Miami Gardens

“One of the advantages of choosing a neighborhood like Andover is its location,” says Eddie Blanco, a broker with Stratwell, LLC, who has been selling real estate in the Miami area for more than 25 years. “It’s north of the Golden Glades interchange — where Florida’s Turnpike, the Palmetto Expressway and I-95 meet — so it offers great access to Broward and Miami-Dade counties.” <br><br>Andover’s proximity to both Fort Lauderdale and Miami was part of its appeal from the beginning. After the construction of I-95 in the late 1960s, the area attracted many middle- and upper-income African American and West Indian American families who migrated from Miami to what would later become the neighborhoods of Miami Gardens. Andover is one of them. Here, you'll find single-family, ranch-style houses built in the 1960s and 1970s and new town houses, many featuring single-car garages and resort-style amenities, for between $400,000 and $800,000. Low-rise, two-story condominiums, many part of 55-plus communities and offering stunning waterfront views, sell for between $100,000 and $300,000. “Buyers today want the convenience of living close to major highways while enjoying a lower cost of living,” Blanco says. With one-bedroom condos selling for as little as $95,000 and three-to-four-bedroom single-family homes and town houses starting at $400,000, Andover has what buyers are looking for.<br><br>The public schools that serve Andover include Miami Norland Senior High School, where programs such as career-focused academies, dual enrollment opportunities with colleges and universities, and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps give students multiple options for designing on their futures. Other schools that serve the area are Norland Elementary, which offers the Cambridge International Program, and Andover Middle, where students can take advantage of the Cambridge Secondary 1 Program for middle schoolers.<br><br>Andover may be only 2 square miles in size, but that doesn’t mean there’s no place to go for quality rec time. Andover Park was recently renovated and offers a sun-shielded kiddie playground, a basketball court and a walking trail. Go north above Northwest 215th Street, and you’ll find Snake Warrior’s Island Natural Area, the site of the oldest documented Seminole settlement in the eastern Everglades and once the camp of Chitto Tustenuggee, the legendary Snake Warrior. This 53-acre park attracts bird watchers, nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts with its lake, its elevated oak hammock and its re-created wetland.<br><br>While the neighborhood is only 12 miles from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, residents need only travel a few blocks to South State Road 7 — the 441— where they can explore dozens of restaurants and retailers. Want some lunch? Try Trinkin Trinkin for their plump salads and juicy wraps — you’ll leave satisfied. (“Trinkin Trinkin,” by the way, means “everything positive, good energy, enthusiasm” and more, according to their website.) For a gratifying (and filling) cultural experience, stop in at Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, the only one of its kind south of Orlando. A sampler plate will get you dollops of their popular dishes served with Injera, a spongy bread used in place of utensils. And for everyday necessities, you can head to Ives Dairy Crossing, which has a Publix and a Walgreens.<br><br>World-class shopping and other attractions are also just a few miles east. Hop on NW 199th Street, which will take you to Biscayne Boulevard, and you’ll arrive at Adventura Mall. This three-story luxury mall features five department stores, including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, coveted brands like Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Rolex, as well as more than 300 of the world’s most popular retailers. In the same area, take a friend or the family to Tidal Cove Waterpark, an aquatic center with a wave generator to surf on, spectacular waterslides with names like Aqua Drop and Master Blaster, and a lazy river that you can watch the kids float by on from your own private cabana. Or if you want to hit the Atlantic, Hollywood Beach is just a little farther east and has its own magnificent boardwalk with restaurants, shops and beachside activities galore.<br><br>Andover may be small, but it’s minutes (not hours) from almost anywhere in South Florida. “This is a great central location and a great community to come home to,” Blanco says.

