Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau East may have gotten its name from the popular resort hotel in Miami Beach, but this compact condo community is far more modest than its luxury counterpart. Highlighting the charm of a planned residential community, Fontainebleau East offers convenience in the form of ample amenities, local charter schools and proximity to the airport and major shopping options along West Flagler Street. “That should really be the center of Miami; it’s a very very very busy area,” says Luis Guzman, a Miami native and a Broker with Continental Realty. The neighborhood was originally the brainchild of Ben Novack, the first owner of the Fontainebleau Hotel, and initial blueprints included a championship golf course wrapped around residential areas. But when Novack fell into financial trouble, local developers took over the operation and squashed the golf course dream, deciding instead to leave the lawns as communal green space. Throughout the years, non-profit organizations like the Keep Bleau Green Committee have fought to save these open areas from new condo developments, suggesting instead that new, structured parks be added to amplify the use of space. Fontainebleau East has a rich tapestry of condo complexes, offering everything from midrise apartment-style units like The Beach Club to connected modern two-story options such as the Oakview community. Wrapped around a large central lake and surrounded by manicured common space, these condos often come with a coveted view much greener than the densely packed neighborhoods off West Flagler Street. Some complexes are even gated and have their own small parks, making them highly coveted for both renters and buyers. “When I think of that area, I think of an ant farm. When people move, there’s always someone else that wants to move in,” Guzman says. The prices, however, are typically much more affordable than neighboring single-family home communities. Primarily built in the 1970s, these condos have a median list price of $300,000, although units can sell as low as $185,000 for a one-bedroom or as high as $400,000 for a three-bedroom. There is a high rental rate here as well, due in part to the neighborhood's proximity to Florida International University. As part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students can attend either E.W.F. Stirrup Elementary or Charles R. Hadley Elementary, which score grades of B+ and B on Niche, respectively. Many students will attend the nearby Ruben Dario Middle, which scores a C+, before moving on to Miami Coral Park Senior High, which scores a B. The high school offers four distinct magnet programs that focus on architecture, engineering, biomedical sciences and construction. Pinecrest North also provides a convenient and tuition-free public charter option in the area. Pinecrest North Academy, located off West Flagler Street, educates the community’s youngest. Pinecrest North Preparatory Charter School sits adjacent to the Fontainebleau Park Community Center and accommodates second through eighth grade students. In 2023, the Pinecrest North family expanded to include a local charter high school as well. Fontainebleau is one of Miami’s greenest communities, with a wealth of open space remaining from the community’s original golf courses. The paved Fontainebleau Trail curves around condos, businesses and lakes, some of which are adorned with pulsing fountains and shoreline benches for enjoying the view. Most of the individual condo complexes come with their own set of amenities, usually including an outdoor pool, tennis courts or a small playground. For bigger playdates, residents can head to the colorful playscape at Ruben Dario Park, which is also home to fields and courts for baseball, soccer, tennis and basketball. A few blocks away, The Women’s Park helps empower young artists with hands-on art classes under the picnic shelter and a handful of art installations that celebrate women’s contributions to society. The 15-acre park also showcases a butterfly garden, a lake surrounded by a paved trail and a spacious playground. Unlike its namesake hotel in Miami Beach, the Fontainebleau area isn’t known for hosting any extravagant events. Some condo communities organize their own local pool or holiday parties, and the Fontainebleau Park Community Center is available to rent for special occasions. But less than 5 miles away, the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition is a hotbed of entertainment with both private and public events throughout the year, including its most notable: a spring extravaganza simply known to locals as The Fair. Fontainebleau East’s proximity to West Flagler Street is a huge plus for shoppers; this main corridor is packed with everything from small, locally owned restaurants to massive shopping centers like Midway Crossings (which many locals still know as Mall of the Americas, despite its 2022 rebrand). From The Home Depot to Costco to Burlington and even a Department of Motor Vehicles branch, Midway has become one of the most prominent plazas south of the Dolphin Expressway. But even closer to home, residents will find Walmart Supercenter and the popular Hispanic grocer Fresco y Más at Park Hill Plaza, as well as a Publix Super Market, Target and Ulta Beauty in nearby Fountain Square. There are also hundreds of storefronts to explore north of the highway at Miami International Mall and Dolphin Mall. When it comes to local eats, diners will find international menus at establishments such as the Columbian Bandeja Paisa, the Nicaraguan Cerro Negro and Sokai Sushi Bar. There are also a handful of fast food and casual restaurants along West Flagler, including Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Texas Roadhouse. With the Palmetto Expressway and the Dolphin Expressway nearby, drivers can easily reach Miami International Airport, Hialeah or head across the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach. “Traffic in the mornings and afternoons can be horrendous, though,” Guzman says. “Everyone here calls the Palmetto the ‘Crawlmetto.’” The 12-mile drive to downtown Miami takes a bit longer by bus — about an hour and a half from the stops along Fontainebleau Boulevard or West Flagler Street — but locals are more likely to take advantage of public transportation for shorter trips, such as visiting area shopping centers.

