Living in Coconut Grove

“The Grove” as it’s called by locals, is South Florida’s oldest residential neighborhood. Stretching along Biscayne Bay, it combines luxurious sophistication, tropical scenery, small-town charm, and vibrant nightlife in a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Settled by Bahamians in the 1800s and transforming into a hippie hangout in the 1960s, Coconut Grove today retains its Bohemian charm and rich history. If a relaxed, tropical life with no shortage of waterfront entertainment is your kind of place, living in Coconut Grove might just be your best bet.

Let’s take  closer look at this cool village.

Where Can I Live in Coconut Grove?

Real estate options vary widely, from modest duplexes and condos in the center of town, to sprawling estates in gated communities. Luxury high-rises near Biscayne Bay provide sweeping bay vistas and upscale amenities.

Beacon Harbour is one of Coconut Grove’s most luxurious gated condominiums. Ten exquisitely appointed units on 5 floors (only 2 units per floor) range in size from 3,444 to 3,812 square feet. Each 3- to 4-bedroom residence features a wrap-around terrace with unparalleled bay views, and the penthouses boast rooftop terraces. Additional amenities include a 60-foot heated lap pool, spa, fitness center and a deep-water marina with 8 slips accommodating yachts up to 68 feet long and 22 feet wide.

The Moorings, comprised of only 43 homes, is a gated waterfront community in South Coconut Grove, just a couple of minutes from the heart of the Grove and with quick access to downtown Miami. Mediterranean-inspired mansions ranging anywhere from 2,070 to 14,905 square feet are nestled into lush, tropical properties blending luxurious living with the laid-back ambiance of Coconut Grove life.

Hughes Cove is another neighborhood we adore. One of the most private and exclusive waterfront gated communities in Coconut Grove, residents enjoy a community tennis court, a private waterfront park, and boat docks with “no bridges” access to Biscayne Bay. The 12 homes in this community offer anywhere from 5,500 to 10,000 square feet of living space, with an average of 7 bedrooms and 6 baths. The average total lot size is approximately half an acre, quite large for Coconut Grove.

Where Will My Children Go to School?

Coconut Grove boasts 14 top-notch public and private school options, with the oldest Miami-Dade County public school among them.

Coconut Grove Elementary School dates back to 1887, and the original schoolhouse is still on the premises. Coconut Grove Elementary is celebrated for its classical education and early start in achieving fluency in foreign languages, including Spanish and French. Fully recognized as an IS (International Studies) program by Miami-Dade County, its programs combine core subjects from the French National Education curriculum and core subjects as defined by the Florida Department of Education. American subjects are taught by American teachers, while French subjects are taught by French teachers who are certified by the French Ministry of Education and the State of Florida to teach in an international environment. The 449 students rank far above district averages, placing at 82% in math and 83% in reading.

Located across two campuses in Coconut Grove, Ransom Everglades is one of the best private schools in the country. Niche.com ranks Ransom Everglades as the #1 private high school in Florida, as well as #1 for STEM studies and college prep. Nationally, it’s ranked in the top 25 for best private high school and best college prep. Graduates “believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it.” The educational environment fosters pursuit of honor, academic excellence, and intellectual growth complemented by concern for the physical, cultural and character development of each student. Students’ sense of identity, community, personal integrity, and values are fostered for a productive and satisfying life of leadership and contribution to society.

Where Will I Get Medical Care for Healthy Living in Coconut Grove?

Coconut Grove Health Center has been providing quality medical care and services to Grove residents for more than 50 years. This state-of-the-art facility provides treatment and services ranging from behavioral health, to pediatrics, to educational programs. The facility also provides tele-health options and transportation services for patients with mobility limitations.

Part of the Baptist Health Network, Doctor’s Hospital is the best option for major medical care. Although it’s located in Coral Gables, Doctor’s Hospital is just 2.5 miles from Coconut Grove. Specialty services here include pediatric emergency care, cardiology, and back, neck, and spine specialists.

Where Will I Go for Dining & Entertainment in Coconut Grove?

The Grove’s bayfront location harbors continuous and exciting entertainment. Vibrant and pedestrian-friendly, the bayfront and downtown areas glitter with boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants, plus of course, the Bayfront Avenue marinas.

Famed Cocowalk is a fusion of business, leisure and, surprisingly, nature. Reinvigorated for the 21st century, it’s an eclectic space of creativity, relaxation, prosperity, and fun. Businesses thrive in the energetic atmosphere. Locals and visitors can’t get enough of the high-end boutiques and galleries, fine dining, bistro cafes, live entertainment. and music. Even the 15-screen luxury movie theater is a culinary treat, serving small-plate snacks, desserts, and an impressive collection of international wines and beers.

Dine among the lush trees of Peacock Park and the breezy bay views at Glass & Vine. A casual favorite, menu offerings are locally sourced and eclectic, and the bar menu features creative cocktails. Every day is Sunday with their signature daily Brunch Menu, and live music entertains guests Wednesday – Saturday evenings.

You don’t want to pass up seafood when dining on Biscayne Bay, and one of the best options in town is Sapore di Mare, an Italian-seafood fusion restaurant. Charming and neighborhood-centric, the menu here features classic favorites such as lobster ravioli, along with noteworthy signatures, such as spaghetti with sea urchin. Few places can top Ariete for elegance, creativity, and ambiance. This award-winning restaurant prides itself on its “concept without borders,” pairing the traditional with the peculiar, and seasonal offerings with spur of the moment inspiration. Unique tableside experiences such as the Canard a la Presse and the Versos Sencillos, make the Ariete experience unforgettable.

How About Outdoor Fun?

It’s a simple fact — living in Coconut Grove is synonymous with outdoor fun. Watersports, boating, parks, community events, and even a weekly farmer’s market get people flocking to the bayfront. The Dinner Key Marina is the flagship, with 582 boat slips (the largest in the state). The site was also the original operating station for Pan Am, but has since become Miami City Hall. Dining, charter trips, and sightseeing round out the offerings here.

Coconut Grove prides itself on its green spaces and historic sites.

Among its most notable is The Barnacle Historic State Park. Built in 1891 by Ralph Munroe, the 5-acre estate remains barely changed, with winding nature paths and the home Munroe built. Replicas of his famous sailboats adorn the property, and visitors enjoy concerts, picnics, guided tours, and special events.

Another favorite nature experience is The Kampong, with plant species dating back to the 1900s and many show-stoppers, like the 80-foot baobab tree from Tanzania. Maintained by the National Tropical Botanical Garden organization, The Kampong was the home of famed botanical explorer and South Florida legend, Dr. David Fairchild.

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

In the meantime, check out our Coconut Grove 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.