About Miami
Miami is one of the most international cities in the world with endless entertainment and cultural opportunities. Miami is Florida's largest urban center and a major transportation and business hub of the southeastern U.S. Greater Miami, which comprises the city of Miami and surrounding Miami-Dade County, includes Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah and many smaller communities.
The Miami area's history dates back to the discovery of the "New World." Ponce de Leon saw the tip of Key Biscayne in 1513 and named it, more than 100 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. In the 1850s only about 50 persons lived permanently on Biscayne Bay, and it wasn't until the 1870s that Bahamian wreckers helped found the area's first real community, Coconut Grove. Miami was incorporated in 1896, the same year that Standard Oil co-founder and railroad magnate Henry Flagler decided to extend his railroad south from West Palm Beach to Miami.
During the land boom of the 1920s, Miami's population swelled and, thanks to its inviting, subtropical climate, it emerged as one of the nation's great winter resorts. Miami Beach is known for its historic art deco district and the numerous hotels that line its beaches, and the area is filled with marinas and golf courses. Since the 1950s, commercial growth has grown significantly. Miami International Airport is the nation's largest international cargo hub and third in terms of international passengers. The Port of Miami is the number one cruise port in the world.
The Miami of the 21st century is an exciting, dynamic global marketplace. But being a global marketplace does not mean it is just a trading post for goods. Miami is a metropolis that is a major transfer station for peoples and ideas from throughout the world. Miami, once a town of tourists and retirees, has been reinvented into a hemispheric crossroads for trade, travel, culture and communications.
The Roads
Located just a mile west of downtown Miami, The Roads is a neighborhood of about 1,600 single-family masonry homes that is one of the city's most stable communities. It has been referred to as an inner-city oasis—scenic, lush, and pedestrian-friendly. Aging residents have sparked a dramatic turnover in this community. Homeowners who have lived there since World War II are dying or leaving the area, and young, upscale professionals are coming in behind them. Home prices have escalated rapidly because the area is completely built out, with very few remaining lots. Asking prices start in the mid $300s, living areas starting at 1,300 square feet, and lots from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet with some larger. Settled by one of Miami's pioneering families in the 1920s, The Roads is part of the city's original core. It is primarily a residential community, but it does have a few office buildings, some retail, and an emerging restaurant scene.
Brickell Avenue
With over 100 financial institutions the Brickell area is know as the wall street of the south. Executives in the financial, legal, tax and high tech industry can choose from condos with some of the most luxurious amenities anywhere. Brickell’s diverse population includes your professionals, empty nesters and international business people. Mary Brickell village is currently under constriction which will add an exciting retail and restaurant district immediately west of Brickell Avenue, encouraging people to stay in the area after 5:00. Luxury condominium towers, hotels and the tallest building in Florida are transforming Brickell Avenue’s skyline.
There are almost 8000 existing residential units within a one mile radius of Eighth Street and Brickell Avenue. There are over 3215 additional units presently under construction and another 2276 planned. This link will direct you to information complied by the Brickell Homeowners Association delineating the projects currently under construction or in the late planning stages. http://brickellhomeowners.com/topicdevelopment.html
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is a culturally diverse neighborhood that like South Beach has undergone a renaissance in recent years and is thriving with tourists and locals who come to marvel at its quaint, tropical beauty and artistic ambiance. More than 75 restaurants and cafes line the streets, along with art galleries, antique shops, fashion boutiques, bookstores and ice-cream parlors.
Coconut Grove may have changed since its days as a bohemian village populated by artists and radicals, but its zany charm and energy are as potent as ever. Located on Biscayne Bay just ten minutes south of Downtown Miami, The Grove is unlike any other neighborhood in Greater Miami and the Beaches.
An intimate and artistic feel abounds in Coconut Grove. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is one of the nation's premier outdoor fine arts festivals attracting artists from all over the world. The Goombay Festival adds to the individualistic nature of the area and shoppers will find numerous opportunities in the shops and boutiques in coco walk. There is a wide range of prices for condos, town homes and single family homes to choose from, many with intense tropical green foliage. To discover more about the grove see this link from the Coconut Grove Chamber of commerce http://coconutgrove.com/brochure.htm. View the excellent brochure describing this village within the city.
