Guide to Hialeah Gardens
Welcome to the Top Guide to Hialeah Gardens
Hialeah Gardens history, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate
Just west of Miami-Dade County's infamous Cuban district, Hialeah lies Hialeah Gardens. Hialeah Garden is like Hialeah’s newer, developing sister city. It has all the benefits of living in Hialeah: the best Cuban food outside of Cuba and with a rich, storied culture. Yet it has newer, more modern homes, safer neighborhoods, and a well of untapped potential for growth and development.
Hialeah Gardens is located in Miami-Dade County between two of the hottest cities in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It is an ideal location for someone who wants the conveniences of city living without the traffic or price tag. Hialeah Gardens is only 28 miles southwest of the Fort Lauderdale Airport and 8 miles from the Miami International Airport. And it’s right off Interstate 75 on the Florida Turnpike and Palmetto Expressway, making it a great place for commuters.
Today, Hialeah Gardens is home to about 24,000 residents. It’s a small city for sure, but in recent years, Hialeah Gardens has caught the eye of many Miami-Dade residents looking for a new place to live. Hialeah Gardens has always been a developing city, but in the last years, Hialeah Gardens has grown significantly. It is quickly becoming the place to move to. And with a number of newly constructed homes in every price range, good public schools, and amazing restaurants, it’s easy to see why.
Hialeah Gardens has a small-town charm that truly makes you feel a part of the community. It’s the kind of place where you can let your kids play outside without worrying. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s the perfect place to raise a family or spend your days relaxing in the South Florida sun. And even though Hialeah Gardens may feel a little removed from the rest of South Florida, it’s growing and becoming the place where everyone wants to live. To experience what living in Hialeah Gardens may feel like, contact the best Hialeah Gardens realtors, AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
History and Recent Developments of Hialeah Gardens
Small town, small-town roots
Hialeah Gardens has a modest history. When it was first incorporated in 1948, it was a small, rural town. And it remained a small, rural town for years. For a while, Hialeah Gardens was somewhat of an outpost on the edge of Hialeah, seen as a blip of civilization amidst wide tracts of farmland. However, this would change in the coming years.
Ready to take advantage of the construction of the Florida Turnpike, in 1968, the city of Hialeah Gardens implemented a dynamic, proactive land use and zoning master plan to promote city development and growth.
And with the completion of the Florida Turnpike in the 1970s, Hialeah Gardens saw a significant increase in population and growth. From there, Hialeah Gardens would slowly and steadily grow throughout the years, never attracting major development or progress...until now.
For years, Hialeah Gardens has attracted the attention of big residential developers, but developers were never able to convince the farmers, who owned the majority of the land around Hialeah Gardens, to sell. But recently, Lennar Corporation was able to purchase large tracts of this farmland for residential development. Lennar Corporation has started development in Hialeah Gardens with its first community, Aragon, and it plans to continue constructing new neighborhoods and subdivisions.
The city of Hialeah Gardens is also developing and expanding city amenities and resources.
Hialeah Gardens just installed the Royal Palms Park, dedicated to children with physical limitations and disabilities.This park features a playground that accommodates any child, no matter their physical abilities.The Hialeah Gardens police department also recently updated its fleet of police cars and motorcycles. And Hialeah Gardens’s senior center just received funding for a new building to better cater to the needs of its constituents.
In addition, Hialeah Gardens will be adjacent to the location of the soon-to-be American Dream Mall. The American Dream Mall is planned to be the largest mall in the United States with 2.7 million square feet of entertainment and retail space, a 16 story ski slope, a waterpark, and a 3D movie theater. Developers plan to break ground at the end of this year and estimate that the mall should be completed in 2025.
Top 5 Food Spots in Hialeah Gardens
Hialeah Gardens may be a small town, but that doesn’t mean its restaurant scene is lacking. Whether you want seafood, Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan, bar food, fine dining, Hialeah Gardens has you covered. To learn more, check out the top 5 best restaurants in Hialeah Gardens.
