Sunny Acres

If we learned anything from 1960s sitcoms, it’s that Green Acres was the place to be. And while Zsa Zsa Gabor might have argued with that mantra, there’s certainly a lot to be said for another acres-themed neighborhood. Case in point: Sunny Acres in North Miami. It can be an easy neighborhood to overlook, as it only covers about 10 city blocks and is almost entirely residential. With its modest ranch-style homes and quiet streets, the neighborhood doesn’t do a lot to draw attention to itself. But those who do take the time to visit discover that it is something of a hidden gem. Offering easy access to nearby amenities and highways, it's just 5 miles from the beaches of Miami and only 15 miles from the bustling glamor of South Beach. Ironically, Sunny Acres is so easily overlooked because there is so much around it. “Sunny Acres is close to literally everything,” says Miami-based Realtor Andres Maldonado. “Shopping, the beach: All of it is right there.”

The median price of real estate in Sunny Acres is around $547,000, and buyers can expect to pay around $340 per square foot. A cozy two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow can sell for just under $400,000, and a spacious five-bedroom/three-bathroom ranch-style home with a pool can go for as much as $840,000. “The prices in the area are competitive for the area,” says Moldonado. “There are some real bargains, too.”

The neighborhood’s assigned school district is North Miami Community Schools, and parents can send their children to North Miami Elementary, North Miami Middle and North Miami Senior High School. North Miami Elementary earns a C+ rating on Niche.com, and both North Miami Middle and North Miami Senior High School earn a C rating. There are also multiple private schools in the area, including American Heritage Schools, which was ranked the best private school in the state by South Florida Business Journal.

An interesting facet of Sunny Acres is the Good Neighbor Stormwater Park. While many of us hear the word “park” and think about playgrounds and walking trails, Good Neighbor Stormwater Park is more aimed at fostering contemplation. Visitors to the park are invited to sit on benches and look at the art piece situated in the center of the small reservoir located nearby. Markers on the artwork rise and fall, depending on the amount of stormwater that has been drained from the surrounding area. Built on a flood-prone vacant lot, the park was created as part of a larger project called Keeping Current: A Sea Level Rise Challenge For Greater Miami, and the intended purpose of the project was to increase awareness about how much water the area receives.

When it’s time to stock up on groceries, Bravo Supermarket is under a mile from Sunny Acres, and Walmart Super Center is only 2 miles away for all of those home necessities. The Mall at 163rd Street is less than 10 minutes’ drive, and there shoppers will find stores including Ross Dress For Less, Mashikos Sportswear and plenty of other options from which to choose. And just in case your shopping bug needs even more options, you can be hitting the shops of downtown Miami in under half-an-hour. And when you feel like dining out, check out the offerings from nearby Cuisine Creole for authentic Haitian delicacies, or stop by Lucy’s Takeout Cafeteria for everything from sandwiches to fried chicken to fresh seafood.

The search for a new home can be a draining process, and it’s easy to overlook a neighborhood like Sunny Acres. But patience pays off when you’re shopping for real estate, and hidden gems like Sunny Acres suddenly materialize in front of you. With well-built homes and plenty of nearby amenities, this is one neighborhood you want to make sure you don’t miss.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Eduardo Ford

Video By

Alexander Wong