North Miami

Sans Souci Estates sits on Biscayne Bay at the edge of North Miami. Many of its residents live within the guarded gates of the community, in waterfront homes with Spanish and midcentury modern influences. “These are high-end homes,” says Jeff Tomlinson, owner and CEO of Tomlinson Realty Group, who has worked in the area for 35 years and sold over 1,000 homes. Initially built in the 1950s, the neighborhood is welcoming new developments and residents. “There’s a lot of young people with kids who’ve come in the last five years,” Tomlinson says. These kids can play at Alfred Besade Park and attend Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Within the guarded gates of Sans Souci, homes with large driveways are decorated with tropical landscaping that extend to the roads, while private pools and docks fill backyards. Ranch-style and two-story homes with Spanish and midcentury modern influences line the streets. Although many homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, Tomlinson says, “there’s a lot of development going on.” Non-waterfront properties typically fall between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, while waterfront properties start around $3.2 million and can exceed $20 million. Horseshoe driveways and green lawns with tropical trees line the roads outside of the community’s guarded gates. Ranch-style homes from the mid-20th century typically cost between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Two-bedroom townhouses and condominiums are beyond the gates, with waterfront ones falling between $650,000 and $750,000 and non-waterfronts costing between $450,000 and $550,000. North Bayshore Park features a dog park where the furry friends of Sans Souci can run around, and anglers can use the park’s pier and fish cleaning station. On the other end of the neighborhood is Alfred Besade Park, which includes a picnic area and playground where families can spend their day. Nearby is the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, locally known as the Sans Souci Tennis Center. Lessons are available for players of all ages and experience levels. “You get a discount as a resident,” Tomlinson says. With direct access to Biscayne Bay, many residents enjoy boating and fishing. Besides selling homes in the area, Tomlinson is a resident of Sans Souci Estates and a member of the entertainment committee of the Sans Souci Gated Voluntary Homeowners Organization. The HOA holds neighborhood events, including a Halloween party with food trucks and fun for all ages. Tomlinson organizes an annual street party that should be returning in 2024, with themed meals and live music. Residents also travel to the city for events, including the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Jazz Concerts, held on the last Friday of every month. Several restaurants and stores are in Sans Souci and the surrounding area. The locally owned Alexander Greek Taverna sits at the top of the neighborhood, while chains such as Panera Bread are close to U.S. Route 1. People can travel farther into North Miami for more dining options, including Captain Jim’s Seafood Market and Restaurant, which is about 2 miles away and recommended by Tomlinson. “You’re talking about conch fritters, conch steak – stuff you don’t get unless you go down to Key West,” he says. “It’s a fantastic place.” People get groceries from Publix and Whole Foods, about 1 mile from the neighborhood, or Costco, about 2 miles away. Home Depot is in Sans Souci, and Walmart is about a 4-mile drive. As part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students can start at the David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center, which receives a B from Niche. They can stay there through eighth grade or apply to one of the magnet programs at North Miami Middle School, including the Museums Magnet program. The school partners with local museums to teach students through interactive learning. Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus earns a B-plus and offers dual enrollment through the nearby Florida International University. U.S. Route 1 borders the neighborhood and brings drivers into the heart of Miami, about 10 miles away. North Miami plans to put a bike lane along Sans Souci Boulevard at the top of the neighborhood. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Miami International Airports are about 12 miles away. Miami offers more than 170 nonstop flights across the U.S. and some international destinations. The gates of Sans Souci Estates are protected by police security, which Tomlinson credits as a big attraction for the neighborhood. “People want security,” he says. Because Sans Souci sits on the bay, residents can find more security in their homes by purchasing flood insurance, which is recommended for all homes and required for those with federally backed mortgages. There is a 1% annual chance of flooding, Tomlinson reports that the neighborhood does not flood in most category two and three hurricanes.