Just steps away from Miami’s Midtown neighborhood is its ultra-wealthy cousin, the Design District: a retail and cultural oasis spanning seven blocks, packed with high-end designer boutiques, art galleries, chic restaurants and home décor showrooms.
With only a few mid-rise condos located in the immediate area – namely, Baltus House and Quadro – the Design District doesn’t boast the same array of living options as its neighbors. However, it is considered to be at the “crossroads” of several more traditionally residential areas such as Buena Vista to the north, the wealthy Upper East Side to the east and, to a lesser extent, Wynwood to the south, so nearby options are certainly in play for prospective residents.
Within the area itself is a bustling food and fashion-centric scene oozing in Miami luxury. True to its name, the Design District is rife with shops from fashion’s biggest brands like Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and all the other usual suspects. You’ll also find some of the most renowned dining destinations in all of Miami, including celebrity socialites Dave Grutman and Pharrell Williams’ Swan, the charming Mandolin Aegean Bistro, and the Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, COTE. But for all of Design District’s luxury flagships, there are still plenty of casual dining options, namely MIA Market: a chef-driven food hall featuring a variety of local food and beverage talent.
In terms of transport, the area is served by the Miami Metrobus, the City of Miami Trolley Biscayne-Brickell route and by the Miami Metrorail in adjoining Allapattah less than a mile west. And while the Design District itself is fully walkable, residents will still need to make a decent walk to neighboring Midtown, or get in the car for more everyday experiences and expenses. And on the subject of driving, the Design District’s proximity to Biscayne Boulevard – the major street of mainland Miami – as well as I95 makes it an ideal area to experience the city’s surrounding areas. Miami Beach is a 5-minute drive over the Julia Tuttle Causeway, while more southern destinations such as Greater Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables are all within 10-15 minutes away.
Ultimately, the Design District hangs its hat on the appeal of its pricey retail tenants, with a limited amount of living options and much of the “everyday businesses” one might need (grocery store, post office, etc.) located in surrounding areas. Nevertheless, it’s an ideal spot for those fully engrossed, or even professionally involved in the ever-emerging artistic and cultural scene it’s come to be known for.
Ultramodern venue housing a variety of sculptures, paintings, and multimedia installations.
Charming Greek and Turkish restaurant located inside a 1930s-era home with airy patio seating.
World-ranked public magnet school specializing in architecture/interior design, visual communications, and entertainment technology.
Gourmet food hall featuring a variety of local food and beverage vendors.