Coral Gables
Designed by George Merrick in the 1920s Coral Gables is indeed a breathtaking site. Sprawling, Mediterranean-style homes with red-tiled roofs dot lushly landscaped streets named after cities in Spain, and a winding network of waterways offer anchorage to sleek yachts.
On Miracle Mile, the stretch of Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road, shoppers flock to fine boutiques and specialty stores to find the hottest new styles in everything from casual to couture fashion, bridal gowns and accessories and elegant home furnishings. The Downtown Coral Gables area is also noted for fine art galleries, which are a feature of Gables Gallery Night on the first Friday of each month. The events bring in thousands of people to view the works of local and international artists.
This carefully planned “city beautiful” has a wide range of home choices, from single family homes, to old and new high rise condo developments, coral Gables is a serene yet active place to live. You’ll find many tree lined streets as well as convenient shopping and dining opportunities in and around miracle mile. The “City Beautiful” has strict zoning laws, excellent services and a prestigious, private, university known for demanding academics and world class athletic programs. Coral Gables is also well known for its numerous cultural attractions such as art galleries, theaters, and festivals. Coral Gables serves as regional headquarters to numerous multinational corporations that have operations in Latin America. To find out more about this unique city see this link from the city of Coral Gables http://www.coralgables.com/index.html
Miami Beach
There is no more vibrant strip of beach and night life in this hemisphere. Attracting home owners and visitors from all over the world, Miami Beach is a rewarding place to buy and sell real estate. But it can also be a tremendous risk. To make your condo purchase or sale a success you will need a lot of information regarding recent sales, homes currently on the market and new developments either in construction phase or in planning and development. Contrary to popular belief there are still properties suitable for first time home buyers, investors, or people that can’t afford a million dollars penthouse with direct ocean view. From the south of fifth area to north beach, Miami Beach is a non stop collection of multiculturalism.
Miami Beach has been a desirable home for both out-of-towners and Florida natives alike. When the sun comes up with the peaceful serenity of a tropical dawn, it rises over the Atlantic Ocean and it shines brilliantly over one of our nation's hottest destinations. Known for its style and sophistication, Miami Beach boasts some of the best restaurants in the world and is just a short drive from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. See this link from the city of Miami Beach to get a better glimpse http://www.ci.miami-beach.fl.us
Upper East Side
This is a rapidly evolving area that is known by different people by different names. Also called the Biscayne Corridor or the arts district. For the sake of discussion, let’s consider the Upper East Side to include the collection of neighborhoods immediately north of Downtown Miami, bordered on the east by Biscayne Bay, the west by I-95 and north to the Shorecrest neighborhood. The neighborhoods include Baypoint, Morningside, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Wynnewood, Edgewater, and Palm Grove. This was once a forgotten locale frequented by prostitutes and drug dealers. But that is all changing. The transformation from year the 2000 to the year 2010 will be nothing short of amazing. The past several years has witnessed investors flocking in to purchase real estate on the up swing. The area has already received and is slated for more money from the city of Miami, State of Florida and Federal contributions as well as numerous large projects funded by the private sector. The performing arts center will be the cultural and entertainment anchor. National chains are opening up retails outlets and are mixing with newly opened locally owned boutiques. This is an exciting area where sellers can cash in on their home equity and buyers can still find excellent acquisitions. Housing opportunities vary greatly from new condos and lofts, condo resales, and single family homes on both the east and west side of Biscayne Boulevard.
El Portal
With approximately 850 homes in this enclave neighborhood, El Portal is one of Miami-Dade County’s most picturesque municipalities. Located in the eastern center of Miami-Dade County, the village of El Portal is a residential neighborhood that is noted for its beautiful homes ranging from Spanish to Colonial, Mission, Mediterranean, and contemporary styles. El Portal is known for its small-town lifestyle, well kept lawns and rich ethnic mosaic. Conveniently located near downtown Miami, the beaches, restaurants and shopping, it is no wonder that the village has been selected by the readers of the NEW TIMES as “Best Hidden Neighborhood”.