Just north of Westchester, bustling streets full of shoppers enjoying the sunny Miami weather make up the landscape that is Flagler Park. About 10 miles west of downtown Miami, Flagler Park is a residential and commercial area bisected by its namesake street. “The area is a great central location. It’s close to major expressways and retail shopping along West Flagler Street,” says Yaissette Balarin, Realtor with EXP Realty LLC, who has been in the industry for over 15 years. Boasting convenient public transportation and amenities within walking distance, residents often do not need a car. The community is diverse, with a mix of single-family homes, condos, and apartments. Flagler Park stands out with its proximity to some of Miami’s largest city parks that host some of the city’s most significant events, like the county fair. An assortment of homes for any price range are scattered around, with a mix of gated and open communities. Most residences north of West Flagler Street are multifamily homes. Condominium and apartment complexes fringe the Dolphin Expressway, along with townhouses. South of West Flagler, single-family houses line the roads, ranging from quaint ranch-style homes to broad, Spanish Revival and contemporary builds with attached garages. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $621,000. One-to-three-bed condominiums and townhouses typically range from the $200,000s to the $300,000s. Standalone properties can go from the upper $500,000s for a 1,570 square foot Spanish-style home in the Galloway Lakes subdivision with a community pool to $2 million for a 3,000 square foot contemporary custom home with sleek finishes and a private pool. Along West Flagler Street, a range of strip malls and shopping complexes dot the landscape, including Flager Park Plaza. “A lot of first-time homebuyers want easy access to shopping, and West Flagler Street supports that,” Balarin says. The plaza features retailers such as Publix Super Market for organic produce, PetSmart, and fitness studios like YouFit Gyms. Just down the street is Costco Wholesale and The Home Depot, while Miami International Mall is 3 miles away. For local flavor, grab a table at Sushi Cafe & Shilla Korean BBQ. The extensive menu features sushi, Korean barbecue, hot pots and teriyaki. Those craving curry can head to Ashoka Indian Restaurant, where the authentic fare includes vegetarian options. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools District serves the community, scoring above-average ratings on Niche. Kids in the neighborhood may attend Seminole Elementary School, ranked as the No. 24 standout elementary school and scoring a B-plus rating on Niche. Students then move on to Rockway Middle School and Miami Coral Park Senior High School, both scoring B ratings. High school students can take Advanced Placement courses or participate in various after-school activities like volleyball or cross country. Florida International University’s campus resides just outside the neighborhood, about 3 miles west. While there are no parks in the neighborhood, locals can head to nearby Robert King High Park, featuring a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and various youth camp programs. Tropical Park is a sweet oasis where locals can go biking or hiking or spend the afternoon fishing amongst one of the four lakes. Tropical Park is also the grounds for the annual Christmas Wonderland event. Along Southwest 24th Street, neighbors can strike up a game of tennis or tan out by the year-round swimming pool at Tamiami Park. The nearest beach access is less than 15 miles away at Hobie Island Beach Park, where one can enjoy citywide views from the water. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is on Florida International University’s campus. Here, locals and students alike can explore and ponder the creative minds of artists worldwide. The museum hosts various community events, from art workshops to training and panels. The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition grounds reside just next door, where every Spring, residents flock to fields of Tamiami Park for a range of amusement rides, games, and delicious food. Various roadways surround the Flagler Park community, like the Palmetto and Dolphin Expressways. With immediate access to West Flagler Street, locals are within walking distance of multiple bus stops. The nearest hospital is Keralty Hospital Miami along Southwest 75th Avenue or HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Downtown Miami is just 10 miles away, while Miami International Airport is 7 miles away, making it easy for regional and international travelers.

