Leisure City blends quirky history with steady development
One mystery will forever haunt the neighborhood of Leisure City — how did Edward Leedskalnin single-handedly carve over 1,100 tons of coral rock to build Coral Castle? The eccentric moved to Leisure City in 1936 when most of the area was farmland filled with oolite limestone deposits (the “coral rock” Leedskalnin used). Over the years, the neighborhood has grown significantly around this unusual house on South Dixie Highway. Today, Leisure City attracts military families, especially those from the Homestead Air Reserve Base to the east, and medical staff from the nearby Baptist Health Homestead Hospital, says Realtor/loan originator Roxana Quintana with Equitable Company Realtors. “New construction and new shopping centers are the norm,” she says.
Leisure City, Florida features palm-lined streets and a welcoming community vibe.
Redland Market Village near Leisure City offers shopping and weekend entertainment.
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Mix of New Traditional and ranch-style homes across the area
New traditional styles comprise the new construction in the community; many with Mediterranean design elements and over 2,000 square feet. Older homes are mostly ranch-style, built between 1950 and 1985. Some homes feature low fences and most feature driveways. Lots are petite; some are landscaped with grass and palm trees and others paved over to include more space for parking. Residential streets are often lined with sidewalks. Prices range from almost $300,000 to $750,000. Many of the community’s townhouses are new construction, with two, three or four bedrooms and priced between $210,000 to $485,000. Condos are also available, ranging from $150,000 to $255,000.
Raised ranch homes in Leisure City offer comfort and classic design.
Ranch-style homes are common throughout Leisure City’s older neighborhoods.
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Students have access to school choice and magnet options
Miami-Dade Public Schools serves the community, offers school choice and rates an A-minus on Niche. The schools zoned to the area are C-plus-rated Campbell Drive K-8 Center, Redland Middle School, which is a magnet option and has a B-minus Niche rating; and B-rated South Dade Senior High, another magnet option. Students at South Dade Senior High can participate in the school’s career academies, including culinary arts, nursing and computer game development.
Dedicated teachers at local schools in Homestead support student learning.
Lincoln Marti School Berkshire in Homestead emphasizes quality education.
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Some parks offer playgrounds, courts and afterschool programs
Both Modello Park and Live Like Bella Park feature playgrounds, basketball courts and recreation centers with afterschool programs and summer camps. Live Like Bella Park also offers a baseball field, an outdoor fitness gym and lake views. Nature buffs head to Seminole Wayside Park, which has walking trails that travel through acres of pine rockland and endangered plant species.
Live Like Bella Park in Leisure City hosts family events and outdoor activities.
Live Like Bella Park in Leisure City offers playgrounds and recreation areas.
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Grocery stores, Lowe’s and a hospital are close by
Medical services are just over the Ronald Reagan Turnpike at Baptist Health Homestead Hospital. Residents pick up groceries Publix, Walmart, Fresco y Más, and smaller shops like Sabor Tropical Supermarket and La Ranchera Meat Market. Home Depot and Lowe’s are also nearby. Dining out options include popular chains like LongHorn Steakhouse and Raising Cains, and local spot Shiver’s BBQ, which has been selling authentic hickory smoked barbecue for over 60 years.
Fresco y Más in Leisure City provides affordable groceries and local products.
Redland Market Village north of Leisure City is known for fresh produce and unique finds.
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Major highways and Metrobus connect to greater Miami
U.S. Route 1 and Florida’s Turnpike flank the community and connect to the rest of the greater Miami area. For residents who want to take public transportation, the county’s Metrobus has stops along Biscayne Drive and other main roadways. Miami International Airport is about 30 miles away.
Metrobus service along Biscayne Drive connects Leisure City to greater Miami.
Military families often choose Leisure City for its proximity to Homestead Air Reserve Base.
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Coastal location means hurricane risks for residents
Due to Leisure City’s location near the coast, it is vulnerable to hurricanes. Miami-Dade County’s website has resources to help keep residents prepared before, during and after major storms.
Between Miami and the Keys, Leisure City is a welcoming place to live
While rumors still fly about whether Edward Leedskalnin used ancient sciences (or maybe had help from extraterrestrials) to build Coral Castle, the neighborhood that grew around it is far from alien. It is a community where military families, medical personnel or anyone seeking the South Florida lifestyle can feel at home. Plus, the neighborhood is equidistant between Maimi and the Florida Keys, another important fact that attracts many leisure enthusiasts to this enchanting locality.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Yanan Sun
Video By
Victoria York
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