Choosing Between Two Miami Gems: Edgewater vs. Coconut Grove

by Barbara Ciaccio Morales

Looking for your perfect home or condo in Miami? With so many vibrant neighborhoods to choose from, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. Two standout areas on many buyers' and investors’ radars are Edgewater and Coconut Grove—both highly desirable, yet each offering a distinct lifestyle and vibe.

So, how does life in Coconut Grove compare to Edgewater? We’re breaking it all down for you.

In this local guide, we dive into nine essential categories to give you a side-by-side look at what it’s really like to live in or invest in these two iconic Miami neighborhoods.

Whether you’re after stunning waterfront views, pedestrian-friendly streets, or rich cultural experiences, this comparison will help you narrow down which neighborhood truly feels like home.

The Lifestyle

Once an overlooked stretch of Miami’s coastline, Edgewater has evolved into one of the city’s most coveted waterfront neighborhoods.

Over the past 15 years, this formerly quiet area has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a luxury residential hotspot with high-end condos, scenic bayfront views, waterfront restaurants, and a refined urban lifestyle.

Anchored by the 8-acre Margaret Pace Park, which continues to see enhancements through a master-planned revitalization, Edgewater grew into its present identity as a beautiful waterfront enclave with plenty of shady greenspace, ideal for young families and professionals, and totally pet-friendly.

Notable new luxury condo towers in Edgewater include:

Elysee
Missoni Baia

with exclusive developments on the way such as

Villa Miami
Elle Residences and
EDITION Residences,

further solidifying the neighborhood’s status as a premier waterfront destination.

In terms of location, Edgewater sits in quite an enviable spot—central to all of Miami with quick access to South Beach. It is nestled east of Biscayne Boulevard, a few blocks from the Downtown Miami Arts District, the Wynwood Arts District, and the ultra luxury Design District, and offers easy access to Brickell.

Centrally located and unbothered by tourism, Edgewater is the perfect area for those seeking an urban lifestyle with access to the great outdoors and excellent proximity to all that Miami has to offer.

In comparison, drive about 10 minutes south of Brickell and you have one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. Coconut Grove was established in 1825 and is among the most beloved and coveted neighborhoods. Its rich history and distinct Caribbean flavor have made it a favorite among design lovers, nature enthusiasts, intellectuals, families and recent relocators from New York and the Northeast.

Its access to Biscayne Bay makes it especially appealing to sailing enthusiasts, boasting numerous sailing clubs and a vibrant boating scene.

Significantly larger than Edgewater, Coconut Grove is located farther from the center of the city, south of Brickell and east of U.S. 1, offering a more secluded yet highly desirable residential experience.

Some of our clients’ favorite Coconut Grove condos for sale are:

the Park Grove towers
Grove at Grand Bay
brand new Mr. C Bayshore and
Tigertail towers.

Our favorite new luxury preconstruction developments here include:

the almost completed Vita at Grove Isle
Four Seasons Coconut Grove

and several new boutique developments featuring focused amenities like:

the wellness focused The Well
single-family home sized floor plans at Opus Coconut Grove
The Lincoln.

Its tree-lined streets are shaded by a lush canopy of stately tropical trees such as grand poincianas and banyans, and other tropical trees.

Among its iconoclastic inhabitants, you’ll find an array of exotic bird species, including peacocks that roam the streets freely, and wild colonies of parrots and macaws that have escaped from the pet trade and made their home in the treetops.

Getting Around

Edgewater and Coconut Grove are two of Miami's most desirable neighborhoods, each offering unique advantages in terms of walkability and transportation.

Transportation in Edgewater

Edgewater is an excellent choice for those who prefer a car-free lifestyle, since its central location allows residents to walk or bike to many of Miami’s most sought-after destinations.

The Downtown Arts District, home to cultural landmarks like the Perez Art Museum, Frost Museum of Science, and Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, is within walking distance, as are Bayfront Park and Kaseya Center (formerly FXT Arena and American Airlines Arena).

Brickell and Downtown Miami are just a quick ride away on the Metrorail, which also connects residents to greater Miami, including Miami International Airport, and the Brightline Station. The Brightline train service allows for effortless travel to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and even Orlando.

For daily convenience, several bus routes and the free Biscayne Corridor Trolley provide additional transportation options.