Adrian Fish Market & Restaurant
13115 W Okeechobee Road Hialeah Gardens, Fla. - (305)-600-5633
Adrian Fish Market & Restaurant is one of Hialeah Gardens’s greatest gems. It’s known for having some of the best seafood in all of Miami-Dade, and it’s easy to understand why. Adrian Fish Market & Restaurant offers fresh, daily selections of locally caught seafood. You can pick your fish out in the market and have the chef cook it for you in the restaurant. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors, because Adrian Fish Market & Restaurant is as good as it gets. P.S. Don’t forget to stop by Tuesdays. Oysters are $1!
Pedrito’s Restaurant
8040 NW 95th St. Hialeah Gardens, Fla. - (786)-452-8907
Arepas, cachapas, tequeños, choripanes, pastelitos, hungry yet? I know I am. Pedrito’s Restaurant is the best place for all of your Venezuelan favorites. Come with family, friends, or just by yourself (the food is that good) to enjoy hot, fresh tequenos and arepas stuffed to the brim with tender, shredded chicken. And don’t forget to top it all off with the best chicha you’ll ever drink.
Latin House America
9160 NW 122nd St. Hialeah Gardens, Fla. - (305)-825-2590
You could go to Hialeah to find good Cuban food, but why do that when Latin House America is closer? Visit Latin House America for all of your Cuban cravings. It’s the best place in Hialeah Gardens where you can sit down, relax with family and friends, and enjoy amazing, authentic Cuban cuisine. Latin House America is known for its picadillo, ropa vieja, and tostones. Also, don’t forget to order a batido de mamey. It could change your life.
Cuban Guys Sandwiches & More
3174 W 76th St. Hialeah Gardens, Fla. - (786)-507-4494
Cuban Guys Sandwiches & More may have first opened its doors in Hialeah, but today Cuban Guys restaurants serve residents all over Miami-Dade county. As its name would suggest, Cuban Guys specializes in authentic Cuban cuisine, but it has a fast-food twist that makes it the perfect place for casual dining. And even though Cuban Guys serves more than just sandwiches, its Frita Original, Sandwich Cubano, and Media Noche are the most popular items on the menu. So stop by and try one. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.
Delicias de Nicaragua Fritanga
6900 W 32nd Ave. Hialeah Gardens, Fla. - (305)-821-4389
South Florida may be famous for its Cuban food, but Hialeah Gardens should be famous for its Nicaraguan fare. Delicias de Nicaragua Fritanga may be a hole in the wall, but don’t let that fool you. It is the best place to get Nicaraguan food in all of South Florida. Order the queso frito for the perfect combination of crispy and gooey. And I can promise you’ve never really had carne asada until you’ve tried the one at Delicias de Nicaragua Fritanga.
Things to do in Hialeah Gardens
Whether you like getting outside or shopping all day, Hialeah Gardens has something for you. Check out the top 5 things to do in Hialeah Gardens.
Hialeah Gardens Botanical Gardens
13501 NW 107th Ave. Hialeah Gardens, Fla.
As soon as you walk through Hialeah Gardens’s Botanical Gardens, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical oasis. The botanical gardens contain over 500 native plant species and 45,000 plants on a five-acre plot of land. So stop by to take a long, relaxing stroll and enjoy the best of South Floridian flora.
Hialeah Gardens Youth Programs
One of the great things about living in Hialeah Gardens is the number of youth programs that the city offers. You can sign your kids up for baseball, flag football, soccer, karate, swimming, basketball, or football. All programs are economically priced and teach your kid valuable life skills like being a part of a team. Hialeah Gardens’s youth programs are one of the best ways to meet your neighbors and become a part of the Hialeah Gardens community. Sign up today!
Westlands Gardens Park
13501 NW 107th Ave. Hialeah Gardens, Fla.
Spend the day relaxing at the Westland Gardens Park. There are plenty of trails for a nice stroll or jog under the South Florida sun. The park also has a heated pool and a state-of-the-art playground. And it features a series of newly constructed tennis and basketball courts along with a professional-sized baseball field.
Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
100 E 32nd St. Hialeah, Fla. - (305)-885-8000
Even though Hialeah Park Racing & Casino is not technically located in Hialeah Gardens, it’s only a ten-minute drive from the border of Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens. And it’s worth the drive. Hialeah Park Racing & Casino is one of the best places in South Florida to have a great time and blow off some steam. Hialeah Park Racing & Casino has the hottest gambling machines, popular games like blackjack and Texas Hold’em, and the “World’s Most Beautiful Horse Race Course.” So stop by, grab a drink, and try your luck.
Westland Mall
1675 W 49th St. Hialeah, Fla. - (305)-823-9310
Again, Westland Mall is not technically located in Hialeah Gardens, but it’s only a ten-minute drive away. And I can promise you it’s worth it. Westland Mall is the perfect place to spend the day. You can shop at some of your favorite stores—Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, American Eagle, Foot Locker, and many more—and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in the food court. Westland Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. So make the drive and come see what Westland Mall is all about.
Hialeah Gardens Community
Get involved and learn more about Hialeah Gardens’s community
The best way to become more involved in any community is to first learn more about the community. And Hialeah Gardens is no exception.
The municipality of Hialeah Garden is governed by the Hialeah Gardens City Council, composed of five elected city council members. The mayor is the head of the city. However, the mayor does not have any voting power on the council. The council votes and makes decisions on city mandates and ordinances.
The current Hialeah Gardens Mayor Yioset De La Cruz has lived in Hialeah Gardens since 1984. He started his political career as assistant to Mayor Raul Martinez at the City of Hialeah in 1999. And in 2000, he was elected as mayor of Hialeah Gardens, one of the youngest Mayors in Florida at the time. For the last 20 years, De La Cruz has served as Hialeah Gardens’s mayor, helping the city grow and adapt to new developments.
For more information about De La Cruz or any of the other city council members, check out the city’s website for their full biographies and contact information.
To get more involved in the Hialeah Gardens community, attend city council meetings and frequently contact the city council members to stay informed about upcoming issues for discussion at the next meeting. City council meetings occur twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. All city council meetings take place at Hialeah Gardens city hall and are open to the public.
If you’re interested in volunteering, go to the Miami-Dade County’s website to see how you can help maintain various Hialeah Gardens parks. You can also volunteer with Engage 305 to foster a grandparent, help feed the homeless, or work with Habitat for Humanity. Or you can call the city clerk’s office at (305)-588-4114 ext. 240 to find out about more volunteer opportunities specific to Hialeah Gardens.
Hialeah Gardens Education
Find the best schools in Hialeah Gardens
Moving to a new place can be a lot. But add in searching for new schools, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. There’s a multitude of factors to consider when choosing a new school. What kind of education will your child be getting? What kinds of extracurriculars are offered? How does the school handle bullying? The list goes on and on, but don’t worry because we did the research for you and found the best schools in Hialeah Gardens from the compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report.
The school network in Hialeah Gardens consists of Miami-Dade County public district schools and Miami-Dade County public charter schools. Hialeah Gardens is a small community, so it does not have many options for schooling.There are three public elementary schools, two public middle schools, and two public high schools. However, you’re in luck because all of Hialeah Gardens’s public schools are rated fairly high by greatschools.org. However, if you aren’t satisfied with Hialeah Gardens’s education options, check out the schools in Hialeah.
Elementary schools in Hialeah Gardens
The top recommended elementary schools are Mater Academy Elementary School, West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School, and Hialeah Gardens Elementary School.
Greatschools.org rates Hialeah Gardens Elementary a 10/10, Mater Academy Elementary a 9/10, and West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School a 7/10. Mater Academy Elementary and Hialeah Gardens received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report, while West Hialeah Gardens Elementary received a “B.”
Mater Academy Elementary is a part of Miami-Dade County’s public charter school system, so students have to first apply before they can attend. Mater Academy Elementary performs the best in standardized testing for science, exceeding the state standard by 17 percentage points.
Hialeah Gardens Elementary performs the best in math, exceeding the state standard by 25 percentage points. Both Mater Academy Elementary and Hialeah Gardens Elementary tie for the best performance in English. And even though West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School does win any superlatives in standardized testing, it does exceed the state standards in all subject areas.
