Florida is a wonderful mix of the modern and historical and Miami personifies this well. A metropolitan area of 5.5 million people, the city has been named an Alpha - World City and "Americas Cleanest City," yet holds onto the nickname as the "Capital of Latin America." While parts of Miami are intensely modern, the city's history shines through in its historic neighborhoods. The most notable of these is Coconut Grove. Nicknamed "The Grove" by locals, this neighborhood located south of downtown nestled between US 1 and the shores of Biscayne Bay is an energetic and inviting place to live. If residing in Miami's original neighborhood sounds appealing, our Coconut Grove real estate guide will fill you in on this unique neighborhood
The oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove was first settled in 1825 at the time the Cape Florida Lighthouse was being built on Key Biscayne. The area became a mix of Americans from the northeastern U.S. as well as British and Bahamian immigrants. Coconut Grove was the home to the first hotel on the South Florida mainland, called the Bay View Inn, later renamed the Peacock Inn. The neighborhood was annexed by the city of Miami in 1925 and became the center of Miami's counterculture movement in the 1960's, hosting "love-ins" and the famous Door's concert at the Dinner Key Auditorium. There are currently just over 20,000 residents in Coconut Grove, which covers 5.6 square miles. The neighborhood is sometimes divided into equal sections of Northeast Grove and Southwest Grove, with the median household income being the same at $63,617.
Coconut Grove is very much a mix of the old and the new. Long known for its bohemian and hip atmosphere, The Grove still has many classic wood-frame homes from the 1930's mixed in with more modern single-family homes and condo buildings. The median sales price in Coconut Grove is currently $237,000. Condos here start in the mid-$100's for older units that were built in the 1960's or 1970's and have just under 1,000 square feet of living space. Waterfront condos in Coconut Grove are generally priced at $4 million and above. Single-family homes here start in the high $400's and can reach as high as $40 million for a waterfront residence with acreage and boat docks.
Miami is considered a major center of industry, both in the U.S. and internationally. The Gross Metropolitan Product of the city is $257 billion, placing it as the 11th largest in the U.S. While there are dozens of corporations that make their headquarters in Miami, several also have ties to Coconut Grove. The fifth largest employer in the city is the University of Miami, which sits just outside the city limits of Coconut Grove. Other major corporations that are located in The Grove include Spanish Broadcasting System, Watsco, and Arquitectonica. Miami is also a major center of trade, with its nearby port accounting for 176,000 jobs. The tourism industry draws 38 million visitors a year to the area, and both the cruise port and Miami International Airport are within close driving distance from Coconut Grove.
Raising a family in Coconut Grove is an attractive choice for a variety of reasons. Coconut Grove Elementary School is considered to be one of the best public elementary schools in the area. The town also has a highly regarded private school, Ransom Everglades, that was founded in 1903, and a charter high school of the arts, founded in 2003. The Coconut Grove Branch Library is located on McFarland Rd., just next to Peacock Park. Speaking of parks, there are eleven greenspaces within Coconut Grove. The largest park is David T. Kennedy Park, located on S. Bayshore Drive overlooking Biscayne Bay. The park includes an outdoor gym, running path, dog park, and picnic areas. Other large parks in the neighborhood are Merrie Christmas Park and The Barnacle Historic State Park.
Living in proximity to downtown Miami offers residents of Coconut Grove many choices in dining, shopping, and entertainment. The American Airlines Arena, which hosts major concerts and the Miami Heat basketball games, is just a few miles north on US 1. Also, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is just downtown and hosts major theatrical productions and the Miami Symphony and Ballet. It's not necessary to leave Coconut Grove for entertainment, however, as the neighborhood has become a destination in itself.
Coconut Grove has two open-air malls, CocoWalk and the Streets of Mayfair, that provide shoppers with an eclectic mix of choices. There has been a resurgence in the past several years in the community that is emphasizing getting back to its bohemian roots and moving away from chains and commercialization. Some of the more tourist-centric retailers have disappeared in favor of indie and smaller-scale retailers such as Vicky Victoria, Catch a Wave, and Coco Cigars. The same holds true for the eateries in the area. The lease for Johnny Rockets was non-renewed while fresh names are brought in such as Harry's Pizzeria, Panther Coffee, and a new jaw-dropping restaurant in what is termed The Glass House in the city's Peacock Park, featuring "Chopped" chef Giorgio Rapicavoli.
While Coconut Grove brings in the new, there is much to be celebrated about the businesses that have been staples in the community for many years. On the retail end, The Maya Hatcha is The Grove's longest surviving business. Owner Vivian Jordan's unique shop of eclectic merchandise has been in business for over 46 years. The city's Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill has been delighting diners with its authentic Latin flavors for many years. The Greenstreet Cafe is also a mainstay in the area, with its signature brunches and comfortable outdoor seating. If you prefer just a little taste of everything, you may wish to check out the Coconut Grove Seafood Festival in mid-October.
As a bohemian community by birth, the arts are essential in Coconut Grove. The city holds its annual 3-day Coconut Grove Arts Festival each February. This festival has been running for 50 years and attracts over 120,000 people to the streets of the city. After that huge affair is over, don't miss the more intimate Gilford Lane Art Stroll that takes place each March. Equal parts arts and cultural celebration, the annual Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove is an event not to be missed. This 2-day festival celebrates the Bahamian-American contributions to this area with food, dance, artist exhibits.
Coconut Grove remains a tropical oasis for residents of Miami and its proximity to downtown makes it an attractive choice for those wishing to escape the bustle of the city. If living in a free-spirited community with old Florida charm sounds appealing, be sure to check out the many choices in Coconut Grove real estate today.
