A densely-packed community 25 miles south of Miami
Home to just over 35,000 residents, South Miami Heights is a densely populated community in Miami-Dade County's southern far reaches, known initially as Eureka. And while South Miami Heights is about 25 miles from Miami's heart, that's the draw. The community comprises thousands of single-family homes with pocket parks and shopping centers around the corner. It's a suburban city with well-regarded schools and slightly lower crime rates than Miami. While South Maimi Heights has developed slowly over the years, that's changing, according to Realtor Roxana Quintana of Equitable Company Realtors. "Older people who have been in the [community] for years are downsizing," Quintana says. Quintana has sold homes across the area for just over 15 years. "So they're taking advantage of the higher home values and selling."
Enjoy wonderful fun activities at Zoo Miami near South Miami Heights, FL.
You will always be able find what you're looking for at the shops at WellMax Medical Plaza
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Over 11,000 single-family homes
There are nearly 11,000 houses in South Miami Heights, most developed from the 1960s through the '80s. "Properties can be very different here," Quintana says. "This is not a cookie-cutter [area]." But palm tree-scattered streets are commonplace. Contemporary homes with Spanish and Mediterranean influences neighbor ranch-style homes shaded by Miami's token, towering palms. Townhouses and condos are also available between $100,000 and $275,000, depending on the number of bedrooms. Many are in communities, like the Running Brook Apartments complex, that offer access to pools, clubhouses, tennis courts and secure parking. Home can cost between $450,000 and $1.35 million, but for the most part, they're valued between $500,000 and $600,000. While housing prices in South Miami Heights have plateaued with the American average, they remain about $150,000 under the Miami-Dade County average.
A couple of Ranch Style Side Gabled Roof Homes in South Miami Heights.
Italian Renaissance Revival Style homes in South Miami Heights..
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Kids attend Miami-Dade County Schools
Kids growing up in the area attend Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which Niche ranked the best school district in the Miami area and gave an overall B-plus. Schools in South Miami Heights are notable for encouraging students to participate in the real world. At South Miami Heights Elementary, which received a B from Niche, students enjoy programs with the National Park Service, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Miami-Dade Police and Fire/Rescue departments. Cutler Bay Middle's Ocean Academy of Science and Technology takes students kayaking, boating and snorkeling to teach them about Florida ecology and sustainability. Maimi Southridge Senior High offers academy and magnet programs with specific career focuses, such as business innovation and management, coding and app development, and health sciences. The Robert Morgan Educational Center features five career academies and 22 programs that provide vocational training in automotive technology, culinary arts, TV production, veterinary assisting and more.
Students at Robert Morgan Educational Center has the opportunity to work in South Miami Heights.
Robert Morgan Educational Center provides students with classical in South Miami Heights.
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Residents are within walking distance to many community parks
Locals enjoy the amenities at one of the many city parks, from the elongated paved path at Roberta Hunter Park to the wide-open grassy areas of Caribbean Park. Residents living along the city's eastern end are near Southridge Park, which has a baseball field and a covered playground. And trailing the city's southern and western borders is Black Creek Trail, which stretches nearly 9 miles along its namesake creek. In the community's heart is Eureka Park, which has several sports facilities for local athletes, like a baseball field, basketball courts and a recreation center with afterschool programs for children ages six to 14. But the city's gem is Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground, the largest outdoor space in the community. This 270-acre park features natural South Florida woodlands, biking and hiking trails, a freshwater lake with a beach and a campground with 240 separate campsites. Plus, Memorial Park sits adjacent to the world-famous Miami Zoo, which covers 750 acres with 4 miles of walkways. Visitors catch sights of jaguars from the Amazon, tigers from Asia, koalas from Australia and crocodiles from The Florida Everglades.
Eureka Baseball Park Field in South Miami Heights.
Zoo Miami is just north of the South Miami Heights, FL neighborhood.
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Shopping along Quail Roost or at Southland Mall
Quail Roost Drive cuts through the community's heart and is the most popular strip for day-to-day shopping. The Shoppes at Quail Roost feature a Publix, plus a few restaurants and service businesses. Quail Heights Plaza is anchored by Fresco y Mas, which is popular for grocery shopping. The Plaza has a few fast-food restaurants like McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut. Southland Mall is the prime spot for retail shopping in South Miami Heights. The shopping mall is home to over 100 stores, including anything from T.J. Maxx and Old Navy to Macy's and JCPenney. Also attached to the mall is an LA Fitness and Regal Cinemas 16. And while the mall has a cherished food court, there are plenty of restaurant options throughout South Miami Heights. Locals enjoy Haitian food at Sak Pase, Cuban food at Rinconcito Superlatinos Café and more Cuban cuisine at Mezza Latin House.
Shop small and local while living in South Miami Heights, FL.
Southland Mall for shop in South Miami Heights.
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Living near Florida's coast brings about various environmental risks
Typical to most Florida communities, South Miami Heights is susceptible to flooding. But, unlike Miami's major flooding risk, South Miami Heights is at a lower risk, especially considering it's closer inland. In fact, Risk Factor noted that the community has a moderate flood risk over the next 30 years, and about 76% of properties have a 26% chance of being severely impacted by flooding over the next few decades. However, South Miami Heights has an extreme wind factor because of hurricanes. And it's hot in South Miami Heights. With "feels like" temperatures on the rise, nearly every home in the community has an extreme Heat Factor. There are a few multijurisdictional initiatives in place to combat environmental risks. Resilient305 is a Miami-Dade County-wide effort promoting bettered preparation for environmental shocks and mitigating stresses.
Navigating Miami
While most residents in South Miami Heights drive to get around, locals have ample access to public transportation. The Metrobus, operated by Miami-Dade County, shuttles across the community, stopping at several points along Quail Roost Drive and SW 122nd Avenue. But drivers have access to major roadways. Ronald Reagan Turnpike intersects with Route 1 at the community's southeast corner. Route 1 is a busy highway that traverses the East Coast, meeting Interstate 95 just south of Miami. South Miami Heights is about 20 miles from the Miami International Airport, and the nearest hospital is Jackson South Medical Center, about 5 miles away.
South Miami Heights has lower crime rates than Miami proper
Crime rates in South Miami Heights are lower than in nearby Miami, with a lower overall concentration of violent crimes. According to the CAP Index, the crime score for South Miami Heights is five out of 10, just above the national average of four.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Yanan Sun
Video By
Aiyshanti Green
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alberto Vasquez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
