: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- ###### Obba Sushi - Brickell Brickell is perhaps Miami’s most diverse neighborhood as far as dining and shopping options, beginning with the famed Mary Brickell Village, a comfy open-air shopping and dining complex, and the vast and luxurious Brickell City Centre, where you can choose from a wide assortment of European and American fashion brands, a Saks Fifth Avenue, plenty of eateries and gourmet food shops with exquisite offerings from cultures all around the world. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, shops, and specialty retail along Brickell Avenue in the Financial District. Some of the most popular restaurants in Brickell include The Capital Grille, an upscale steakhouse that makes an ideal setting for a corporate lunch; The Call, showcasing an eclectic menu of Peruvian-inspired fusion with influences from the Mediterranean and Australia; and the affordably delicious Crazy About You, where Mediterranean fare is served in a lowkey bistro setting. At the Four Seasons Hotel, The Edge Steak & Bar is a favorite Sunday brunch and happy hour spot with specialties such as wagyu Australian churrasco, grass-fed filet mignon, and kangaroo empanadas. Or sit by the pool and sip tropical cocktails while trying Latin-inspired coastal fare at Bahia. South African cuisine is on the menu at The Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill, featuring hearty risottos, and platters sure to delight carnivores. Other favorites include Brickell Bakery & Bistro; Marion café, market and bakery; Tamarina Restaurant & Bar; Moxie’s; North Italia; Baires Grill; and KOMODO, all located within the Financial District area of North Brickell. In residential South Brickell, Obba Sushi hits the spot, while in Brickell Key, La Mar by Gaston Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel delights with sophisticated Peruvian fusion cuisine served in a quiet waterfront setting. --- ## Schools: North Brickell vs South Brickell vs Brickell Key --- ###### MAST Academy The entire area of Brickell is served by excellent public schools, such as Coral Way K – 8 Center, Southside Elementary School, George Washington Carver Middle School, Ponce de Leon Middle School, Miami Senior High School, and the Robert Morgan Vocational Tech Institute. In nearby Key Biscayne, Brickell area students may compete for admission to the highly competitive STEM Magnet school, MAST Academy. Private schools serving students in Brickell include Open Hearts Language Academy (OHLA), Key Point Academy, Brickell International Academy, First Presbyterian International Christian School, Gordon Day Jewish School, and Prima Casa Montessori. Students may also attend private schools in nearby Coconut Grove, such as the highly renowned Ransom Everglades, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, and Immaculata-Lasalle High School. Miami-Dade Wolfson campus is also close by in Downtown Miami, only a short Metrorail ride away. --- ## Which Neighborhood is Better? --- Choosing between these three neighborhoods should be a fairly straightforward decision, especially after reading this blog. If you want to be in the center of the action, surrounded by a buzzing business community, festive nightlife, and an endless assortment of eating and shopping options, clearly living in the Financial District will be the most satisfying decision for you. If you’re more interested in living in a quieter, residential community, with a lower general skyline and more of a family vibe, South Brickell may be ideal for you. If a luxurious waterfront condo on a private, gated island sounds more like your cup of tea, head directly for Brickell Key, where your dream home awaits you. To learn more about how different neighborhoods in Miami compare to one another, check out our other neighborhood guides below: * Edgewater vs South Beach * South Beach vs Miami Beach * Edgewater vs Downtown Miami * The Miami Beaches: South vs Mid-Beach vs North Beach * Brickell vs South Beach * Brickell vs Brickell Key * Brickell and Edgewater neighborhood comparison **LET'S GET SOCIAL!** Connect with us on Instagram and YouTube.