Moving to Coral Gables, FL: The Ultimate 2025 Relocation Guide -

Nestled just southwest of downtown Miami, Coral Gables stands apart as one of Florida’s most distinguished planned communities.

Founded in the 1920s by visionary developer George Merrick, this city of roughly 50,000 residents has maintained its charm and elegance for nearly a century.

So much so that each year, people flock to Coral Gables for all its most compelling attractions including exceptional schools, a thriving business district, a sense of security and cultural richness. The city offers a unique proposition: live in a beautiful, historic community while remaining just minutes from Miami’s international amenities.

Whether you’re relocating for a job at the University of Miami, seeking top-rated schools for your children, or simply want a more refined Florida lifestyle, Coral Gables deserves serious consideration. In this article, we’ll walk you through all those considerations.

Cost of Living in Coral Gables

Breaking down the numbers:

Housing dominates the cost equation, with median home prices hovering around $850,000 – $1.3 million
Monthly utilities for a standard apartment run about $170 – $220
Groceries track roughly 10% higher than the national average
Transportation costs can actually be lower than expected if you live near the trolley lines or Metrorail station

Young professionals often start in the rental market, where one-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,700 – $2,500 monthly. Note that these are rough estimates and prices tend to vary, depending on several factors.

Real Estate & Housing Market

The housing stock here is diverse yet distinctive. You’ll find:

Classic Mediterranean Revival homes
Mid-century treasures hidden on serene streets
Luxury high-rise condominiums near the business district
Waterfront estates along the canals and Biscayne Bay
Charming cottages in historic districts

Preparation and patience are key for buyers. Properties move quickly, especially in the $700,000 – $1.2 million range. Working with a realtor who specializes in the area is essential. For renters, the vacancy rate typically hovers below 5%. Nothing stays on the market for long.

Best Neighborhoods in Coral Gables

Here’s a breakdown of areas that might suit your lifestyle:

Cocoplum demonstrates luxury gated living. It has great waterfront properties, security, and a sense of exclusivity despite being minutes from downtown.

Coral Gables Riviera borders the Coral Gables Waterway and offers a mix of waterfront and interior lots. It’s particularly popular with families who appreciate the central location and proximity to Granada Golf Course.

Granada represents the heart of Merrick’s original vision for Coral Gables. This historic district features charming Spanish-style homes, excellent walkability, and a neighborly atmosphere. You’ll find young professionals, growing families, and longtime residents sharing sidewalks and community events.

Education & Schools

In Coral Gables, public education shines at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy, where elementary and middle schoolers tackle a challenging curriculum. The school regularly secures “A” grades from Florida’s Department of Education. Meanwhile, Coral Gables Senior High School equips students for elite colleges through its International Baccalaureate program and a robust lineup of Advanced Placement courses.

The city also boasts a wealth of private schools, including:

Gulliver Preparatory School, celebrated for its college-prep focus and standout sports programs
St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, delivering faith-based learning for preschool through fifth grade
Riviera Day School, prioritizing small classes and tailored instruction
St. Theresa Catholic School, blending academic excellence with Catholic principles

Higher education is a cornerstone of Coral Gables’ identity, with the University of Miami’s sprawling 239-acre main campus anchoring the city. Families should note that public school zoning can change, and top-tier public schools often have waitlists for students outside their designated zones.

Employment & Job Market

Major employers include:

Bacardi, which maintains its Americas headquarters here
Del Monte Fresh Produce’s global headquarters
Numerous financial services firms and private banks
Healthcare organizations affiliated with the University of Miami Health System
Professional services firms including law practices and accounting firms

Transportation & Accessibility

Coral Gables’ free trolley service is a cherished local gem, whisking residents from neighborhoods to downtown, Miracle Mile, and the Douglas Road Metrorail station. These retro-styled, rubber-tired trolleys blend nostalgic charm with modern comforts like air conditioning, earning praise for their punctuality and cozy vibe.

