Article on Grove vs. Gables (Miami, Coral Gables: apartment, condo, credit)

[jr8999]

https://miamidaily.life/blogs/lifest...imate-showdown

While vast differences still exist, they may have been more pronounced in the past. I believe the two areas are in the beginning stages of meeting more in the middle these days. The Grove is becoming more upscale with shops and Michelin Star restaurants etc. That bohemian feel is still touted but that was the Coconut Grove of decades past. Single family housing in The Grove is quickly becoming more upscale with the result of gentrification and rebuilds of existing homes. The Gables is catching up with more apartment/condo style housing options, especially in the downtown area. Many of the new food options that are popping up in Coral Gables are more of the casual nature, i.e. Bodega and Emmy Squared Pizza.

Thoughts?

[elchevere]

I find the Grove to be more “American”/mixed whereas the Gables is still predominantly Latino. As far as residents, the average age might be slightly older as well, including aged hippies. The folks who are into boating scene and the waterfront venues (Regatta, Bayshore Club) seem like more of the Boston Whaler crowd than the Riva/Ferretti yacht crowd.

The Gables has more restaurants, many reasonably priced by Miami standards. I liken the Gables to a La Jolla without the sea. I also like the jazz club scene in the Gables—be it the new Armstrongs or The Globe whereas Sospiro (a great wine bar) has live jazz on weekends).

Both areas are good for established adults with less posers and wannabes you will find in other parts of Miami. Both have their share of celebrities and successful people (Grove—Coach Spo, Arod, John Utendahl; Gables—JLo, etc).

[Arcenal813]

Interesting… I had no idea that JLo had a house in Coral Gables. There doesn’t seem to be much “privacy” for a celeb of her style there (diva, I’m all that.) Never saw any secluded gated areas out there.
Is it kind of like Huntington Beach in Cali, where it’s not uncommon to drive around random neighborhoods and see guys like M Shadows on their porch with friends having a poolside barbecue?

[elchevere]

Originally Posted by Arcenal813

Interesting… I had no idea that JLo had a house in Coral Gables. There doesn’t seem to be much “privacy” for a celeb of her style there (diva, I’m all that.) Never saw any secluded gated areas out there.
Is it kind of like Huntington Beach in Cali, where it’s not uncommon to drive around random neighborhoods and see guys like M Shadows on their porch with friends having a poolside barbecue?

Not sure if she still has a house there but she is known to frequent Cafe Abracci from time to time. Lebron also when he comes to town. Pat Riley lives in one of the Gables waterfront communities (I believe Tahiti Beach) and Pharrell has a home there (Gables Estates).

Even though this was written by a realtor group, the following is another great article comparing Coral Gables and Coconut Grove:

https://www.condoblackbook.com/blog/...-coral-gables/

[roadtrip75]

the historic Miracle Mile, a bustling shopping district with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and luxury retailers.

This hasn't been true in a long time, has it? Last time I was there, I saw a Men's Wearhouse and some bridal shops.

[elchevere]

Originally Posted by roadtrip75

This hasn't been true in a long time, has it? Last time I was there, I saw a Men's Wearhouse and some bridal shops.

I’d say it’s more restaurant driven and a bit more lively following the makeover a few years back. One would be more likely to find luxury stores a mile or two over at and near The Shops at Merrick Park.

[MiamiLIFE]

Originally Posted by jr8999

https://miamidaily.life/blogs/lifest...imate-showdown

While vast differences still exist, they may have been more pronounced in the past. I believe the two areas are in the beginning stages of meeting more in the middle these days. The Grove is becoming more upscale with shops and Michelin Star restaurants etc. That bohemian feel is still touted but that was the Coconut Grove of decades past. Single family housing in The Grove is quickly becoming more upscale with the result of gentrification and rebuilds of existing homes. The Gables is catching up with more apartment/condo style housing options, especially in the downtown area. Many of the new food options that are popping up in Coral Gables are more of the casual nature, i.e. Bodega and Emmy Squared Pizza.

Thoughts?

I prefer the Gables to the Grove. It has more "flavor". The Grove could be Summit, NJ - anywhere USA. Gables has more of a "Latin" vibe and the energy is more lively. Feel free to kick me in my teeth.

[manny118]

Originally Posted by MiamiLIFE

The Grove could be Summit, NJ - anywhere USA. Gables has more of a "Latin" vibe and the energy is more lively.

Maybe if Summit, NJ was waterfront, surrounded by tropical vegetation, covered by a large tree canopy, and had peacocks walking around. The Grove is unique even for Miami, so to say it is anywhere USA is really missing the mark.

[achtung baby]

Originally Posted by manny118

Maybe if Summit, NJ was waterfront, surrounded by tropical vegetation, covered by a large tree canopy, and had peacocks walking around. The Grove is unique even for Miami, so to say it is anywhere USA is really missing the mark.

I almost wanted to buy this house in Bay Heights. (Until I saw the pool area. I can see why it’s been on the market for 400+ days.)

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...3_M52280-54826

The door is my favorite kind of French blue, the exterior is so unique.

I love both Coconut Grove and Coral Gables because I am such a sucker for Spanish Revival architecture, older pre-war houses and tree canopy leafy streets. They are both non-cookie cutter and with their own unique characters.

I carry more spot spot for the Grove, 1: I like little village-like neighborhoods in big bustling cities ( for example: West Village and Nolita in NYC.) 2: The Grove Towers for the George Michael association (Careless Whisper video was shot on the top floor in 1984.) 3: The Grove seems (to me) to have more youthful energy, Fresh Market has to be one of the best locations (waterfront) for a supermarket. The peacocks add the personality and not to mention good omens.

Per Niche.com:

Coconut Grove median home price: $1.065 mil / median household income: $161,690 (No. 1 neighborhood in Miami.)

Coral Gables median home price: $952k / median household income: $118,203 (No. 1 suburb in Miami.)

The Grove all the way.

[meanmrmustard]

I personally prefer the Grove however the fact that it is run by the city of Miami is a big strike. I have to give Coral Gables credit for being much better managed.