Strolling along the quiet sidewalks of Leslie Estates, shaded by red-flowering royal poinciana trees, you’re reminded of what makes Florida so special. Reminiscent of a Caribbean island paradise, modest ranch-style houses painted in vibrant colors line the streets, palm trees tower overhead and the faint scent of the ocean wafts through the air. Thoughts of how to pass the day may cross your mind: You could spend time at Lester B. Brown Park, walk the shores of Miami Garden Lake, get some exercise at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, cheer on the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers at nearby Hard Rock Stadium, or maybe grab some takeout from Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill. You might even choose to make the 30-minute drive to Sunny Isles Beach and relax in the sand. Because the neighborhood is so ideally situated, you have easy access to all of these amenities, and more. <br><br>Despite all these advantages, you still have access to some of the most affordable real estate in the area. With so many options available to residents of Leslie Estates – plus convenient access to major highways – at a price point far below most of the surrounding area, this South Florida neighborhood is definitely worth a look. “It’s a great, up-and-coming neighborhood,” says Realtor Robert Jones of Blue Waters Realty. “It’s convenient to everything – the stadium, the turnpike, the airport, shopping. It’s all close by.”<br><br>The median price for homes in Leslie Estates is $381,000, well below the $460,000 median price of the greater Miami Gardens area (not to mention the $650,000 median of Miami). Ranch-style homes predominate the neighborhood, and many are painted in tropical hues that give the neighborhood that quintessential “Florida feel.” A two-bedroom/one-bathroom ranch-style home can sell for around $245,000, and a spacious four-bedroom/two-bathroom townhouse lists for up to $410,000. “The whole Miami Gardens area has gotten much more expensive, and Leslie Estates is one of the last neighborhoods to see the price increases,” says Jones. “But the prices are going to go up there, too.”<br><br>Students in the neighborhood can attend Brentwood Elementary, Carol City Middle and Miami Carol City Senior High School. All three schools earn a C+ rating from Niche.com. Parents also have the option to send their children to several private schools in the area, including Robert Morgan Educational Center.<br><br>Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in Leslie Estates. Lester B. Brown Park, featuring multiple sports fields, an outdoor fitness area, walking trail, playground and picnic areas, is in the southwestern portion of the neighborhood. Nearby is the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, offering visitors access to a swimming pool, running track, indoor courts for both volleyball and basketball, a fitness center and a walking trail. And just across 199th Street is Miami Gardens Lake, perfect for a quick swim or a little lakeside relaxation. If you’re longing for some beach time, you’re only 30 minutes from Sunny Isles Beach, and about the same distance to downtown Miami and the beaches nearby that urban center. And when the Bucs are playing at home, you can almost walk to the games, with Hard Rock Stadium less than two miles from the neighborhood.<br><br>Adding to the convenience of Leslie Estates, Aldi is located within the neighborhood for groceries, and Walmart Super Center is a few minutes’ walk from the neighborhood for all of your home necessities and other shopping needs. Stadium Corners shopping center is just across the street from the eastern border of Leslie Estates, offering plenty of shopping opportunities when you feel the need for some retail therapy. And for those times when you just don’t feel like cooking, check out Captain Fish and Chicken where you can get local red snapper, grouper or conch in addition to fried chicken.<br><br>What makes life in Florida so special? There’s the weather, of course, but there’s also the plentiful amenities and that hard-to-describe essence of life in the Sunshine State. Finding both of those things in a single neighborhood can be challenging; finding both of those things at a price point that is accessible to a lot of potential buyers can be next-to-impossible. But Leslie Estates brings them all together in one conveniently-located neighborhood.