The Metrorail, Miami-Dade’s elevated train network, serves Coral Gables via two stops: University Station, close to the University of Miami, and Douglas Road Station at the city’s northern tip. It’s a lifeline for commuters heading to Miami International Airport, downtown Miami, or southern suburbs, sparing them traffic snarls and parking woes.

Driving dominates, with most households owning at least one car. The city’s grid-like streets simplify navigation, but rush-hour congestion can fray nerves. Key roads like US-1, Bird Road, and the Palmetto Expressway link Coral Gables to the broader Miami region.

Walkability depends on where you are. Miracle Mile and UM’s surroundings boast tree-lined sidewalks and easy access to shops, making strolling a breeze. Farther-flung areas, however, often demand a car for basic errands.

Biking has gained traction, with new dedicated lanes and the picturesque Old Cutler Trail catering to cyclists. While the city keeps expanding bike-friendly options, riders must stay vigilant amid Miami’s famously erratic drivers.

Weather & Climate

The climate follows a clear pattern: warm, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms (May through October) and mild, drier winters (November through April). Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while winter brings comfortable 60-80°F days that northern transplants find delightful.

Hurricane season is June – November. Peaks in August and September. Direct hits are pretty rare but the city doesn’t joke with threats. It has great plans for managing emergencies. Also, new homes have impact windows and reinforced construction. Older properties, though, need hurricane shutter during threats.

The best months (November, December, March, and April) give the best conditions for outdoorsy folks.

Dining, Shopping & Culture

Miracle Mile, the city’s iconic shopping district, stretches through downtown with an array of boutiques, bridal shops, galleries, and restaurants.

The Shops at Merrick Park provide a luxury open-air mall experience with high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom alongside curated boutiques. The complex’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush landscaping make shopping here feel like an upscale resort experience rather than a typical mall visit.

Coral Gables’ dining scene reflects its international flavor, including:

Hillstone, where the view is as amazing as the American classics
Bulla Gastrobar, an exciting gathering place where you’ll find incredible Spanish-style tapas
Caffe Abbracci, the insider’s spot for Italian dishes that’s been frequented by the power-broker types for decades
Eating House, a place for creative, award-winning contemporary dinner dishes with a local angle
The Local, where farm-to-table cuisine means a menu that changes daily

When you’re not eating or shopping, the cultural venues and activities are worth checking out.

Historic Coral Gables Art Cinema shows independent and international films. The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents productions year-round and is the regional home of the National Children’s Theatre. Coral Gables Museum exhibits offer something for everyone, ranging from the classical to the contemporary, and student exhibitions from local colleges make their home here, too. And the Lowe Art Museum at UM is a treasure trove of art from 5,000 years of human creativity. It offers a diverse array of exhibitions and lectures in architecture, art, design, and historical politics.

Outdoor Activities & Green Spaces

As the growing, green things are part of the city’s life, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden fills the role perfectly. Its tens of acres of rare tropical plants, palms, cycads, flowering trees and more are centerpieces of its diverse and varying gardens. And the garden is not just great horticulturally. It’s peachy event-wise, too, as it sponsors lots of happenings, including the famous annual International Mango Festival and brisk, evening-style Night Garden illuminations.

And then, there are the golf courses. In a region of golfers, Coral Gables offers those who play its fair share of options, too, including:

The Biltmore Golf Course, an exceptional 18-hole, par-71, championship course located in the center of Coral Gables. It’s a beautiful facility with a spectacular view of the hotel, covering 7,100 yards and with a rating of 74.3.
Granada Golf Course, an easy-to-walk, 9-hole, par 36 course located quite conveniently right in the heart of the city. Members of The Granada golf course enjoy access to the historic, equally popular Biltmore course. It is, simply put, an oasis in the middle of the city, with towering trees and water features rounding out the renovation “10.” There’s a golf course, a playground, picnic facilities and an open field for general play.

