Waterfront homes and convenient access to the 305’s best
Homeowners searching for a balance between cost and convenience can find it in Westwood Lakes. One of the multiple neighborhoods bridging Miami’s suburban west end with its more densely populated center, the area’s lush mangrove trees and carefully arranged waterways point to a lifestyle of everyday comfort. Like its neighboring communities in Westchester and Olympia Heights, Westwood Lakes is deeply linked to the local Cuban American, Latino and Hispanic populations, while also holding a welcoming appeal for students at the nearby Florida International University, retirees and everyone in between. “It’s all about the location,” says veteran Miami Realtor Salvatore Davide, who has sold homes in Westwood Lakes and greater Miami for more than 15 years.
Westwood Lakes features single-family homes with lake views and manicured landscapes.
Westwood Lakes Community Center hosts after-school programs and family activities.
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Local eats and big-box shopping close to home
Westwood Lakes’ location along Bird Road places residents close to many dining and shopping options. Local picks include Good Chef Restaurant for Asian fusion fare, Shorty’s BBQ and the El Toro Loco Churrascaria food truck for smoky meat dishes and El Riconcito Latino for traditional Cuban dining. Typical fast food choices like Starbucks, Subway, Checkers and Wendy’s are also available nearby. Residents can pick up everyday needs at Winn-Dixie, CVS Pharmacy y Mas, Publix and Festival Supermarket locations just north of the neighborhood. The Concord Shopping Plaza nearby also hosts Dollar Tree and Big Lots stores. More options such as Target and Navarro Pharmacy are available to the east of the neighborhood near Olympia Heights.
Shorty’s BBQ on Bird Road is a local favorite for Westwood Lakes residents craving smoked meats.
Graziano’s Market near Westwood Lakes provides specialty meats and Latin flavors.
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Colorful ranch homes with Spanish and midcentury modern touches
Ranch-style properties with midcentury modern and Spanish-influenced exteriors make up most of the home stock in Westwood Lakes. Buyers can find homes with stucco archways and red tile roofs on one block and striking dwellings with low-pitched roofs and carports on the next. Contemporary updates unify the area’s homes, with many properties including open or semi-open floorplans. Sales on properties in Westwood Lakes are rare, with many locals being longtime residents. Prices vary based on renovations and homes’ connections to the nearby lake systems, generally ranging from the high $490,000s to about $800,000.
Unique single-family homes in Westwood Lakes showcase Spanish and midcentury designs.
Westwood Lakes streets include Spanish-influenced homes with classic architectural charm.
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Live music, bowling and movies
East of the neighborhood on Miller Drive, The Fish House restaurant hosts BackRoom Live, a series of live music nights featuring Miami bands and artists in various styles, from jazz and rock to blues and reggae. Other options for nights out include movies at the AMC Tamiami 18 cinema to the north and Bird Bowl for bowling, arcade games and pool to the east.
Bird Bowl near Westwood Lakes offers bowling, arcade games, and family entertainment.
Zoo Miami is a short drive from Westwood Lakes for wildlife exhibits and outdoor fun.
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Ball games and swim lessons
Westwood Park offers places to play tennis, baseball and basketball near the neighborhood's south side on 53rd Terrace. Tropical Estates Park provides a playground and pool for public use near 48th Street. Locals can also find a variety of parks to the east of the neighborhood, including Tropical Park, which offers access to four lakes, an equestrian center and a variety of athletic fields and facilities.
Tropical Estates Park in Westwood Lakes features a public pool for residents to enjoy.
Tropical Estates Park in Westwood Lakes features a colorful playground for family fun.
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Convenient travel with Bird Road and the Turnpike
Westwood Lakes is connected to two major Miami highways: Southwest 40th Street/Bird Road on the neighborhood's north side and the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to the east. Residents can expect a 14-mile drive east to central Miami for work and play. The nearest hospital, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, is just west of the neighborhood on Bird Road. Miami International Airport is 14 miles northeast of Westwood Lakes for travel beyond the Miami area. Metrobus stops are available along Bird Road, Miller Drive and Southwest 112th Avenue.
Magnet learning at Miami-Dade schools
The Miami-Dade Public Schools system serves public school students in the Westwood Lakes area. Tropical Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and earns a B grade on Niche. The B-ranked Riviera Middle School offers two magnet programs for students to choose from, titled Science Technology Imagineering Robotics and Multimedia Industry Experience. Southwest Miami Senior High School offers programs in science, information technology, medical education, and finance. The school earns a B-plus grade on Niche.
Tropical Estates Elementary serves younger students in the Westwood Lakes community.
Riviera Middle School offers magnet programs for Westwood Lakes students advancing grades.
Miami Southwest Senior High provides diverse academic tracks for older Westwood Lakes students.
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Important info to know
Westwood Lakes is about 3 miles south of Florida International University’s main campus in University Park. The third-largest university in the state, students can choose from more than 130 degrees across its undergraduate and graduate offerings. FIU earns an A grade on Niche. Residents living near major traffic hot spots such as 56th Street, Miller Drive and Bird Road may experience higher noise levels than other areas in Westwood Lakes.
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
Video By
Jackson Nacey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lourdes Mendoza,
an experienced agent in this area.
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