The proximity of the Myrtle Grove neighborhood to some of the city’s best shopping and entertainment centers doesn’t minimize its quiet communal atmosphere. “They do summer programs for kids at the park, there are walkable restaurants, and they’re always looking for ways to bring the community together,” says Arleen Davis-Slagle, Realtor CIPS with Realty Home Advisors International. Located just a few miles from Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium, the neighborhood offers a modest suburban lifestyle with shopping, dining, education and entertainment all within reach. St. Thomas University and Florida Memorial University sit to the south, and there are even a handful of religious institutions nearby, including the local Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church and the Islamic Center of Greater Miami. But with its sidewalk-lined streets and central park, Myrtle Grove remains a comfortable suburban community with a convenient edge. Myrtle Grove Park is at the heart of the community, both literally and figuratively. With an abundance of young children in the neighborhood, the park is “absolutely phenomenal in hosting the small tots' football game,” Davis-Slagle says, recounting the annual tradition that brings community members together and gives kids a taste of Miami Dolphins fandom on a local level. “At five years old, that’s a big thing for them,” she says. The park also includes a shaded playground, tennis courts and a basketball court about a block away from Myrtle Lake. Swimming isn’t recommended on this local reservoir, but some lakeside homes have small piers or boat docks set up to make the most of the scenery. During the week, blue-shirt and khaki-clad children make their way to Myrtle Grove K-8 Center, a neighborhood school that scores a grade of C-plus on Niche. While some students in the area may attend sixth through eighth grade at C-plus-rated Carol City Middle, most will move on to C-plus-rated Miami Carol City Senior High. Here, interested students can enroll in magnet programs for electric vehicle and automotive repair, criminal justice or law. Although sections of the neighborhood are zoned for Miami Northland Senior High or Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High, students have the option to attend any district school as part of Miami-Dade County’s School Choice program. Nearby private options include Beacon Hill Preparatory School or faith-based institutions such as the Catholic Monsignor Edward Pace High. At the Miami Job Corps Center, young adults can gain hands-on experience in technical jobs like welding. “They partner with a lot of different businesses and colleges, too, like Opa Locka Airport or Florida Memorial University,” Davis-Slagle says. Besides a few apartments to the east of Northwest 27th Avenue and some townhouses near the Gardens Promenade shopping center, Myrtle Grove’s residential landscape is dominated by single-family ranch-style homes. Styles range from traditional Mediterranean to refreshing contemporary, and although most homes were built between 1940 and 1970, a few have received recent upgrades that can raise prices. Overall, though, buyers can expect three-bedroom homes to vary between $400,000 and $700,000, a range that’s increased by about 16% over the last few years. Hard Rock Stadium is the ultimate destination for sports fans. The complex hosts Miami Dolphins games, the Formula One Grand Prix and the Miami Open, along with a handful of concerts from big-name artists like Taylor Swift. But the event that really draws locals is the annual Jazz in the Garden music festival, an annual tradition since 2006 that Davis-Slagle says gets “bigger and bigger every year.” Most of the area’s shopping and dining options are concentrated along Northwest 27th Avenue, giving residents direct access to clothing and department stores like Marshalls, Five Below and Burlington. Walmart, Aldi and Winn Dixie are all within a few minutes of the neighborhood, and “there’s even a local meat market there, giving you that small-town feel and look,” Davis-Slagle says. But it’s the dining scene that she says really makes this stretch of the city stand out. “You can go from eating a meal at Denny’s to walking across the street for a Caribbean Island experience.” She recommends local favorite Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant, which is so close that some residents may even be able to walk there. Following the Palmetto Expressway east to the Golden Glades interchange — the local moniker for the junction of Palmetto, Florida’s Turnpike, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 441 and the Metrorail tracks — gives commuters access to nearly all of South Florida’s eastern shore. To the west, the Palmetto links up with Interstate 75, which spans the Everglades to reach Naples. In addition to local Metrobus and Metrorail stations, Miami Gardens provides commuters with a free trolley service.

