Miami Springs

When you learn Miami Springs was founded by naval aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss, it may come as no surprise that it borders Miami International, the big-city airport that takes people all over the world. Yet it's the friendly atmosphere of this small city which keeps it firmly rooted and feeling like home. "Maimi Springs isn't like Brickell," says Kenia Lopez, a Realtor with First Service Realty ERA. "Shops are small and walkable here, and when you're out shopping or on the golf course, people know your name."

Typical of the Florida landscape, you'll see Spanish influence in the architecture of most homes. While ranch-style houses are common, don't be surprised by the occasional two-story or split-level model. Minimal traditional designs are popular as well, often blended with Spanish eclectic charm. To the south, Country Club Estates gets its name from the golf course it was designed and built around, the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club, home to South Florida's first PGA event, the discontinued Miami Open. The 18-hole course features nearly 6,800 yards and prides itself on the long list of golf legends who played there, such as Gene Sazaren and Sam Snead. "People who golf really find their niche here," Lopez says. In fact, home prices often depend on how close they are to neighborhood landmarks, such as the golf course, or whether they're newly built or renovated. Higher end homes are typically larger, around 2,500 square feet, "with nicer lot sizes," says Lopez. They often sit on a half to full acre of land and list for between $900,000 and $2.5 million. Smaller homes with half the square footage list in the $550,000 to $850,000 range.

Miami Springs is also home to Springview Elementary and Miami Springs Senior High, both part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Springview received a B-plus from Niche and offers extracurricular activities, such as art and music clubs, a robotics group and a morning news crew. Miami Springs Senior was the first school in the county to offer an academy of hospitality and tourism program, one of four magnet programs at the high school.

Near the heart of the city is an area known as The Circle, serving as the community hub since the city was established in the 1920s. With a small pocket park at its center, businesses fan out around this historic area. In addition to The Circle and Miami Springs Golf and Country Club, more historic sites dot the city, including the Curtiss Mansion, an excellent example of mission revival architecture, the GFWC Miami Springs Woman's Club, the Marine Corps Memorial and the Osceola Apartment Hotel.

Several local parks and recreational facilities also help bring the community together. Among them is Miami Springs Community Center, a 35,000-square-foot indoor space with two basketball courts, a jogging track and a community theater. The Aquatic Center, also part of the complex, features an outdoor pool with a zero-entry beach area, as well as a 35-foot water slide. The pool is heated in winter, too, so it can be enjoyed year-round. A football field and two baseball diamonds are located at Prince Field across Westward Drive, one of the many streets with walking/biking paths that run throughout the neighborhood. Miami Springs Tennis & Racquetball Center offers lessons and plenty of court time. And across town is Stafford Park with two soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, and a sun-shielded tot lot.

Stop by Cozy Corner for a retro vibe and a delicious chocolate milkshake. "If you go on a Saturday, you'll often see people you've known all your life," Lopez says. Or if you're craving some homestyle cooking, sidle over to Crackers Southern Dining to dig into the honey-butter biscuits and fried green tomatoes.

When you’re looking to stock your kitchen instead of dining out, visit Milam’s Market. Across the canal lining the eastern edge of the neighborhood, Curtiss Parkway turns into Hialeah Drive, which is lined with more retailers, such as Publix and CVS.

Miami Springs is under 10 miles from Downtown Miami, making this small city rich in history and big in modern convenience.

Written By

Tina Davis

Photography Contributed By

Enrique Rios

Video By

Matthew Bloch