Living in South Miami

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Founded in 1897, The City of Pleasant Living is one of Miami’s oldest communities, yet great effort has been put into keeping this city fresh and vibrant.

Refurbished parks, a quaint downtown area, and creative dining and recreational offerings draw people looking for a friendly neighborhood experience. Situated between Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and the University of Miami’s main campus, South Miami does a fine job of blending residential tranquility with modern city conveniences, all while maintaining a small-town feel.

Let’s take a closer look!

Where Can I Live in South Miami?

South Miami is an ideal point of entry for those looking to relocate to the suburbs south of the Gables. While there are certainly multi-million-dollar homes available, homebuyers can also find a fair offering of homes under $1,000,000, and even under $500,000. This includes single-family homes, townhouses, and condos at all price points.

For those seeking a more exclusive residential lifestyle, two adjacent neighborhoods stand out: Ponce Davis and High Pines. These coveted residential areas offer immediate access to the convenient amenities and abundant entertainment offerings of South Miami, but they are distinct neighborhoods in their own right.

Ponce Davis, a haven of tropical sophistication, almost exclusively harbors single-family homes on lush, sprawling properties. High Pines brings neighbors together in more classic Florida homes, along with a few more townhome and condo options. Both are exceptional choices for those seeking a distinct boundary between residential and commercial areas, while maintaining the convenience of quick urban access.

The Townhomes at Oak Lane and Pine Manor are two of our favorite gated townhome developments in the area, both in High Pines. Lush greenery surrounds the beautifully appointed Oak Lane townhomes, which blend classical architecture with modern amenities. Spacious walled patios, some with pools, are wonderful spots for festive gatherings or quiet relaxation. Covered parking and quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment put these luxury 3-story residences at the top of our list. Pine Manor is especially popular with young professionals, offering a community pool, 24-hour security, and convenience to dining, shopping, and public transportation. The 2- and 3-story units are furnished with elegant, top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, all beautifully designed under 10-foot ceilings.

Who Are My Neighbors?

With generally more moderately priced home options than its Coral Gables neighbor, and with the University of Miami right next door, South Miami draws many young professionals, families, and homeowners looking to downsize. Ranked by Niche.com as one of the top neighborhoods for young professionals, more than half the city’s population is made up of families (56%, to be exact), and the median age is 36.

Families with young children are particularly pleased with two of South Miami’s elementary schools. Sunset Elementary was once a one-room schoolhouse serving 18 children. Today, it’s a Magnet school educating students from all over Miami-Dade County and from over 50 countries. It’s affectionately known as a “mini-United Nations.”

The school’s mission is to provide innovative programs facilitated by exceptional staff, inspiring the next generation of world leaders. Numerous accolades include the Magnet Schools of America “School of Excellence” Merit Award, the Embassy of Spain Education Office’s “School of Excellence” Award, the Goldman Sachs Prize for Excellence in International Education. It was also selected as a University of Miami Professional Development Site.

Ludlam Elementary is a public school offering small class sizes, above-average proficiency scores, and the well-respected Infinity program for gifted students. The curriculum is geared toward FCAT success and Magnet school acceptance. Extra-curricular activities are another point of pride for Ludlam Elementary, including FFEA, News Crew, Art Club, and Chess.

Epiphany Catholic School (Pre-K – 8), founded in 1953, has a proud, acclaimed, and longstanding tradition of educational excellence based on solid Catholic values and principles. Alumni of Epiphany have gone on to consistently graduate with the highest of honors in local high schools and universities throughout the country. Committed to these high ideals and solid values, Epiphany Catholic School is established as one of the marquee schools of excellence in the Archdiocese of Miami and the South Florida community at large.