Named after the famed Miami Beach resort from the 1970s, Fontainebleau Park West is a neighborhood of gated communities with lakes, greenways and beautifully maintained grounds that also happens to offer one of the fastest commutes to Miami International Airport and downtown. “The neighborhood is so close to major parts of the city that properties go quickly after they’re listed,” says Luis Pons, a Realtor with Xcellence Realty. “If you live in the suburbs, you must drive an hour daily to get downtown. In Fontainebleau, you jump on the expressway, and you’re there in minutes.” Composed mostly of townhouses and condominiums that list for between $200,000 and $525,000, Fontainebleau Park West offers good pricing for first-time homebuyers who don’t want to commute too far to work. “The neighborhood is ideal for individuals, couples or small families looking for two- or three-bedroom units,” Pons says. These often feature balconies or covered terraces for outdoor entertaining, with access to community pools, tennis courts, gyms and playgrounds. Sold less frequently, single-family homes go on the market for between $550,000 to $870,000, most offering two-car garages, beautifully paved drives, Mediterranean tile roofs and 24-hour security. “Not every subdivision has a security guard,” Pons says. “But residents without aren’t concerned. You have numbered parking spots if you live in a townhouse or condo. Outsiders don’t come here unless they’re invited.” According to CAP Index, Fontainebleau Park West’s crime rate is on par with the U.S. average, scoring a 4 out of 10. While gated subdivisions of Fontainebleau Park West feature private amenities, the neighborhood is united by a large green space with walking paths that form a circle around the center of the community, what’s left of the former golf course design. In addition, the 15-acre Women’s Park offers a lake and walking paths, a butterfly garden, a children’s playground and a women’s history gallery, which hosts art enrichment programs for all ages. At Ruben Dario Park, residents can play baseball, basketball and tennis. A sand-cushioned playground can be found here, too, and a large open field is often used for soccer games. Fountain Square, within walking distance of the neighborhood, features Publix and Target. Across West Flagler Street, Cajun Boil serves Creole favorites like gumbo and boils. Traditional Venezuelan fare is on the menu at Charles & Larry, and Good Chef Restaurant is known for its Asian dumplings, ramen and bubble tea. The Dolphin Mall and Miami International Mall, which offer nearly 400 retailers and restaurants, are less than 2 miles away. The closest church, Our Lady of Divine Providence, features an annual parish bazaar, men’s and women’s groups, and opportunities to minister to the poor through food pantries and other volunteer work. Located near the entrance to the Dolphin Mall, Vivo! is a 62,000-square-foot dining and entertainment space that hosts sports watch parties, live music and social experiences. Here, residents can enjoy the venue’s Margarita Festival, Big Game Bash on Superbowl Sunday or Hot Country Nights with live concerts featuring some of country music’s biggest stars. The schools that serve the neighborhood include Pinecrest Academy North Campus, a PK-5 charter school that scored a B-plus from Niche. Pinecrest places a strong emphasis on its STEM curriculum and inquiry-based learning model. Ruben Dario Middle, which received a C-plus, is a medical and health sciences magnet school recently named a Merit School of Distinction. Students also attend Miami Coral Park Senior High, a B-minus school offering biomedical and engineering magnet programs. Miami-Dade County Metrobus routes stop in Fontainebleau Park West and connect the neighborhood to the wider metro area. The 836 Dolphin Expressway runs along the top of the neighborhood, and the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, which runs north-south, touches the western end. Miami International Airport is only 10 miles east on the 836. Florida International University’s College of Engineering and Computing is located on West Flagler Street next to The Women’s Park, just over a mile north of the main Florida International University campus. FIU offers over 190 degree programs and has a student body of 58,000. The College of Engineering and Computing specializes in cyber security, various engineering subjects, construction management, and computing and information sciences.