Upper East Side North

The Upper East Side, or simply the “UES,” is a historic neighborhood on the shores of Biscayne Bay, praised for its walkability and convenience. Comprising multiple smaller neighborhoods like Belle Meade and Morningside, the Upper East Side has enough unique character and charm to attract potential homebuyers in every stage of life. That said, welcome to the northern half of this charming community: UES North.

“It’s convenient for everything,” says Lori Brandt, a UES resident and broker associate with Compass. “Parks, schools, downtown, the beach.” It's also an ideal area for boaters, anglers and folks who just like being on the blue water. Plenty of properties in UES North are waterfront and have private docks facing the open bay or an off-shooting canal. And while there are more dry lots than waterfront lots, no one around these parts is landlocked. Just across the 79th Street West Drawbridge, which turns into the John F. Kennedy Causeway, the Pelican Harbor Marina sits less than a mile from the neighborhood, giving residents a place to dock, store and launch their watercraft.

Despite its spacious waterfront and proximity to downtown, UES North is mostly residential, offering a suburban mix of multifamily condos and single-family homes built in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Single-family properties generally comprise ranch-style builds with Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired designs, boasting characteristics typical of Miami and the greater South Florida, such as stucco siding, barrel roof tiles, arches and neutral tones. Three-bedroom homes range from the upper $800,000s to nearly $3 million, with most listings averaging just north of $1 million. On the other hand, multifamily residences, mainly condominiums, average in the mid $400,000s but can reach over $1 million depending on amenities.

Green spaces are spread throughout UES North, perfect for momentary escapes from the hustle and bustle of Miami. Small parks like Little River Pocket Park or Belle Meade Mini Park offer playgrounds and space to run around within easy walking distance of home. In contrast, larger parks like Legion Memorial Park have more amenities like outdoor exercise stations, basketball and tennis courts, a shaded playground and a public boat launch. Furthermore, off the park's shore lie the Picnic Islands, a series of small uninhabited islands easily accessible by boat, with small beaches and ample tree cover ideal for a picnic. Other waterfront green spaces like Baywood Park or Morningside Park are perfect for fishing, birding or just relaxing by the water.

As for local flavor, try Mexican street food favorites like elote and birria tacos at Uptown 66 Taqueria, or if you're craving classic American comfort food, head to Blue Collar, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the Upper East Side by Dish Miami. Plan on cooking at home? Find what you need at local specialty grocery stores like Marky's Gourmet or nearby chains like Publix and Sabor Tropical Market. There's also the weekly farmer's market at Legion Memorial Park, ideal for snagging the freshest produce.

Students in UES North are served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. They can begin their journey nearby at Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Elementary or Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary before moving on to Horace Mann Middle, where students interested in television and media may produce and broadcast their own newscasts. From there, students can attend and graduate from Miami Edison Senior High. This high school offers three choice programs to gain essential skills and key certifications to give students a leg up on future careers and post-secondary education. Students can enroll in the culinary arts program, emergency medical responder program or the Academy of Finance and Entrepreneurship.

Right off main Miami thoroughfare Biscayne Boulevard, UES North hugs the fringes of the Magic City's lively downtown while maintaining an air of tropical suburban tranquility.

Written By

Quinn Lilly

Photography Contributed By

Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio

Video By

Robert Edmonds