A top-tier financial district and equally enviable residential address, Brickell is Miami’s most urban neighborhood, set on Biscayne Bay, and known as THE place to live, work and play in Miami. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about it, from the Brickell condos for sale and rent to its history, cool places, how to get around, and much more useful information that will help you decide to make the move to Brickell.
A Brief History of Brickell
William Brickell and Julia Tuttle co-founded the Brickell Financial District in the mid-1800s, and would later donate land to the Florida East Coast Railway to put the nascent city on the map. After William Brickell’s death, his widow Mary became one of the most prominent real estate developers and managers for the Brickell area, encouraging affluent settlers to move there in the early 20th century.
Fast forward to the 1970s, and Brickell started booming, with more office towers, condo towers, and hotels dotting the landscape, and positioning the city as a powerful one. Since then, the growth spurt that has taken over this financial district shows no signs of stopping, with a recent development cycle bringing some of the most opulent and exclusive names in hospitality and fashion to the neighborhood.
While luxurious condo towers have replaced most of the waterfront mansions built during the days of William and Mary Brickell, the area retains the spirit of pioneering wealth and business in a beautiful waterfront location.
Living in Brickell
Let’s start with a fun fact: did you know Brickell is the largest international banking hub in the United States and the second-largest financial services center south of New York City? And even though it’s nicknamed the “Manhattan of the South,” this waterfront neighborhood fronting both the Miami River and Biscayne Bay still holds onto its signature Miami fun-in-the-sun vibe, which makes it a pretty unique place.
Being urban, Brickell is a super walkable neighborhood – you can start your day with a waterfront run or bike ride, get suited up for your workday or power meeting, and then catch a business lunch at one of the many delicious restaurant options close by. If you’ve got an investment meeting, no problem – your Brickell condo is surrounded by numerous international banks. And if you want to shop, you can choose from your favorite luxury brands at Brickell City Centre, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, or boutique offerings at Mary Brickell Village. Finally, wind down after work with happy hours at one of the trendy bars, lounges, or cafés and enjoy an equally lively nightlife scene.
And you won’t be lacking health and wellness options either. From cycling clubs to celebrity trainers, you’ll have top gyms, like Equinox, specialized fitness centers, and yoga studios, all at your doorstep.
Here you’ll find the complete, world-class live-work-play package. It is no wonder then why many large corporations have settled in the area and numerous international stars, including Shakira, professional athletes, international executives, business people, and young professionals are constantly looking for the best condos in Brickell.
All in all, Brickell offers something for everyone, in an active, urban, and modern neighborhood. Here you’ll see business types out and about just as much as you’ll see families.
Let’s dive into more specifics about Brickell…
Where Is Brickell, Miami?
Centrally located, Brickell sits just south of Downtown Miami and north of Coconut Grove, nestled between Biscayne Bay to the east and Little Havana and The Roads/Coral Gables to the west.
It’s about a 15-minute drive to get to the beaches and watersports of Key Biscayne, and about a 30-minute drive to South Beach. And Brickell is 25 minutes from the Miami International Airport (MIA).
Real Estate in Brickell
Brickell’s prestigious landscape features skyscrapers – commercial and residential – sprinkled with a small dose of mid-rises, and low-rises, as well as a few expensive Mary Brickell-era mansions and single-family home streets.
The area north of SW 15th Road, mostly around Brickell Avenue, is fairly financial while going southward is rather residential with a more nature-heavy landscape. Just over a short bridge is the man-made island of Brickell Key, which is primarily residential with a scenic 1.2-mile waterside walking path, about 11 condo towers, and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Soon, it will also be home to the newly announced luxury supertall condo tower, the Mandarin Oriental Residences Miami and a new hotel.
As it is one of Miami’s top neighborhoods to live in, there is a high number of Brickell condos for sale or rent, hotels, mixed-use projects, and luxury apartments under construction or waiting to make their debut. Pricing for Brickell real estate varies widely, with opulent bay-facing penthouses and more reasonably priced condo options sharing the same block.
The bottom line: There really is no other waterfront, metropolitan area like Brickell, with so much nature and recreation at your fingertips. All of this makes Brickell a top destination on the international map for living and working and for real estate investment opportunities.
What to Do in Brickell
Brickell doesn’t disappoint with its extensive eat, drink, and play options. Should you decide to move here, one thing is for sure — you'll be spoilt with choice.
Where to Shop in Brickell
For years, shopping meant the brands at the open-air Mary Brickell Village, where you’d find boutique clothing, everyday groceries, exotic cigars, trendy jewelry, and everything in between.
However, the debut of Brickell City Centre’s luxury-branded, three-story outdoor mall has added a whole new chapter to shopping in Brickell. Here you can find pretty much anything, as it is anchored by a Saks Fifth Avenue and has some of the top European brands.
Two Publix supermarkets and several Walgreens and other small markets round out the offerings for everyday necessities, while a Whole Foods market is just over the Miami River in Downtown Miami.
Where to Eat in Brickell
Eating out is taken as seriously as the business in Brickell and the options are endless.
- Fine dining is done best at Edge Brasserie and co*cktail Bar renowned for its unique dishes, or at least a dozen other five-star restaurants, like Cipriani.
- The River Oyster Bar puts a modern twist on classic seafood.
- Dirty French, for a modern, European take on a steakhouse.
- La Mar by Gaston Acurio offers outdoor dining in a spectacular setting.
Some favorite Brickell lunch spots include La Estación Café, La Sandwicherie, B Bistro & Bakery, and Oriental Bakery and Grocery Co.
Where to Go Out in Brickell
Brickell sure knows how to let its hair down with happy hours and party all night:
- Blackbird Ordinary is the place for trying innovative handcrafted co*cktails.
- Tobacco Road by Kush pays a singular homage to this Miami’s historic establishment.
- Baby Jane serves co*cktails and live music to dance the night away.
- Better Days offers that good ol’ bar feel with a modern twist.
- Have the best rooftop vibes and views at Sugar at East or Rosa Sky.
Getting Around Brickell
Being one of the most urban neighborhoods in Miami means that it is also one of the most walkable and central. Everything is close by, with numerous streets connecting all of the top businesses, offices, restaurants, and parks in sight.
If the destination is a little further away, you will find Metromovers every few blocks with further connectivity to the Metrorail, with services running to nearby neighborhoods such as Wynwood, Coconut Grove, or Downtown. Buses and taxis are also easily available.
Here are some points of interest if you consider owning or renting a Brickell condo:
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – 10 minutes by car/15 minutes by public transit
- Coconut Grove – 10 minutes by car/20 minutes by public transit
- Marlins Park/Little Havana – 15 minutes by car/34 minutes by public transit
- Kaseya Center/Downtown – 15 minutes by car/25 minutes by public transit
- Wynwood Walls – 20 minutes by car/35 minutes by public transit
- South Beach – 25 minutes by car
- Miami Seaquarium/Virginia Key – 15 minutes by car
- Mercy Hospital – 15 minutes away
