As North America's gateway to Latin America, Greater Miami has become a multicultural metropolis that is one of the most vibrant and interesting places to live in the world.

With 15 miles of glorious beaches, and spectacular bay views from ultraluxury condos along Brickell as well as from fabulous waterfront estates on Fisher Island, Star Island and Palm Island, Miami also offers the opportunity to live in a setting of unsurpassed natural beauty.

What makes finding the perfect Miami home a challenge is the diversity of its neighborhoods. They range from the serene and sophisticated enclave of Bal Harbour to trendy action-packed South Beach; from the single-family homes of "Millionaire's Row" in Golden Beach to the luxury condo towers of Aventura and Sunny Isles.

Downtown Miami, bounded by Biscayne Bay, combines spectacular high-rise luxuy condominiums with glass-and-steel office towers and hotels.

Stretching south from the downtown along the bay is Brickell Avenue, named after the 19th-century founders of Miami, featuring ultraluxury condominiums as well as sophisticated restaurants and top hotels.

The Greater Miami area is served by Miami International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world where more than 100 airlines bring people to Miami from over 150 U.S., Latin American and European destinations.

Miami Beach

Though years have passed and times have changed, Miami Beach has been a perennial hot spot for three quarters of a century. Luxury condominiums and grand mansions are interspersed among famed luxury resorts such as the Fontainebleau and the Eden Roc. Many of the luxury residential towers in Miami Beach originally were deluxe rental buildings later converted to condominiums. 

South Beach

Rising in little over a decade to international fame as a vacation destination, South Beach is packed day-and-night with beautiful people, on display and partying at its trendy restaurants, bars, and dance clubs.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind community, with luxury housing ranging from condominiums in shiny new waterfront towers, lofts in meticulously-restored historic buildings, or mansions on one of the islands in Biscayne Bay.

Bal Harbour

Occupying one-third of a square mile between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal, the village of Bal Harbour may be a small municipality -- but it is one of Greater Miani's most exclusive and prettiest. Palatial homes and oceanfront luxury condominiums sit amidst lush foliage and luxury resorts. All are within easy reach of the world-famous upscale shopping center, Bal Harbour Shops.

Sunny Isles

The scene is changing, and Sunny Isles near the northeastern end of Greater Miami is in the midst of a transformation from a seaside vacation spot to an upscale residential community. The funky motels of the 1950s are being torn down and replaced by luxury oceanfront condominium towers.

The west side of Sunny Isles bordering the Intracoastal Waterway is equally alive with new construction -- a combination of high-rise condos as well as areas of single-family homes.

Golden Beach

Extending north to the Broward County line, Golden Beach is an exclusive enclave of bayfront and oceanfront mansions. By law a residential community of single-family housing (no condos), gated estates line the mile-long "Millionaire's Row" of homes. With fewer than 350 houses, Golden Beach has fewer than 1,000 lucky residents.

Key Biscayne

Just minutes over the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami, the village of Key Biscayne might as well be a thousand miles away. The pace is slower on this peaceful barrier island, worlds away from the bright lights that fill the skyline.

Those fortunate enough to live on Key Biscayne -- whether in luxury condos or waterfront estate homes -- are surrounded by tropical plant life, serene beaches and a tranquil paradise.

Coconut Grove

One of the oldest districts of Miami, Coconut Grove -- perfectly situated on Biscayne Bay -- is full of energy and creativity. Hundreds of trendy shops, bistros and nightclubs are crammed within a small area that once served as an artists' colony. Victorian street lamps light the way to quaint cafes and the world famous shopping centers of CocoWalk and The Streets of Mayfair. The homes in Coconut Grove range from ultra-modern to Old Florida charm, and luxury condominiums are found alongside palm-shaded cottages.

Coral Gables

Quietly elegant, the upscale city of Coral Gables is a gated enclave crisscrossed by canals. Coral Gables carefully guards its reputation as "The City Beautiful" with strictly enforced zoning codes and architectural guidelines.  The Mediterranean style buildings, Venetian Pool, and sculptured fountains add to the charm of the area. A stretch of Coral Way known as Miracle Mile features signature restaurants, specialty shops, boutiques and art galleries.

Aventura

Incorporated in 1995, Aventura for the past 15 years has been one of the fastest growing parts of Greater Miami. Known as one of the best places in the Greater Miami area to shop, the city of Aventura includes many high-rise and mid-rise condominium complexes that take advantage of the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Neighborhoods include Turnberry Isle, Williams Island, The Waterways and Mystic Point.