Hialeah Gardens Elementary has the lowest student to teacher ratio, followed by West Hialeah Gardens Elementary, and Hialeah Gardens Elementary also receives the most positive reviews from parents.
One Hialeah Gardens Elementary parent said, “This school is more than just a school it is HOME to these kids where safety is of the utmost priority for the administration. I always feel so safe when my daughter is dropped off at school. The teachers go above and beyond as well for educational purposes and to really get to know their children.”
But to find out about these schools more in-depth and read additional parent testimonials, go to greatschools.org.
Middle Schools in Hialeah Gardens
The top recommended middle schools are Hialeah Gardens Middle School and Mater Academy Charter Middle School. Both schools are rated highly by greatschools.org, and both receive an ‘“A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report. However, there are differences between each that may determine which school is the best fit for your child.
Hialeah Gardens Middle’s student body is nine times the size of Mater Academy Charter Middle’s student body, and its campus is strictly for grades 6-8. Mater Academy Charter Middle has a much smaller student body, and it shares a campus with Mater Academy Charter High School, its 9-12 counterpart. Students at both schools have the opportunity to start taking high school level courses and get a jumpstart on their AP courses while in middle school.
In terms of standardized testing, both Hialeah Gardens Middle and Mater Academy Charter Middle school exceed the state standard in English and math, with Hialeah Gardens Middle performing slightly better. However, both schools fall below the state standard in science.
In addition, both schools received mixed parent testimonials. Explore each school more in-depth at greatschools.org, and remember if you’re unsatisfied with Hialeah Gardens’s options for middle school, you can always check out the best middle schools in Hialeah.
High Schools in Hialeah Gardens
Moving onto high school, the top-recommended high schools are Hialeah Gardens High School and Mater Academy Charter High School. Neither high school has a consistent report from greatschools.org. However Mater Academy Charter High received an ‘“A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report, and Hialeah Gardens High received a “B.”
Mater Academy Charter High School is a part of the public charter school system like its 6-8 counterpart. Both Mater Academy Charter schools are located on the same campus and share the same web address. In order to attend either students have to apply and be selected. Hialeah Gardens High is a different story. Since it is a part of the Miami-Dade County public district school system, students do not have to apply to attend.
Both Mater Academy Charter High and Hialeah Gardens High offer extensive opportunities for your child to participate in advanced learning programs and get a jumpstart on their college career. Hialeah Gardens High offers AP courses, the University of Cambridge program along with dual enrollment programs at both Miami Dade College and Florida International University. And Mater Academy Charter High also offers AP courses and a dual enrollment program at Miami Dade College.
Mater Academy is a nationally certified STEM school. And it also has a separate award-winning performing arts academy on campus. US Newsweek ranked Mater’s Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy as the 372nd best high school in the nation out of around 18,000 other high schools.
However, don’t overlook Hialeah Gardens High. Students attending Hialeah Gardens High have the choice to get ahead in their chosen career and take classes that are catered to their specific interests. Students can enroll in one of Hialeah Gardens High’s specialized academies that provide courses in agricultural science, finance, engineering, informational technology, arts and entertainment, hospitality and tourism, health sciences, education, and law studies.
To explore each high school more in-depth, go to their websites to determine which would be the best fit for your child. Remember, if you are unsatisfied with either high school option, you can explore more high schools in Hialeah.
For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Miami-Dade County public school website. Also, visit greatschool.org or niche.com for additional parent testimonials and to explore any Hialeah Gardens or Hialeah schools in more depth. And to see the criteria for Florida Department of Education ratings, go to their website. Note that all quotes listed above come from parent reviews at greatschool.org.
Hialeah Gardens Real Estate
Find the best Hialeah Gardens realtor near you
If you’re interested in making Hialeah Gardens your new home or want to know a little more about the area, don’t stress. We have you covered. Not only are the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty the best Hialeah Gardens realtors, but they can provide the inside scoop on everything Hialeah Gardens. For more information about Hialeah Gardens or houses for sale in Hialeah Gardens, call (305)-680-3268 or check out their Facebook.
