South Miami's housing stock reflects its long-established, close-in location. The city is known for tree-lined streets and a strong presence of single-family homes, many built in Mediterranean Revival and other early-to-mid-twentieth-century styles. Neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills feature homes on notably large, half-acre-plus lots, while secluded enclaves like Mango Terrace offer newer, custom-built residences. The mix of historic homes, mature landscaping, and limited infill gives South Miami a settled, sought-after residential character. Because the city sits immediately south of Coral Gables with Metrorail and US 1 access, its housing is among the most desirable in southwest Miami-Dade.

South Miami's neighborhoods range from historic streets to established estates and newer enclaves. Beverly Hills is a prestigious subdivision known for larger lots and Mediterranean-style homes, some sitting on half an acre or more. Mango Terrace is a quieter, more secluded pocket of newer custom construction in the heart of the city. The historic Sunset Drive corridor anchors the downtown, surrounded by long-established residential blocks of mature trees and mid-century homes. To the south, the city edges toward the Downtown Dadeland area, extending access to shopping and transit. This variety gives South Miami a layered, established residential fabric.

South Miami offers a walkable, village-like lifestyle unusual for South Florida suburbs. The historic Sunset Drive corridor serves as the community's downtown, lined with shops, restaurants, and historically designated buildings that give the city a distinctive sense of place. Residents value the tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, and the ability to reach Coral Gables, the University of Miami, and downtown Miami quickly by car or Metrorail. The city's mature canopy, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and civic events create a close-knit, established atmosphere, while the broader Miami metro supplies culture, dining, and entertainment within minutes.

South Miami is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest public school districts in the United States, offering a wide range of elementary, middle, and high school options, including magnet and choice programs. The city's close proximity to the University of Miami in neighboring Coral Gables brings higher education and its associated cultural and athletic resources directly into the community's orbit. Families also have access to area charter and private schools across southwest Miami-Dade. This layered educational landscape, from neighborhood public campuses to a major research university minutes away, is a defining asset for South Miami households.

South Miami is unusually well connected for a close-in Miami suburb. Metrorail's Green Line runs through the city, carrying riders from Kendall through South Miami and Coral Gables to downtown Miami, with connections to Miami International Airport, Tri-Rail, and Brightline at regional transfer points. US 1 (South Dixie Highway) forms the city's eastern boundary, providing a direct north-south arterial into Coral Gables and downtown Miami, while Sunset Drive (State Road 986) offers an east-west route across the southwestern suburbs. The nearby Downtown Dadeland area serves as a major transit and retail hub, reinforcing South Miami's position as a car-optional community within the greater Miami area.

Dante Fascell Park is South Miami's signature green space and a local landmark. The park offers six clay tennis courts, a jogging trail, outdoor fitness equipment, sand volleyball, a basketball half-court, and a gated playground and tot lot, all beneath the city's mature shade trees, along with picnic shelters and large open lawns. Beyond the city, residents have easy access to Coral Gables' parks and amenities, the University of Miami campus, and Miami-Dade County's broader recreational network. The city's own tree-lined streets and walkable downtown also make everyday recreation, from walking to outdoor dining, a natural part of life in South Miami.