Living in Palmetto Bay

Though Palmetto Bay has only been an incorporated village since 2002, its rich history dates back more than 10,000 years, when the area was first settled by Paleo-Indians. It doesn’t take much imagination to visualize the long and fascinating evolution of housing here, stretching from thatched dwellings to Mediterranean Revival mansions!

Even now, residents of Palmetto Bay enjoy big green spaces, along with many historical sites and landmarks, and abundant entertainment, art, sports, and dining options. Families are drawn by the exceptional schools and quiet neighborhoods.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Palmetto Bay one of Miami’s best neighborhoods and one of its longest holding “best-kept secrets.”

Where Can I Live in Palmetto Bay?

Unlike some of its neighbors, Palmetto Bay is comprised of primarily single-family homes with plenty of elbow room. Due to the unfortunate devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, most of Palmetto Bay’s homes are relatively new compared to many other Miami neighborhoods.

Residents here enjoy a spacious suburban feel, and properties tend to provide more sprawl and privacy, with the average living space measuring around 3,000 square feet.

There are, nonetheless, a few luxury condominium options, such as Palmetto Station and Indigo Palmetto Bay, for those seeking a more low-maintenance urban experience.

Where Will My Children Go to School?

Palmetto Bay has seven public and private schools, several of which have been nationally recognized for excellence.

Coral Reef Elementary School has been designated a School of Excellence by the Florida State Board of Education, has earned the Gold Designation in S.T.E.M., and received the Golden Apple School Award, as well as the Fairchild Challenge, Youth Fair, Odyssey of the Mind, and SECME Science Competition Awards. In addition to academic excellence, the school also aims to enrich students through social and environmental responsibility and respect for all cultures.

Palmer Trinity School is one of the best private schools in the country, ranking anywhere from the top 1% to the top 9%, both in Florida and nationally across various categories. Educating grades 6 through 12, their mission is to promote academic excellence and inspire students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit. The campus covers nearly 60 acres, and the school offers a robust extra-curricular program, including environmental initiatives, athletics, art, and travel. Palmer Trinity also participates in the Harvard-led Making Caring Common Program, which aims to involve students in remedying societal programs and strengthening democratic principles.

Where Will I Go for Dining & Entertainment in Palmetto Bay?

Palmetto Bay nightlife is laid-back and casual, with a litany of small bars and happy hour events.

A laid-back fave among locals, Stiltsville Fish Bar is a great spot for a casual meal, happy hour, or brunch. Sip a signature cocktail in a hammock chair, or savor the freshest catch of the day in the rustic-meets-nautical inspired dining room.

A beautifully infused selection of international dishes with an Italian and Caribbean flair, Caffe Portofino offers a dinner-only menu with inspired daily specials and classic favorites. A comprehensive wine list rounds out the lovely offerings in this cozy neighborhood mainstay.

Family-owned, cozy, and romantic, Alaine’s Osteria is a crown jewel in the dining options of Palmetto Bay. Traditional Italian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients pairs with a beautiful wine list to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience.

For a truly uncommon Miami shopping adventure, visit Palmetto Bay’s Antique Mall, Y’all. It features 170 antique dealers showcasing pieces from estate sales, auctions, and private collections. Treasure hunters will find a jackpot of vintage jewelry, art, lighting fixtures, toys, and other collectables.

For more modern and familiar shopping options, explore Dadeland Mall in the adjacent Kendall neighborhood to the north. Dadeland houses all your favorite department stores, great eateries, and family-friendly amenities.

How About Outdoor Fun?

Green spaces and historic sites abound for those living in Palmetto Bay. Deering Estate, once the winter retreat for American industrialist Charles Deering, occupies over 400 scenic coastal acres. Visitors can tour the main house, several original cottages, and a collection of lush gardens. It’s a favorite spot for private events, public Holiday events, and television and film scenes.

Palmetto Bay also is home to 5 parks, each offering a long list of amenities and events. The 50-acre Coral Reef Park features baseball, softball, and football fields, tennis and volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a band shell. Visitors also love the open play areas, a meditation garden, and rentable special event facilities.

Adding to Miami’s extensive golf options, Palmetto Golf Course stands apart as pleasantly challenging, yet value-packed. The par-70 course spans 100 acres and features ample sand and water hazards. The course was privately built in the 1950s but became a municipal course in the 1960s. The facility has an Sports Grill, lessons for adults and children, and a mini golf course, keeping in step with Palmetto’s family-oriented character.

Where Will I Get Medical Care for Healthy Living in Palmetto Bay?

Parents take comfort in knowing that the Nicklaus Children’s Palmetto Bay Outpatient Center is located right in their neighborhood. In addition to urgent care, the facility provides treatment for a variety of conditions, including fetal care, sports health, and blood disorders. The Brain Institute and Heart Institute are also located here.

For those interested in holistic medical treatment, the Medical Center of Palmetto Bay provides services such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and pressure point/massage therapy.

Jackson South Medical Center is a fully equipped hospital with services ranging from obstetrics and maternity to an oncology center and physical rehabilitation facilities. Consistently recognized for top-notch care and medical technology advancement, the Jackson Health System has claimed awards such as the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award, and has ranked #1 on the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list.

Are you ready to start living in Palmetto Bay? The Monica Betancourt Group is ready to guide you in the first step — finding your perfect Palmetto Bay home. We’re here for you, get in touch!

In the meantime, check out our Palmetto Bay 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.