Transportation in Coconut Grove

While Miami was largely designed for cars, Coconut Grove has always been one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of greater Miami.

Cycling is a preferred mode of transport for many locals, and the neighborhood also offers a free Coconut Grove Trolley, making it easy to navigate the area without a car. Residents can easily walk or bike to CocoWalk, an open-air retail and dining destination, as well as a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, and bayfront parks.

Although the Grove is less centrally located than Edgewater, it remains well connected to Miami’s broader transportation network.

The Metrorail and free Metromover link the Grove to Brickell, Downtown Miami, and beyond, offering a convenient option for those commuting to the city’s business districts.

For travelers, the Coconut Grove Airport Shuttle provides direct access to Miami International Airport, and proximity to major roadways like US-1 also ensure residents can commute efficiently when needed, as well as head to the beach on Key Biscayne.

Outdoor Living & Waterfronts

The Edgewater community centers around Margaret Pace Park, a quaint and widely used greenspace with a scenic walking path, mangrove forests, and direct access to Biscayne Bay.

It’s a prime location for water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding, as well as rollerblading or simply enjoying a stroll with your dog, which is a great way to meet neighbors.

The park also features two dog parks, one for large breeds and another for small companions. Plus you can enjoy its tennis courts, a basketball court, beach volleyball courts, and a kids playground.

Want more insight? Take an Edgewater video tour with Sep Niakan, our founder, who’s also an Edgewater resident!

Coconut Grove is characterized by its lush tropical foliage and great parks, allowing residents to live in a tropical, green paradise.

It is home to the Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden, as well as neighborhood favorite parks such as Kennedy Park and Peacock Park, where residents can enjoy sports such as volleyball or kickball. Both offer leash-free areas for dogs, as well as designated areas for large and small breeds.

Biscayne Bay access means you can go sailing, boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding pretty much any time you want.

Arts and Culture

Although Edgewater is a quiet neighborhood, the neighboring Downtown Arts District provides instant access to some of the city’s most valued cultural venues.

The Adrienne Arsht Center, Ziff Opera House, Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena), Bayfront Park, and the stunning Pérez Art Museum Miami and Frost Science Museum are all just minutes away.

Edgewater is also the perfect place to be during the famed Miami Art Week and Art Basel.

Within a short drive, you’ll find the Wynwood Art District, the Miami Design District and some of the area’s most prestigious exhibition spaces, including the Moore Building, the Young Arts Foundation, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the Margulies Collection.

If living the life of an artist or being surrounded by nature for inspiration is important to you, Coconut Grove is a good fit. The neighborhood has one of the longest running annual art fairs in the country—the Coconut Grove Arts Festival every Spring—giving you a wonderful way to spend an afternoon seeing local artists.

Coconut Grove is more geared toward neighborhood markets and laid-back cultural festivals such as the King Mango Strut, the Goombay Festival, and the Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival.

Coconut Grove is also home to a selection of boutique art galleries and artists’ studios and unique locations where culture, history, and nature converge, such as the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and Barnacle Historic State Park.

The Commerce Edit

While neither Edgewater nor Coconut Grove serves as a corporate hub, each offers a distinct atmosphere for professionals seeking a residential retreat close to Miami’s business districts.

Coconut Grove has seen a boutique office boom, with top-tier developers establishing headquarters and introducing new commercial and retail spaces. This infusion of business activity blends seamlessly with the Grove’s historic charm, vibrant shopping, and diverse dining scene.

Centered around Cocowalk, the area maintains its intimate, European-style streetscape, fostering a unique work-live-play environment. Additionally, its proximity to the University of Miami adds a dynamic energy, making it a sought-after enclave for academics and students alike.

Edgewater, on the other hand, is a tranquil, waterfront residential neighborhood with far fewer commercial spaces. Its appeal lies in its central location—just minutes from Downtown Miami, Brickell, and the Design District—providing professionals with effortless access to the city’s key business centers without compromising tranquility and privacy.

Those who work in Miami’s corporate core will appreciate Edgewater’s seamless connectivity while enjoying the serenity of a neighborhood removed from the urban rush.

Whether you prefer Coconut Grove’s vibrant village atmosphere or Edgewater’s understated, modern elegance, both neighborhoods offer exceptional residential options within easy reach of Miami’s thriving business scene.