Generally speaking, the northern boundary is NW 91st St, the eastern boundary is just west of Biscayne Blvd. and the railroad, the southern boundary is the Little river canal, the western boundary is along NW 5th Ave., which is just east of I-95. Although there are a wide range of homes, generally prices range from the upper $200s to the mid $400s, living area between 1,200 to 2,400 square feet on lots sized from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet.
Miami Shores
Miami Shores is a great community, with interesting shops, an outstanding recreational program, fine schools, and beautiful churches. Many of the 10,380 residents participate in local clubs and organizations that work to insure the continued quality of the community. Local government is responsive to the concerns of both local residents and businesses.
Miami shores is located just north of downtown Miami, between I-95 and Biscayne Bay, it is a great place for raising a family, doing business, and enjoying life.
Biscayne Park
Less than a square mile in area, Biscayne Park is a village of less than 3,500 residents. Large old trees, spacious medians, and lush greenery promote a serene single family neighborhood that is located next to Miami Shores with easy access to the beaches and downtown. Homes range from the low $200s to the low $400s with many on 10,000 sq. ft. lots.
Bal Harbour
Discreet elegance is the keynote of Bal Harbour, a one-of-a kind enclave that embodies both sophistication and small town charm. Bal Harbour is one of the smallest municipalities in Miami-Dade County, but it is also one of the best known. Covering a third of a square mile, the village has long been the favored hideaway of the rich and famous (including a recent American president), and celebrity spotting is easy. Here, the main street Collins Avenue becomes a wide boulevard graced by stately palm trees and greenery.
Bal Harbour Shops is the village’s crown jewel.
The upscale mall is open to the sky but designed to protect shoppers from the elements in a tropical garden setting swathed in scarlet and purple bougainvillea. Bal Harbor is well know for its fine dining establishments including some of the finest Continental, Italian, Latin, seafood, steaks, sushi and New Miami World cuisine offered anywhere in Miami.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a secluded paradise and natural refuge that sits just a few miles east of downtown Miami. A peaceful getaway for both tourists and locals, it is one of the best places to live in Greater Miami if you enjoy tennis, golf, sunbathing, swimming, boating, bicycling, fishing or windsurfing.
The secluded island of Key Biscayne can be reached via the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, which spans beautiful Biscayne Bay. Located just south of Downtown Miami and north of Coconut Grove, the island touts miles of golden sand beaches and features a quaint, quiet feel. Home Prices are at the high end.
Miami Springs
Miami Springs was named for its fifteen natural underground springs. This small, quiet residential community boasts tree-canopied streets and parkways. Home prices are in the moderate category.
Especially popular with airlines’ employees, Miami Springs is located near Miami International Airport. Recreational facilities include tennis courts, an Olympic sized pool, a public library and a recreational field with a clubhouse. The business section includes specialty stores and restaurants.
South Miami
The City of South Miami was named an All-America City on June 23rd, 2001. The National Civic League bestows this prestigious award on ten cities in the United States each year. Recognition as an All-America City is the highest and most prestigious honor a City can receive. The All-America award celebrates communities that face issues of concern and solves them successfully through civic action and cooperation between citizens and their local government.
South Miami is a mellow community of beautiful homes and a charming commercial district. In south Miami you can find Sunset Place, a multi-level shopping and entertainment complex.
Kendall
Kendall has emerged as on of Miami's most desirable suburbs. Kendall is a tropical, multi-cultural community in the southwest section of Miami. Kendall is located west of USI, South of Bird Road (SW 40th Street), East of Krome Avenue (which borders the Florida Everglades) and north of Killian (SW 112 Street).
Kendall is within an hour's drive of Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Aventura, the Miami Design District, the beginning of the Florida Keys, The Florida Everglades and numerous other places of interest and attractions.