Living in Coral Gables

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Even amid the “forever boom” of development across Miami, Coral Gables sustains its rich, historic feel with 1920’s Old Mediterranean architecture adorning the banyan tree-lined streets. The City Beautiful is understandably proud of its unique ability to fuse peaceful residential areas, a bustling and vibrant downtown district, and lush green spaces dotted with fountains and sculptures.

Absent of Greater Miami’s organized grid system, residents and visitors revel in meandering through the city-within-a-city’s engaging European charm.

Let’s take a closer look at living in Coral Gables.

Where Can I Live in Coral Gables?

Housing options in Coral Gables are as eclectic and unique as its culture. While other neighborhoods in Miami cater to narrower demographics, Coral Gables genuinely offers expansive variety in home-buying opportunities. Condominiums and townhomes offer heart-of-the-action luxe urban life, while superior gated communities afford opulent privacy. In between is a dizzying assembly of single-family residences at prices ranging from about one million on the lower end, into the tens of millions.

The lavish Biltmore Square development is one of our favorites for townhomes and condos. An advantageous location complements indispensable elegance in units furnished with 1,500 square feet of private front gardens, interior patios, and stunning loggias. Merrick Manor boasts some of the most sophisticated condominiums in Coral Gables. Walkability is a key feature, as you’re just steps from The Shops at Merrick Park and Miracle Mile, the business district, and the Biscayne Bay waterfront are mere minutes away.

For living in Coral Gables with a more palatial experience, Gables Estates and Old Cutler Bay are our favorite private neighborhoods, especially for families. Both offer proximity to some of Miami’s most renowned schools. Gated privacy combined with unusually large lots (particularly in Gables Estates) cultivates a wonderful spirit of community. Neighborhood gatherings are a common occurrence. Properties sit on an acre or more–a rarity in even the most exclusive communities. Both communities offer waterfront properties with unobstructed water views, and immediate bay or canal access.

Where Will My Children Go to School?

Educational opportunities abound here, with some of the highest rated public schools in Florida, internationally recognized private and charter schools, and the University of Miami.

Two schools in particular merit special mention: George Washington Carver Elementary and Coral Gables Preparatory Academy. Carver is a Magnet school whose mission is to foster an innovative, challenging, multilingual program, ensuring success in a global society. Community partnerships, student showcases, and open-house events bolster a strong sense of community.

Coral Gables Preparatory Academy was designated a “City of Coral Gables Landmark” and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The school ranks in the top 4% of Florida elementary schools, and boasts student scores of over 80% in math and reading proficiency–well above the district average of 55-60%.

Ranked in the top 12% of National Universities, the University of Miami campus is a sprawling 239 acres. With its Cambridge- and Oxford-inspired arrangement, 5 residential colleges merge life and learning experiences with communal meals, poetry readings, sports and other activities. Annual events include the Canes Film Festival, showcasing student-produced movies, and Sportsfest, a weekend of competition between residence hall teams. The Boat Burning Ceremony held on Lake Osceola is among the school’s oldest traditions.

Who Are the Best Health Providers?

The Baptist Health Network provides high-quality treatment at all levels of medical care. From pediatricians to concierge and telehealth services, quality of care is consistently rated among the best in the state. Doctors Hospital (part of the BH Network) was awarded a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade “A”, a national distinction honoring patient protection efforts. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded Doctors Hospital a 5-star rating for safety, patient experience, timely and effective care, readmissions, and mortality. It has been recognized as one of the top 100 companies to work for, one of the Best Workplaces for Women, and among the World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Coral Gables Hospital’s Orthopedic Center of Excellence is the first in Miami-Dade County to be certified by The Joint Commission in total hip and total knee replacement. Additional accolades have been awarded by the American Heart Association and CIGNA’s Quality Designations for various treatments, including cardiac, stroke, and surgical care.

What Are My Entertainment Options in Coral Gables?

Living in Coral Gables isn’t just beautiful and prestigious, it’s also a lot of fun. From the Gables’ earliest days, there’s been the dazzling, now world-famous Venetian Pool — an 820,000 gallon, spring-fed aquatic facility. Created from a coral rock quarry in 1923, the pool also features two lookout towers with panoramic views of the city, two waterfalls, and several grottos. Loggias, porticos, and abundant palm trees round out the fun and relaxing atmosphere. Although it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the globe, locals enjoy the fabulous pool as well.

There are hundreds of dining, nightlife, art, and performance options to keep your Coral Gables fun fresh, exciting, and surprising. New restaurants open regularly alongside some of our favorite mainstays. Graziano’s has been delighting guests with their acclaimed Argentinian fare since 1962. A wall-to-wall wine library pairs perfectly with traditional dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Among the most upscale experiences, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar promises exceptional cuisine in a warm, elegant atmosphere. Fleming’s wine tasting and pairing events are a unique culinary adventure.

Few places rival the shopping opportunities at Miracle Mile and the Shops at Merrick Park, which offer high-end boutiques, galleries and clothiers. Miracle Mile mixes shopping and dining opportunities along downtown’s main thoroughfare, while Merrick Park presents all your favorite retailers in a convenient open-air plaza.

UM’s Lowe Art Museum boasts a comprehensive collection comprising more than 19,250 objects, which collectively represent more than 5,000 years of human creativity on every inhabited continent. 

Two public and one private golf course call Coral Gables home. Beginners and enthusiasts alike will find the appropriate challenge among these courses. The Biltmore (a Golf Digest Editors’ Choice) and Granada courses are public, and offer a variety of programs and amenities.

The Biltmore hosts the Junior Orange Bowl Golf Tournament, the largest junior tournament in the country. The historic Biltmore Hotel serves as the backdrop for the par 71, 6,700-yard Biltmore course, while the Granada course claims its fame as the oldest 9-hole course in America while maintaining a private club ambiance. Riviera Country Club is a private, player-friendly, 18-hole golf course. Excellently maintained fairways provide an enjoyable round for golfers of varying skill levels.

For all these reasons and more, Money Inc. magazine named Coral Gables the Best Place to Live in Florida.

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

In the meantime, check out our Coral Gables 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.