While it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami Gardens, Norwood is changing. With dozens of charming single-family homes, some needing updates and renovations, the area is attracting investors who are putting in their time and money—and the results have been transformative. “These homes were built in the 1950s and 60s, and investors are getting them where they need to be for today’s homebuyer; this is a remarkable transformation,” says Leopold Manuel, a Realtor with Lifestyle International Realty who has 8 years of selling experience in the Miami area. The expansive flavors of local eateries and quick access to nearby amenities pair with these renovations to make it an ideal up-and-coming suburban community. The residential streets of Norwood are home to neat, modest sidewalks that lead to the warm cream and yellow exteriors of its ranch-style homes. These homes feature manicured yards and a sprinkling of palm trees synonymous with Southern Florida. Now that the community is sought after thanks to improvements and investment opportunities, homebuyers need to act fast if they want to find what they’re looking for, Manuel says. “When homes go on the market in Norwood, they’re often snatched up quickly.” Those looking to purchase a home in the community can expect a price range from $130,000 for a condo to $579,000 for a single-family home, depending on size and condition. Weekly shopping runs are easy in Norwood, thanks to a local Publix to the north on Northwest 199th Street and a Walmart Supercenter off Northwest 177th Street to the south. When it’s time for food, jerk chicken or curry goat can be found at Jamaica House, while fresh Caribbean baked goods can be picked up at Taste Rite Bakery, known for its flaky, flavorful jerk chicken patties. Meanwhile, food and fun converge nearby at the newly constructed Topgolf on the neighborhood’s south end—a fun excursion for amateur golfers. Residents have plenty of opportunities to get to know one another at local events like the City of Miami Gardens Norwood Park Pool Party, where neighbors can enjoy the recently renovated park’s pool with music, activities and refreshments. Not far away, the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex is where the July 4th Food Trucks and Fireworks Celebration takes place and attendees can enjoy an afternoon of celebration concluding with a fireworks show. When the bell rings, young students head to Norwood Elementary School, which has received a B from Niche. Older students will attend Norland Middle School, which earned a C from Niche, before taking classes at Miami Norland Senior High School. The home of the Vikings has a C ranking on Niche and offers several honor societies for students to explore, including English, Thespian, Science and more. When it’s time to get outside, residents head to one of Norwood’s many parks, including Norwood Park. Visitors can enjoy a tennis match or basketball game before jumping into its on-site pool. Optimist Park is where most youth sports like soccer and football take place, including games on the weekend. Commutes from Norwood are convenient, thanks to nearby roadways. Those commuting into downtown Miami for work can reach the city’s center in 13 miles along I-95, while flights at Miami International Airport sit just 3 miles farther along the same route. Closer to home is Jackson North Medical Center, less than 3 miles southeast.

Sixteen miles north of Miami is the City of Miami Gardens, primarily known as the home of Hard Rock Stadium, where the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and college football’s Miami Hurricanes play. Just to the north of the stadium is the Lake Lucerne neighborhood. “People love the neighborhood's location for that, as well as the access to major highways,” says Eddie Blanco, a broker with Stratwell LLC who has been selling in the Miami area for 25 years. “The Golden Glades Interchange is five miles south, and that’s the intersection of six major highways that allow access to locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.” The neighborhood is also in the shadow of a large casino. Calder Casino opened its doors in 2010, and includes slots, electronic table games and bingo. The 100,000-square-foot building has over 1,000 slot machines, including video poker. For those who don’t want to press their luck, there’s weekly live entertainment and a place to gather to watch the game at Lucky’s, the casino sports bar. In addition, there’s The Kitchen at Calder’s for those who want a bite to eat without the sports atmosphere. For the most part, Lake Lucerne's single-family homes were built in the 1960s and are ranch-style houses with some front yards that are fenced in. Some homes have been completely renovated as of about 20 years ago. Other styles of homes include Mediterranean-influenced bungalows. Homes generally have three to four bedrooms and between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet of living space. A collection of Spanish-style townhouses and condominiums was built in the 1970s. Single-family homes list between $400,000 and $550,000, and condos and townhouses range from $250,000 to $400,000. “The trend is that many buyers today want the convenience of living close to major highways while enjoying a lower cost of living,” Blanco says. About 70% of the people in Lake Lucerne rent their homes. Heading south on 27th Avenue past 203rd Street is the area of Hard Rock Stadium, where there is a grocery option at Walmart Supercenter and ALDI. In addition to the restaurant options at Calder’s Casino, Lorna’s Caribbean and American Grill on 27th Avenue features Caribbean favorites like jerk chicken and staples like coconut shrimp. Residents who live in Lake Lucerne experience some unique background noise during parts of the year. If Tyreek Hill scores a touchdown on an autumn Sunday, they may hear the cheers from Hard Rock Stadium, which opened in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium. The multi-purpose facility also hosts the Orange Bowl, Formula 1 racing and the Miami Open tennis tournament. The stadium will host multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Miami-Dade County Public School District has over 350,000 students enrolled. The schools in Miami Gardens where Lake Lucerne kids could attend include the North County K-8 Center, with nearly 400 students attending through eighth grade. The school has a C overall grade on Niche. Some may opt to attend sixth through eighth grade at Lake Stevens Middle School, with a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. There’s a history of elite football at Miami Carol Senior High School. The Chiefs won three football state championships between 1996 and 2003 and produced the likes of former NFL receiver Santana Moss. Rapper Flo Rida is also a graduate. In 2022, improvements were made to Bennett Lifter Park, which included a facelift for the basketball court, picnic pavilion, playground and recreation building. The park is also located near a large lake surrounded by apartment buildings. The Florida heat can be intense throughout the year, and that’s why there’s a splash pad at Buccaneer Park. That space got a makeover in 2018 to feature a recreation building, walking trail and tennis courts. The Miami Gardens Express bus service is the prime public transportation in the area. Plenty of bus stops are located along 207th Street, 27th Avenue, 211th Street and 215th Street. Memorial Regional Hospital is the closest major facility, 8 miles to the northeast. It’ll take a half-hour to drive south to Miami International Airport. The smaller Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport is only 6 miles away. North Perry Airport is a private facility 4 miles to the north.

