Advice on Neighborhoods near South Beach?

Hi J.,I dont generally post here but I live in SB.So here is some advice.I live in a very nice family friendly area that a New Yorker would like.I have lived between NYC-Miami for many years .I am also a stay at home mom.The area I live in is called the Venitian Causeway.It is a series of beautiful islands conecting South Beach to the mainland.It is a very desireable area.Homes are from 800k-8million.The 1st island is Belle Island ,which is one block from a nice park&walking distance to everything.It has apt. both for sale or rent.I also think the prices there will vary.There is also one other nice spot called Bay Road(right next to that same park)there are some very lovely apts over there.These areas are some of the most desireable on South Beach(I have been coming here since 92).It is central to everything on South Beach.There is a few places for momy&me Temple Beth Shallome,Miami childerens museum etc.Please feel free to email me offlist for any other information.I have 2 children 4&9 months.Best,P. ____@____.com

We lived in Park Slope before relocating to Miami 3 years ago. We were looking for the exact same things as you are. We chose to live in Coral Gables. I also work in South Beach. I have to be at work by 8:30 am and it takes me 20 minutes to get to South Beach from Coral Gables.
Our neighborhood is a great family oriented area with lots of things to walk to - library, great community center (with a gym, kids program and toddler playground), parks, A schools and a nice area of shops called Miracle Mile. It's not as compact as Manhattan, but definitely more walkable than most areas of Miami. With the housing market the way it is, there are lots of rentals available. Compared to Manhattan you will get much more space for your money.
On another note, if you are looking for a Mom's group in the area, I belong to a great one called From Careers to Crayons. it's a nice group of women with kids ranging from infants on up. They meet 2x week at local parks, do special outings, have Mom's Night Out, a book club and various holiday celebrations throughout the year. If you are interested in the group, email me offline and I can give you more info.
Best of luck and welcome to Florida.

Hi J.: other locations close to South Beach are Brickell, Coconut Grove and the Roads area. All very nice areas, safe, and family oriented. Coral Gables is very nice as well as mentioned to you by another mom.
As a side note, I am the owner of a preschool that is close to all of these areas mentioned. It is brand new school and will be open by the end of the month. The preschool/learning center promisses to offer high quality childcare. If you are interested, you can visit our website at www.cherryblossommiami.com
Good luck with your move and let us know if you need other advice.
A little about me:
Mom of twin girls - 2 yearls old.

Hello J.. I live in the vicinity of Alton and 21st (there are some great homes around here and lots of families with children). I take my 4 month old daughter on long walks around here and always meet other moms. On a side note, I am about to go back to work and I am need of a good recommendation for a daycare or nanny for my four month old daughter. If you need any additional info, please feel free to send me a message.