Safety & Crime

Coral Gables stands out as one of Florida’s safest cities, boasting crime rates well below those of neighboring Miami-Dade County.

The Coral Gables Police Department maintains a visible presence, with officers regularly patrolling both residential neighborhoods and bustling commercial zones. 911 Response time is less than 5 minutes – very fast for a city of Coral Gables’ size.

The types of crime that occur are neighborhood-specific. For instance, property crimes like shoplifting or car break-ins will occur more frequently in the downtown and University district, while you’ll see little to no crime in the neighborhood surrounding it. Violent crime is incredibly rare.

Neighborhoods like Cocoplum or Old Cutler Bay (which are gated neighborhoods) are some of the safest, due to the multiple security measures that keep law enforcement officers in their area, in addition to the efforts by the local PD. However, there’s no non-gated neighborhood that isn’t very safe. Why? The local PD is typically very proactive and the residents are as well. There are a good number of neighborhood watches in place that keep their neighborhood safe.

If you have a family, then this is a HUGE reason you’d want to move to Coral Gables.

Healthcare Access

There is a wealth of healthcare options provided by the University of Miami Health System in Coral Gables and surrounding areas, including specialty locations for ophthalmology, sports medicine, and cancer treatment. The UHealth Tower is just minutes away for residents who need more advanced hospital services, such as around-the-clock emergency care, specialized surgery, and inpatient care.

Another major provider, Baptist Health South Florida, operates several hospitals near Coral Gables. Baptist’s Doctors Hospital is located in the city itself and offers a wide variety of services in addition to acclaimed cardiovascular care.

And if you’re looking for specialized care in Coral Gables, you don’t need to go far — some of the best doctors and researchers in the world are at your fingertips, thanks to the medical district in nearby Miami. Hospitals like Jackson Memorial and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are less than 15 minutes away. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, another world-class provider, is in Miami as well.

And with so many healthcare workers in town — from dermatologists to neurologists and therapists — there’s no shortage of experienced professionals for you to choose from.

Coral Gables History & Architecture

City Planning

George Merrick’s 1920s dream of a “City Beautiful” transformed Coral Gables into a one-of-a-kind South Florida jewel, and its harmonious design has lasted nearly 100 years.

The visionary urban planner devised grand boulevards, traffic circles, plazas, and well-situated parks. Much of the original infrastructure is still in place today.

Historic Districts

The city’s Historic Resources Department sets strict guidelines for alterations of registered properties, preserving original features while allowing for contemporary updates. With 1,200+ registered sites, heritage preservation is balanced with realistic regulations allowing for responsible growth.

Distinct historic neighborhoods within the city include:

The Biltmore Section, where luxury homes wrap around the fabled Biltmore Hotel
The French Normandy Village, a cozy enclave featuring cottages reminiscent of the French countryside
The Chinese Village, which integrates bold Asian elements into its design
The Dutch South African Village boasts signature gabled rooftops and fine finishes

History enthusiasts may also visit the Coral Gables Merrick House, the founder’s lovingly preserved childhood home, offering guided tours and an in-depth look at the history and evolution of this remarkable city.

Diversity & Demographics

Data shows that the city’s population of about 50,000 represents a cross-section of Hispanics, White, African Americans, Asian Americans, and more. This mix is reflected in language, cultural programs, business practices and of course food.

The median age is close to 40 vs the 38 county-wide. There are many school age families, young professionals, retirees and everyone in between.Charting these life stages by zip code, shows a balanced community that offers living arrangements that align with all interests, needs and stages.

Religious diversity is also evident in the city, with temples, Methodist churches, Episcopal parishes, and others having active congregations. The Church of the Little Flower (Catholic) is considered a historic monument.

Finally, LGBTQ+ residents find Coral Gables generally welcoming, with several community organizations and inclusive policies.

