Hialeah Gardens

Not too far from Miami, welcome to Hialeah Gardens, a community where convenience is key.

This area is located 20 miles northwest of downtown Miami and 20 miles west of the nearest beach, Sunny Isles Beach. So, day trips to the busy city and getaways to crashing waves are well within reach of residents. "The location is a main draw," says Mariela Roman, a Realtor with Florida Century Real Estate. "It's close to the airport, and you have the Palmetto Expressway, Ronald Reagan Turnpike and Interstate 75 all right there. So, it doesn't feel as far west as it is." So commuting is a breeze, and so are daily errands thanks to the strip malls and shopping plazas that sit right off main roads with big-box stores like Walmart, Ross and Publix, as well as more regional franchises like Sedano's. Local chain eateries flank these commercial hubs, too. Take the popular Peruvian restaurant Don Camaron Seafood Grill & Market, for example. While named after its made-to-order shrimp, this seafood spot features a plethora of other classic entrees, from paella to lomo saltado.

Most properties in Hialeah Gardens date back to the late 1980s through the '90s. You'll also find some subdivisions tied to later development cycles in the early 2000s and 2010s. Architectural styles lean toward Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired designs, including characteristics like terracotta barrel-roof tiles, arches and warm, neutral tones. Single-family homes mostly comprise tract housing, the main builds being bilevel houses, ranch-style houses and bungalows. Prices for these properties typically range from the high $300,000s to $600,000. For a deal of $375,000, you can land a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,270-square-foot bungalow originally built in 1997. On the north side of the area, however, you'll find estate-style homes on large lots sized at an acre or more. These typically go for anything between $1.5 million and $3 million. As for multifamily homes, such as town houses and condos, you can expect prices to range from $140,000 for, say, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo to $355,000 for a 1,029-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom town house.

Suppose you're looking to have some recreational fun under the South Florida sun in Hialeah Gardens. In that case, you'll probably end up at one of two places. One: Bucky Dent Park; this spot is great for local daredevils with its skate park, and it'll keep the kids at bay with its towering waterslides, swimming pools, athletic fields, sports courts and more. Two: Westland Gardens Park. "People love taking their kids there," Roman says. "It's a family park, and it's very popular." Nestled behind the community’s library, Westland Gardens Park has multipurpose fields, sports courts, a playground and a swimming pool. However, it stands out as the home of the Hialeah Gardens Botanical Garden, which is open seven days a week. Get a breath of fresh tropical air at this picturesque passive park, surrounded by over 45,000 plants, including 500 native species. And if neither of these recreational hubs tickles your fancy, there are more pocket parks in and around Hialeah Gardens that are perfect for quick dog walks, scenic picnics and afternoon playdates.

Local students can start their academic venture at West Hialeah Gardens Elementary, rated with a B on Niche, before attending Hialeah Gardens Middle, rated with a B-plus on Niche, and graduating from Hialeah Gardens High, rated with a B on Niche. This high school boasts the nation's only distinguished NAF (National Academy Foundation) Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Students in this program may pursue interests and even get footholds in jobs such as agricultural technician and veterinary assisting. Alternatively, Hialeah Gardens students may apply to the local, tuition-free charter school Mater Academy Elementary, rated with a B-plus on Niche, and finish out their K-12 career via its associated pipeline. Mater Academy Middle, Mater Academy High and Mater Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy share a campus on the southern tip of the community, rated by Niche with the respective grades of a B-plus and two A-minuses. With the exception of its National Blue Ribbon Performing Arts Academy, Mater Academy schools are all National STEM-certified charter schools.

Convenient for everyday errands and central to major roads and highways, Hialeah Gardens is a fantastic choice for those who want to live near the Magic City but could do without that Miami price tag.

Written By

Jessica Haddad

Photography Contributed By

Eduardo Ford

Video By

Sara Warthen