Homebuyers are flocking to the neighborhood of Riverdale for many reasons, says real estate broker Luis Guzman with Continental Realty LLC. “Pricing and proximity to Broward County, Ronald Reagan Turnpike and the Hard Rock Stadium,” he says, are just a few.<br><br>Homes in this section of Miami Gardens range from $150,000 for handyman specials to $600,000 for fully restored and upgraded dwellings. “Everyone is looking for pricing,” Guzman says, “and Riverdale has some of the lowest.” Most single-family houses were built in the 1960s, some with architectural details such as stone facades, wrought iron fencing and decorative gates. You’ll find lush lawns in this neighborhood and paved drives with enough room for multiple vehicles. Spanish-style roofs are also popular, as are arched porticos and brightly painted stucco walls. The neighborhood borders the Broward County line, which means residents who work there can easily take Northwest 27th Avenue, the main business corridor, to get to work. With a recently built city hall and police station, the new Miami Gardens City Center, a massive shopping district due to be completed in 2025, and the Hard Rock Stadium only 2 miles away, Riverdale is by far the winner regarding location.<br><br>The schools that serve Riverdale include North County K-8 Center, which offers a parent academy to help primary caregivers better understand the expectations placed on their child and the child’s educational options. The academy also hosts a family fest where parents can learn about North County’s music program, magnet and choice programs, local health resources and more. Lake Stevens Middle is offering a brand-new Apple coding magnet program that immerses students in coding and computer science to set them apart in their careers. At Miami Carol City Senior High, students in the school’s law magnet program learn legal terminology, analyze cases, participate in court proceedings and earn dual-enrollment credit with the St. Thomas University College of Law.<br><br>Buccaneer Park, the main recreational area in the neighborhood, provides the opportunity for individuals and families to get out and play sports or just play. Visitors can hustle on two basketball and two tennis courts or get their steps in on the walking paths. For the little ones, the park offers a sun-shielded playground with swings, slides and jungle gyms and a buccaneer-themed splash pad with “spray ’n play” interactive features. A 4,000-square-foot recreation center provides meeting space, and picnic pavilions offer outdoor gathering spots for cookouts and parties. The park underwent a complete makeover in 2018, and it continues to be a place where the community gathers to have fun and spend time together.<br><br>For households with infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children, the Little Bethelites 2 school is within walking distance of many homes and offers a curriculum that develops fine motor skills and literacy for kindergarten and beyond. Big Boy Market on Northwest 207th Street sells grocery essentials, as well as prepared food for takeout. For a larger selection, you’ll find a Publix at the River Run Shopping Center and another on Miramar Parkway, less than 3 miles away. With Ronald Reagan Turnpike and Northwest 27th Avenue bordering the neighborhood, you’re always a short drive from shopping and attractions, such as Calder Casino, Hard Rock Stadium, and Miramar Square, a Mediterranean-style outdoor shopping center with national brands and small businesses.<br><br>If you’re hunting for a lower-cost home option that’s convenient to Broward County, with shopping and entertainment nearby, set your sights on Riverdale, a neighborhood with “location” written all over it.