Local Services & Utility Information

For help for new residents, visit the official page for the new residents, the Coral Gables website and its new mobile app, which has also won an award, where you can learn more about the local utility companies, setting up utilities, trash, collection schedules, permits and much much more.

Residents must also be sure to register their vehicles and get their FL drivers license at the Coral Gables DMV location on Le Jeune Road (by appointment to reduce wait time) within a month of the move, in order to be a part of the city and its responsibilities.

New residents may also obtain further help for Coral Gables new residents from the Coral Gables Community Foundation that includes a “New Neighbors” program that promises to make a welcome gift and discuss city services, volunteer opportunities, civic clubs, local groups, and much more. Local families can also register for the Parks and Recreation Department’s youth sports leagues, summer camps (registration should be done early as these programs fill up quickly with long waitlists), and after-school program activities.

Pros and Cons of Living in Coral Gables

Advantages

Incredible beauty and architectural harmony that provides for true sense of place
Top-rated public and private schools. Perfect for families with kids
One of the best safety stats in Florida – Very important for major Cities
Walkability and public transport reduces dependence on car
Cultural opportunities of a city 5 times the size
Long history of much better property values vs surrounding locations
Above-average city services and amazing infrastructure, with aesthetic zoning and codes
Extremely diverse, worldly, educated and international population
Convenient location close to MIA attractions

Disadvantages:

Housing is not the cheapest.
You have to be aware and prepared for hurricanes
People have complained that living under the housing codes and laws itself is not fun

Relocation Checklist and Useful Tips

Moving to Coral Gables requires planning and local awareness. Use the following list as a guide to ensure a smooth transition:

3 Months: Explore neighborhoods and verify school districts with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Talk to experienced Coral Gables real estate agents and request quotes from Florida-based moving companies.

2 Months: Plan for temporary housing (i.e. Residence Inn Coral Gables or furnished short-term rentals) if necessary. Start downsizing with local storage like SecureSpace self-storage in Coral Gables.

1 Month: Confirm moving details with flexibility for date variables. Pack valuables around the house and keep essentials in a designated box. Be prepared for hurricane season.

First Week: Get a Florida driver’s license (10 days to register) and vehicle registration (30 days to register). Register to vote online or at the Coral Gables Library.

First Month: Look for parks, libraries, and the War Memorial Youth Center. Join a local community group, including NextDoor, and apply for the Homestead Exemption by March 1 (ownership required). Start finding your community with the Coral Gables Museum or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Coral Gables vs. Miami

Lifestyle Fit: Miami is a place that has a great nightlife and is very multi-cultural. It is a very preferable place for singles. Coral Gables, on the other hand, is more evenly paced, making it ideal for families.

Safety & Security: Coral Gables is markedly safer than Miami, so you can walk in the streets even at night without much fear of danger.

Cultural Vibe: Miami has a rich culture, and it constantly feels like a vacation. Coral Gables has an equally diverse community, but Miami edges it out due to the sheer size of its population.

Remote Worker Considerations

For remote workers, typical residential connections provide 300-1000 Mbps download speeds with strong reliability in most conditions.

If you require a place to work that isn’t your home, you have a few different options. The co-working space Pipeline Coral Gables or Regus at 2525 Ponce de Leon are just a couple of examples.

For coffee shops you can work out of, there are some suitable spots that cater to the remote workforce. Café Demetrio has great coffee, and Passion del Cielo is a lively spot usually filled with college students.

If you simply prefer to WFH, then you can do so from many nice areas, such as South Gables, North Gables or Granada.

Conclusion — Should You Move to Coral Gables?

Coral Gables offers an incredible quality of life for those who appreciate beauty, safety, education, and community values. For the asking price, you get what you pay for; immaculate streets, city services, schools, and a sophisticated tropical way of life that isn’t found anywhere else in South Florida.

The best way to see if Coral Gables is the right place for you is to spend some time there before you make the leap. If you do move there, you will be joining a community that has valued beauty, stability, and elegance for almost 100 years.

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