Community near the city of Homestead and rural Redland area
Located on the cusp of the agricultural Redland area, the residential community of Naranja blends suburban living with a rural atmosphere. “You’re really able to catch your breath out here, it’s very peaceful,” says Maria Knapp, a local real estate agent with LPT Realty. Housing options in this community offer a mix of modern single-family homes that line quiet streets and gated communities full of townhouses, apartments and condos. Many of the properties in this area were rebuilt following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, which tore through South Florida in 1992. Because of the ensuing damage, most of Naranja’s homes have been renovated as the community is revitalized. “It’s really hit a growing spurt; there’s lots of new activity and new construction,” Knapp says. Bordering the area to the south and the west is Redland, a historic community characterized by sprawling farmlands dotted with scenic event venues. Just south of Naranja is the small city of Homestead, which is home to the Homestead-Miami Speedway and Baptist Health Homestead Hospital.
Naranja, FL, is a beautiful neighborhood to live in.
Residents of Naranja enjoy the beauty of Florida from their backyards.
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Berry picking at local farms
Many of the farms in the Redland area are periodically open to the public: “There’s The Berry Farms, where you can pick strawberries and get milkshakes, which are known to be some of the best milkshakes around. They’ve also got a huge play area, and they do hayrides that are pulled by a tractor; kids really love it,” Knapp says. She also adds that it isn’t unusual to see locals riding around the community on horseback and that equestrian recreation is common in the area. Residents here can also spend time relaxing at Naranja Park, which features sports fields, basketball courts, a playground and a public pool with an aquatic recreation area. Also in the community is Naranja Lakes Legacy Park, where locals can stroll along lakefront walking paths lined with benches.
Have fun with the whole family at The Berry Farm, north of Naranja, FL.
Enjoy the beauty of the Florida waters at Naranja Lakes Park.
Pick your strawberries at The Berry Farm in Naranja, FL.
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Newer homes with hints of Mediterranean architecture
There’s a mix of single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses in Naranja. Newer homes here are “typically two-story with a little bit of Mediterranean flavor. Inside, it’s very crisp, light colors and high ceilings,” Knapp says, adding that many of the older properties in the area are ranch styles that have been through renovations. Several private communities can be found throughout Naranja, including Malibu Gardens, Riverside Villas and Mandarin Lakes, which all offer resident-only amenities. Residences here also tend to include paved driveways and garages; some homes feature Spanish-influenced architecture, such as stucco facades and clay tile finishings. Residential property prices start at around $350,000 and can climb up to approximately $600,000.
Malibu Gardens is a great place to start a new life in Naranja, FL.
Spanish revival style homes in Naranja transports you to a more simpler times.
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Magnet programs offered at Homestead Senior High
Students here are served by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which receive an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Young learners can kickstart their education at Dr. William A. Chapman Elementary, which feeds into Redland Middle School; both schools receive C-plus ratings. Secondary students can attend Homestead Senior High School, a B-rated institution that offers dual enrollment options with Florida International University (FIU) and three magnet programs: Veterinary Science Magnet, Nursing Magnet Program and Hospitality Management Magnet Program. Community education opportunities, including programs for children in preschool, are offered at the Naranja Branch Library.
Dr. William A. Chapman Elementary School is the Home of the Eagles
Redland Middle School in Homestead, FL has a great diversity of students enrolled.
Homestead Middle School in Homestead, FL has a 19 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
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Fresh fruits and veggies at Villa Verde Farmer’s Market
Nearby shopping plazas give residents easy access to plenty of shopping and dining options; basic household goods and retail items can be found at chains such as Dollar General or the Walmart Neighborhood Market. For a wide selection of groceries, residents can shop at Fresco y Mas just off Route 1, also known as South Dixie Highway. Flama Steakhouse, located farther down the road, serves traditional Brazilian meats via tableside service and features a gourmet salad bar. Less than a mile outside the community in the Redland area is the Villa Verde Farmer’s Market, where locals can browse tons of fresh produce options and order organic smoothies.
Order fresh juices and delicious foods at Villa Verde Farmers Market near Naranja, FL.
Shop at your local Walmart Neighborhood Market for bunk deals on groceries in Naranja, FL.
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Locals line up for famous Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls
The nearby family owned Knaus Berry Farm is the site of a unique community tradition during the Redland farming seasons: “Knaus Berry Farm makes literally the best cinnamon rolls in the world. Whenever they’re made, people line up for these cinnamon rolls the way people used to camp out at the Apple store for iPhones,” Knapp says. In fact, the rolls have become so popular that Knaus Berry Farm now offers shipping options across the nation.
Get freshly baked goods at Knaus Berry Farm near Naranja, FL.
Knaus Berry Farm is famous for its cinnamon buns.
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Route 1 travels north to Miami and south to Key Largo
Downtown Miami is an approximately 25-mile drive north using Route 1. “Some people commute into the Miami area or to Kendall, where the nearest mass transit train is. But we’ve built a lot of city centers around here, so not everyone commutes,” Knapp says, adding that the local Homestead Hospital is a major employer in the area. “Something that really draws people to this area is access to the Keys; you can hop on the road, and in 30 minutes, you’re in Key Largo.” Approximately 4 miles away from Naranja is the Homestead Air Reserve Base and training center. The Miami-Dade County transit system operates a handful of Metrobus lines in the area, including the Florida City-Cutler Bay route with stops in Naranja.
Alejandro & Raiza Matheus were both born in Caracas, Venezuela and speak English and Spanish fluently. They have been Florida residents since 1985 and have been in the real estate business since 1992 servicing the South Florida market. In addition to having Real Estate knowledge, Alejandro has a bachelor's degree in accounting from FIU and Raiza is a licensed Optician.
In addition to representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, they have their own portfolio of investment properties and strongly believe that long term investing in real estate is a very safe and profitable business.
They currently live in the city of Weston, FL since 1995 and have two children. Feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful family-oriented city. Weston is one of South Florida's most desirable communities, both for residential and corporate. With a culturally diverse population, Weston is comprised of the finest residential neighborhoods, is a safe community with A-rated public schools and superior parks and recreational facilities. It has a community-wide appearance that cities around the world wish to emulate.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
