Why I Fell in Love With The Roads, a Hidden Gem Between Brickell and Coconut Grove
Since graduating from college in Chicago, I’ve always lived in condos. My first apartments were classic walk-ups—the kind with creaky staircases and enough charm to make up for their lack of elevators. But when I moved to Miami, I entered the world of true turnkey luxury living—valet, concierge, rooftop pools, gyms, even a convenience store downstairs. It was everything you could imagine: glamorous, effortless, and beautifully designed.
My first Miami home was at The Roney Palace / 1 Hotel in South Beach. Two years later, I moved to Brickell, long before it became the vibrant urban hub it is today. Mary Brickell Village had just opened, and I still remember the early days of Gordon Biersch (now a CVS) and Pericone’s, both long gone but not forgotten. Condo life was ideal then: resort-style amenities, manicured grounds, and endless water views, all without lifting a finger.
Then came the pandemic and with it, the itch for change. My husband and I wanted more privacy, fewer rules, and freedom from ever-rising HOA fees. After the Champlain Towers tragedy in 2021, our 1983 building faced its third special assessment. That’s when we knew it was time. What once felt like a vibrant community began to feel restrictive. We were ready for something different, a home that was truly ours.
Condo Living
Advantages:
Turnkey convenience: Lock the door and go—perfect for busy or travel-heavy lifestyles.
24/7 security and valet: Peace of mind and ease at every hour.
Concierge and package delivery: Someone always there to sign, receive, or assist.
Resort-style amenities: Gym, pool, spa, BBQ, and co-working spaces.
Minimal upkeep: No landscaping, exterior maintenance, or roof repairs.
Disadvantages:
Fractional ownership: You “own” a space, but live by community rules.
Restrictions: Some condos even regulate balcony décor or holiday wreaths.
HOA fees and special assessments: Costs that can rise without warning.
Limited control: Updates, paint colors, or policy changes often depend on board votes.
Less privacy: Shared walls, elevators, and “condo politics” come with the territory.
Condo living in Miami can be luxurious, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. While amenities make life easy, you trade autonomy for convenience. For some, that balance works beautifully. For us, the equation had started to shift.
Single-Family Homes in The Roads
When we decided to make the leap, we didn’t want to lose the vibrancy of city life. We still wanted to walk to Brickell for dinner, drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway for sunrise runs, and stay close to Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. That search led us to The Roads—a historic, leafy pocket of Miami that feels both timeless and alive.
Originally designed in 1923 by Mary Brickell, The Roads was her vision of residential serenity just steps from the city center. The wide boulevards curve gracefully, lined with towering banyan trees whose branches create a natural canopy. When sunlight filters through them, it feels like stepping into an older, quieter Miami—lush, shaded, and utterly unique.
The neighborhood is perfectly situated: five minutes to Brickell, ten to Coconut Grove, and a straight shot to Key Biscayne or I-95. Yet, somehow, it feels a world apart. The mix of Mediterranean Revival homes, modern architecture, and tropical gardens creates an atmosphere that blends history with modern living. It’s Miami’s hidden gem, one that locals often drive past without realizing its charm.
Advantages:
True ownership: You call the shots—no boards, no votes, no approval letters.
Freedom to personalize: Remodel, landscape, or paint whenever inspiration strikes.
Privacy and tranquility: Tree-lined streets and your own slice of green space.
No HOA rules or restrictions: You decide how your property evolves.
Prime location: Minutes from the best dining, shopping, and coastal lifestyle Miami offers.
Disadvantages:
Maintenance is yours: Freedom has a price tag. Landscaping, pest control, irrigation, and roof repairs all add up.
No built-in security or amenities: You create your own systems and service network.
Time investment: Managing contractors and household logistics takes effort.
Still, the trade-off was worth it. For us, homeownership in The Roads meant creating a space entirely our own, one that evolves with us, not against us.
Barbara Gretsch is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, serving Miami and South Florida’s $1M+ residential market, including Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, The Roads, Brickell, Key Biscayne, and Miami Beach. barbaragretsch.com
Bottom Line
Condo living offers ease, glamour, and convenience. Single-family life brings privacy, freedom, and the satisfaction of true ownership. For us, The Roads struck the perfect balance: close to everything, yet peaceful and green. The banyan-lined streets remind me daily that Miami isn’t just about the high-rises—it’s about neighborhoods with roots, stories, and soul.
In the end, true luxury isn’t about square footage or amenities; it’s about living life on your own terms.