A Miami suburb offering both accessibility and access
Paradise doesn’t always have to mean palm trees and beaches — sometimes it can be as simple as a sense of comfort. Quiet, sidewalk-lined streets filled with rows of midcentury homes may not be the first picture that comes to mind when one thinks of the Miami area. Yet, for many, that’s just the right fit. It’s what the community of Westchester is full of, providing what local Realtor Hector Valdes describes as a suburban, comfortable life that’s great for families. Plus, people still get their signature Florida palm trees here and are only about a dozen miles from Downtown Miami. “I think it’s still a really accessible area in terms of getting great value for a house in Miami,” says Valdes, of Coldwell Banker Realty. “It’s an area that’s not crazy, crazy expensive. And the homes are actually pretty nice — decent size, on bigger lots. You do have access to some of the amenities, like restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals.”
Westchester, FL is only about 10 miles from Downtown Miami.
Have your own slice of paradise in Westchester, FL.
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Post-war homes dominate the landscape
Westchester offers myriad commercial and recreational amenities, yet residential corridors are still this area’s bread and butter. This area’s array of homes comes with cohesive styling, too — most were built from the 1950s through the 1970s, part of a housing boom that landed after World War II. Most options here have a single-story construction, with what Valdes says are two dominant styles: homes with an A-line roof and then those with a boxy, bungalow-style layout. Grassy green lawns are virtually the standard here, part of lots usually between one-tenth and one-fifth of an acre. “Westchester is considered a central community in Miami due to the rising growth moving West — it’s also a great option if you are a family looking for a safe area to raise children,” says Raymond Goirigolzarri, a long-time Miami Realtor at Real Estate Sales Force. Indeed, the crime score here is better than the national average, according to the CAP Index. It all comes at a price point that’s part of the area’s appeal. Single-family homes here can usually be had from the $400,000s to the $900,000s based on the square footage and condition. Condos in Westchester sell for prices in the $200,000s and $300,000s, too.
Spanish hacienda style homes are perfect for those who wants a slice of Miami paradise.
Live with palm trees and quiet streets in Westchester, FL.
Spanish revival style homes are the staple style in Westchester, FL.
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Local schools, like Southwest Miami, boast favorable reputations
The schools in Westchester are among the area’s assets. This community is covered by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, which has a B-plus overall rating on Niche. Westchester’s B-rated Banyan Elementary promotes wellness through weekly walk or bike to school days. The Academy of Engineering and Robotics and the Academy of Legal Studies are options for students at nearby Rockway Middle, another B-rated campus. Southwest Miami Senior High offers education, finance, information technology and medical academies, contributing to a B-plus Niche grade.
Westchester also has multiple well-regarded private schools, including Christopher Columbus High, an A-plus-rated campus that’s in the top five of Niche’s list of the best all-boys high schools across Florida. Saint Brendan High, meanwhile, is a co-educational option and has special programs on everything from law and global business to visual and performing arts.
Spend time with friends at Westchester Shopping Center.
Explore the shops in Westchester Shopping Center.
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Reach the heart of the city in minutes on Florida 836
This area offers the duality of residential seclusion and proximity to the heart of the Miami area. “Great access to highways. To get to Downtown Miami it’s maybe 10 minutes,” says Valdes, who has had family living in the Westchester area. Florida State Road 836 is the main artery that takes drivers downtown, just about a dozen miles east. Florida 836 also takes drivers to Miami International Airport — only 8 miles away — for trips farther out of town. Locals also have the Westchester Circulator bus route, a localized loop that can transport commuters around town.
Miami Coral Park Senior High School has a B rating on Niche, with Pit Bull as one of its alumni.
Everglades K-8 Center in Westchester, FL, has a great score on Niche.
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Local parks are aplenty in Westchester
Green space is ingrained in this community. Westchester is dotted with multiple parks, placing many residents within walking distance of at least one. Francisco Human Rights Park is a place to escape the South Florida sun, thanks to its collection of shade trees. People can grab a book to enjoy from the Westchester Regional Library next door, too. The wide open lawn at Banyan Park, by Banyan Elementary, is ideal for a game of fetch with Fido. Those looking for a more expansive option can stop by Tropical Park, just south of Westchester. Tropical Park stretches a whopping 275 acres, housing everything from trails to a cultural arts center with a 200-seat theater.
Tropical Park near Westchester, FL, has significant space to practice ball.
Banyan Park in Westchester, FL is a pet friendly park with lots of space to run.
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The Ronald Reagan Equestrian Field in Tropical Park is a great place to host horse shows.
Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center at Tropical Park
Attracting over 1,500,000 visitors annually, the former horse track of Tropical Park is well-known as one of the largest parks in Miami. Within walking distance of Westchester, visitors can enjoy the paved walking paths, fitness courts, boxing center and the notable Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center which hosts over 36 horse shows a year. The Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center is a full-service equestrian center within Tropical Park, housing 267 stalls available for rent.
Shopping and dining galore, with a Cuban flair
Westchester has no shortage of commercial amenities covering a range of needs. The list includes multiple grocery stores at the center of the community, off Coral Way: ALDI, Publix, Fresco y Más and a Walmart Supercenter. There’s also a Sedano’s supermarket to the south, down the road from a shopping center with a Target, Best Buy and another Publix. People in Westchester are also just about 5 miles from the 1.4 million-square-foot Dadeland Mall. “Which is a pretty major regional mall in the area,” Valdes says. Dadeland offers more than 180 stores, from Apple to Zumiez.
Valdes adds that Westchester has a huge Cuban influence, which comes through in some of the area’s restaurants. La Carreta, part of a South Florida chain, is one of Valdes’ favorites. “That tends to be a hotspot,” Valdes said. “You can buy a Cuban coffee at a window, or go in and have a great Cuban meal.”
Reliable public transportation can be found in Westchester, FL.
Just 10 miles from Downtown Miami, Westchester, FL, has multiple ways of commuting.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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.
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