Signature Flavors

With a rapidly evolving dining scene, standout restaurants in Edgewater include the waterfront Latin-inspired Amara at Paraiso, seafood specialist Mignonette and Klaw and Casadonna at the historic Women’s Club.

Edgewater is also close to some of the most popular spots in Wynwood, including Kush, where you can grab a great burger and inexpensive lunch, and upscale Asian fusion at Kyu, or Uchi, where Japanese cuisine takes on surprising new forms.

Edgewater has little retail to speak of, but its proximity to Wynwood and the Design District mean plenty of shopping and dining options.

Coconut Grove, by comparison, is known for its diverse outdoor cafés, sports bars, casual eateries, and chic hotel restaurants, as well as unique shops and boutiques.

CocoWalk is an outdoor mall with food and entertainment options, retail outlets, and movie theaters. The Grove’s eclectic eateries cover the gamut from vegan to sizzling steaks and an array of fresh seafood options, as well as street food vendors, and international food from around the world.

Local favorites include Michelin-starred Ariete for upscale fusion cuisine and Bellini at the Mr. C hotel for elevated Italian dining, as well as the authentically Indian fare at Bombay Darbar.

You can also try a variety of Mediterranean flavors at Sapore Di Mare, Peruvian fusion at Jaguar Restaurant or authentic traditional French cuisine at Le Bouchon Du Grove.

Top Schools

Both Edgewater and Coconut Grove are great places for families with children.

Edgewater’s central location makes it accessible to private schools such as St. Francis Xavier, Centner Academy, Metropolitan International, the Cushman School, ILEARN Preparatory, and the Interamerican Learning Center.

The neighborhood is also served by public schools Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School and Jose De Diego Middle School, as well as the prestigious Young Men’s Preparatory Academy.

High schools in the area include the highly-ranked, specialized Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) and New World School of the Arts (NWSA), while neighborhood charter schools include Aspira and Bridge Prep Academy.

In Coconut Grove you’ll be close to some of Miami’s most established and reputable public and private schools, including the nationally renowned Ransom Everglades School and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, each with sprawling campuses and top-tier private education.

Other neighborhood private schools include Saint Hugh, Saint Stephen’s, Coconut Grove Montessori, the Vanguard School, and Immaculata-LaSalle High School.

The Grove is served by public schools such as Coconut Grove Elementary, Frances S. Tucker Elementary, and George W. Carver Elementary and Middle Schools.

Architecture & Design

In the last decade, Edgewater has been the darling of top national and international developers, making Edgewater highly desirable.

New luxury condo projects in development offer splendid amenities, a convenient lifestyle and gorgeous bay views. However, most of your residential offerings here will come in the form of condo towers.

As is it a smaller, pocket-sized bayfront neighborhood, there are almost no single family homes here.

Coconut Grove, in comparison, is a beautiful blend of old and new, with a diverse variety of housing options, including new, luxury high-rise and older boutique condos, single-family bungalows and modern homes, and sprawling mansions.

The area also contains historic structures and enclaves of villas. Here, you will find there are far fewer condo towers compared to single family homes, and waterfront estates.

Prices & Perspective

Edgewater is a family-friendly area, with condo prices averaging around $347 per square foot and average residential units listing at around $846,594.

Higher-end luxury listings average about $2,395,000, or $1,500 per square foot.

Coconut Grove is somewhat more established and affluent, with higher-priced properties.

Average residential listings range around $2,000,000 or about $950 per square foot, while higher-priced listings can run as high as $23,750,000 or about $4,080 per square foot.

Should I Move to Edgewater or Coconut Grove?

These two neighborhoods are distinctly different and their locations determine what you can expect from each.

While Edgewater is a quieter enclave surrounded by busy urban centers such as Downtown and Wynwood, Coconut Grove has a more relaxed, tropical feel and is further from the center of the city.

Both neighborhoods provide plenty of access to nature, however, Coconut Grove is more about tree-lined residential streets, while Edgewater is more central but centered around Margaret Pace Park, offering a vibrant urban waterfront experience.

If you are unsure which area may be the best fit for you, call us and we will help you discover which Miami neighborhood will fit you, your lifestyle and real estate needs perfectly.