The mission of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy High School is to educate girls mind, body, and soul “because education is a preparation for life and not just for a livelihood.” The faculty considers the ultimate purpose of human living and the means by which that purpose is to be realized. To this end, OLLA is committed to sending their graduates into the world with: spiritual values founded on the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church; inspiration to live a life of civic and Christian duty; respect and compassion for all; a grounding in the responsibilities of an honest citizen; commitment to family; and motivations to perform as a self-driven employee/employer exercising problem-solving and critical thinking skills with comfort and a competitive edge in our digital world.

Who Are My South Miami Doctors?

Part of the Baptist Health Network, South Miami Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country, particularly for maternity and labor/delivery services, along with Level II and III Neonatal Intensive Care departments. In fact, these have earned the hospital national distinction. Other notable, high-quality care services include robotic surgery, weight-loss surgery, cardiovascular services, and burn care.

Just 10 minutes southwest of The City of South Miami, The Miami Cancer Institute has its campus on the Kendall Drive grounds of Baptist Hospital. Partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering, this world-class facility is a next-generation cancer treatment destination renowned for its highly sub-specialized cancer experts and surgeons, clinical researchers and genomic scientists — many of whom have been recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. Leading clinical care and research, compassionate patient experience, and state-of-the-art technology round out the Institute’s cancer care pillars.

What Are My Entertainment & Recreation Options?

A.D. Barnes Park is South Miami’s biggest outdoor attraction. Since 1977, tourists and locals alike have enjoyed this 65-acre park. It’s dedicated to and named after the first Director of the Parks & Recreation Department, who strongly believed recreation was vital for every Miami-Dade resident.

Adventures abound here, from eco-adventure tours for avid hikers, to adorable splash parks for the little ones. Organized programs, activities, and tours are offered year-round. True to the close-knit neighborhood identity of South Miami, the park has actively integrated program offerings and amenities serving people with disabilities, such as beach wheelchairs, pool lifts, aquatic programs, and life-skill activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Dante Fascell Park & Tennis Center has been a beloved fixture on South Miami’s Red Road since the 1960s. Fun-seekers flock here — one of the neighborhood’s biggest parks at nearly

8 acres — for its super shady tree-filled beauty with a bordering creek and abundant amenities. There are 6 Har-Tru lighted clay tennis courts with a high-level instruction program, a 1/4-mile exercise trail, 2 pavilions, picnic tables, a gated playground, a pro beach volleyball court, handball courts, 1/2-court basketball, a sculpture garden, restrooms, vending machines, a water fountain, a big open green space, and more. More than any other park in the area, Dante Fascell feels like a living part of the community.

Downtown South Miami is low-key, family-friendly, and fun. A huge number of fine and casual restaurants line the main streets and off streets, along with beautiful boutiques, salons, fitness studios, jewelry shops, and plenty of nightspots with live music – all of it walkable.

Chic home-style dining is the specialty at Town Kitchen & Bar, a self-described “neighborhood joint” with indoor and outdoor bars plus lounge seating. Whisk Gourmet, which also specializes in gourmet catering, fuses thoroughly inventive modern dishes with a rustic ambiance highlighted by chunky wooden tables, industrial fixtures, and an open kitchen.

For a truly extraordinary dining experience, Old Lisbon – Sunset Drive is a must-visit. An open kitchen, Old World environment, and an extensive menu of traditional Portuguese delights entice diners back again and again. The extensive wine and port list is expertly matched to the menu offerings.

Root & Bone is a farm-to-table restaurant celebrating the most tempting iconic dishes of the rural South. Shrimp and grits, sweet tea brined fried chicken, and Grandma Daisy’s Angel Biscuits are just some of their modern takes on traditional meals. Live music and a rustic, friendly atmosphere round out this rare Miami dining experience.

Are you ready to start your South Miami life? Monica is a Resident Expert who will guide you confidently and successfully through the first step — finding and buying your perfect South Miami home. Get in touch!

In the meantime, check out our South Miami Homes search tool to get an idea what’s out there. You have the option to create a profile and get emails automatically sent to you whenever a new home match gets listed.

And note that with our extensive network, we can help you find homes that are not even on the market yet.