DrWho

Interama Boulevard gives you easy access to the Oleta River State Recreation Area. You will never know you are in the heart of Miami. Surrounded by hiking trails, wooded areas and canals it is surreal to think how close you are to the masses outside the gates. You can kayak, have parties, BBQ’s, bike or just sit along the river and Intra-Coastal Waterway and watch the wildlife and boats pass. You can jump in for a cooling off dip or sit under the covered picnic table areas. You are so close to the beach that you enjoy the off shore breeze which keeps most of the bugs away that you will encounter in recreational areas farther in land. This is a very short hop from either Collins (A1A) or Biscayne (US1) so access is quick and easy. I believe that overnight camping is also allowed. I highly recommend this area to visit or live.

If you want to get from Biscayne to the coast this is the way to go. Bal Harbor is an amazing area. Very upscale shopping, dining and housing. From Neiman Marcus to Louis Vuitton you will find it all. Broad Causeway crossed over the Biscayne Bay offering amazing views as you go over and then you end up on Collins (A1A). I love this entire area. It doesn’t have the party, club and scantily clad South Beach crew but more dignified while offering all you could want in an area. Personally, now that I’m in my late 30’s I prefer this atmosphere to South Beach. You will have to decide which is best for you. It is only a short hop down Collins to South Beach so you can always change your mind if you don’t find the area to your liking.

This Causeway offers great views of the surrounding area as you cross over to the coast. It rises over the streets and Intracoastal Waterway below. It is not very long but a new road in excellent condition that is wide and gives easy access to the Aventura Mall as well. You also get to enjoy and expansive ocean view at the peak before the downward decent to Ocean Avenue.

I lived on North Bay Road which is actually a rather short street that is comprised of newer condominium residences. The condos are nicely situated with the Intracoastal Waterway behind them and in front a short one block walk will put you right in the famed Ocean Avenue. Once there you are surrounded by many of the finest accommodations including Trump Towers and gorgeous Miami Beaches. This is an affordable area to reside in the heart of Miami without having to live in a low socioeconomic area.

Located off of Laurel Canyon you will be surprised at how quickly you feel you have entered a remote area. The trees are mature and shade many of the streets you are "in the mountains" this is despite being in the midst of a thriving metropolis

Off of Trancas Canyon in Malibu you will find Anacapa. It is a very narrow and windy road that takes you to georgious 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and much of Malibu. Of course being in Malibu it is not inexpensive to live here. Another draw back comes in the form of the potential for fires and flooding. It wouldn't be too hard to get "stranded" there. Georgous nonetheless

This is a picturesque street that in many parts has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It is however rural and you will find yourself surrounded by wildlife. For those who don't like narrow, windy mountain roads with steep drops you might find it a bit anxiety provoking. If you relish solitude and privacy this could be a great place for you.

Keswick Street is settled amidst a quite anclave of the San Fernando Valley. If you stray too far from the neighborhood you encounter a lowever socioeconomic group but within the neighborhood you find the pride of ownership and well maintained homes with friendly neighbors.

If you take Azusa Ave north you will find the name changing to Highway 39 as you drive into the Angeles National Forest. There is a myriad of wildlife from bears, fox to a variety of snakes, birds and all types of birds that you don't see in the Los Angeles area often. I recommend this drive for a scenic area to remove yourself from the hectic pase of city life.

As mentioned in the title. St. Vincents Hospital is located on Alavarado and Third. If you don't have business at the hospital then you are probably on this street to buy crack cocaine or are lost. It is a seedy area, you will find McArthur Park, not a good place for the kiddies.