Guide to Miami Gardens
Top Guide to Miami Gardens
History, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate in Miami Gardens
To be fair, Miami Gardens doesn't have the best reputation, and people aren’t exactly naming it the best city to live in, in South Florida. However, don’t overlook Miami Gardens completely, because it's more than what people say about it. It’s a rich, vibrant community with history and culture. And it’s filled with people who want to make a difference in their community and their world.
Miami Gardens is located in Miami-Dade County, only 30 minutes away from the infamous and illustrious South Beach. As far as cities go, Miami Gardens is in a good location; it’s situated right between two major airports, being only 17 miles from the Miami International Airport and 18 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Today, Miami Gardens has roughly 105,000 residents. It’s the third-largest city in all of Miami-Dade County right behind Hialeah and Miami. And aside from its size, Miami Gardens is known for its culture. Its soul food is so good that it rivals anything that comes out of Atlanta or New Orleans for that matter. Plus, it’s home to the Miami Dolphins.
However, Miami Gardens is also known for having a bit of a rough reputation, and granted, it could use some work. But with all of that said, Miami Gardens is the quintessence of a self-aware community. The residents and government of Miami Gardens know that it could be better. They know it has the potential to achieve great things, and by moving to Miami Gardens, you can be a part of the group that transforms it into the best place to live in, in Miami-Dade County.
Moving to Miami Gardens may not be the same glamorous experience as moving to Brickell or Coral Gables, but Miami Gardens does have a couple things. First of all, it has hope. And secondly, moving to Miami Gardens offers you the unique chance to really make an impact on a community and change it for the better. Plus, it‘s an affordable place to live. If you’re thinking about moving to Miami Gardens, contact the best realtors in Miami Gardens, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
History of Miami Gardens
Miami Gardens: from then to now
In general, Miami Gardens’s history starts out much like the rest of the cities and towns in South Florida. It follows the same story: uninhabitable swampland to undeveloped farmland to begrudging progress, and finally to the start of a neighborhood. However, Miami Gardens’s story starts to divulge from the South Floridian city archetype in the 1960s.
Just like the rest of South Florida, Miami Gardens saw an increase in development with the post-WWII boom. But in the 1960s, Miami Gardens began to see an influx of upper and middle-class African Americans who were looking to escape from the poverty of Liberty City, Little Haiti, and Overtown. After the construction of I-95, cities like Overtown were economically devastated, and they began to deteriorate, so the Miami Gardens area was the place to move.
Moving into the 1970s and 1980s, residents of the future Miami Gardens laid the foundations for a vision, a city where African American professionals could live, find a home, and settle down. Developers even offered African American teachers and professionals incentives to move to this burgeoning area.
At this point in its history, Miami Gardens was only an idea, a few communities under the name of Carol City. But in the following years, more African American professionals moved into the area, and there began a push for the communities to incorporate under one name, one city.
And finally, on May 13, 2003, Miami Gardens became an official city with a prospective future. With the Hardrock Stadium, Florida Memorial University, and St. Thomas University, it developed the infrastructure to become a bustling community, but its plans for progress soon fell through the cracks.
Moving into the future, Miami Gardens hasn’t exactly achieved its original vision, but the roots are still there. And, Miami Gardens has room to grow. Its recent history may not be the best, but that is no reflection on its future and what it can become. After all, it only takes one person to make a positive difference in a community.
Top 5 Best Places to Eat in Miami Gardens
Check out the top 5 places to eat in Miami Gardens. Dominican? Cuban? Bar food? Soul food? Fine Dining? Trinidadian? Beer? Breakfast? Bahamian? Whatever you’re craving, Miami Gardens has got you covered.
Yarumba Restaurant and Lounge
4740 NW 167th St. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-622-7000
Not only is Yarumba one of the best places to get Dominican food in Miami, but its atmosphere is also perfect for every occasion. By day, Yarumba is a family-friendly restaurant that offers a new take on traditional Dominican cuisine. It’s great for visiting in-laws, lunch with the boss, or a laid-back meal with friends. But, at night Yarumba transforms into one of Miami Gardens’s hottest bars complete with a DJ and a never-ending rotation of vacation-worthy cocktails. So, no matter the occasion, stop by Yarumba for amazing food, fun drinks, and a vibe that’ll make you never want to leave. Oh, and did I mention Yarumba’s happy hour is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sunday’s Eatery
2675 NW 207th St. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-621-9600
Gravy-smothered fried chicken, perfectly golden shrimp rice, sweet candied yams, collard greens better than grandma could ever make, hot, melty, gooey mac and cheese, and yellow cornbread that crumbles just right. If I didn’t catch your attention, then maybe go back to the vegan section at Whole Foods because Sunday’s Eatery is not for you. Sunday’s Eatery is soul food done right. It’s the place to go when you’re having a bad day and need some old-fashioned, home-cooked comfort. I promise as soon as you drive by Sunday’s Eatery, you’ll slam on the brakes because… wait, what’s that amazing smell? And even though Sunday's Eatery only offers take-out orders right now, it doesn’t mean the food has changed. In fact, you’ll probably be happier to take this meal home and throw on some sweatpants because you’ll want to finish every last bite.
Bamboo Shack
18450 NW 2nd Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (786)-440-7577
Don’t think Bamboo Shack is another fast-food restaurant because it’s not. Bamboo Shack is so much more than just another quick stop, fried food house on the side of the road. Bamboo Shack is the place for Bahamian food. Think crispy, golden fried conch, Bahamian macaroni, peas and rice, plantains, and soft, buttery, honey glazed rolls. And while Bamboo Shack may not serve every Bahamian dish or be the healthiest option in town, I can promise you it’s good. Actually, it’s better than good. It’s a beacon of crispy, fried Caribbean hope amid the bland spinach-air salads and long drudgery of the workweek.
World Famous Miami Gardens
19401 NW 27th Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-760-2627
There’s a reason that World Famous Miami Gardens is named World Famous Miami Gardens. Okay, to be honest, the restaurant isn’t exactly “world famous,” but the food is so good that it should be. World Famous serves a unique combination of southern-style comfort food and egg rolls inspired by every major cuisine you can name. Think chicken and red velvet waffles served with gooey cheesy grits and crispy bacon, and then pair that with Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, curry chicken egg rolls, Cubano egg rolls, falafel egg rolls, gyro egg rolls, and Italian sausage egg rolls along with so many more. In short, World Famous is essentially the Epcot of egg rolls, and just like Disney World once you go one time, you can’t help but come back again and again and again.
LC Roti Shop
19505 NW 2nd Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-651-8924
Okay, I’m going to be frank. LC Roti Shop is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. It doesn’t have a website or even an updated Facebook page. It’s located in a strip mall, and it only takes cash. However, with that being said, LC Roti Shop will change your world. It may technologically be stuck in the 1980s, but the food... The food is amazing, fantastic, marvelous, excellent, supercalifragilisticexpiali-delicious. LC Roti Shop serves authentic Trinidadian roti with all the classic fixings and spices. When you go, make sure to bring your cash in hand, and first, order the potato pie. It’s a traditional dish that’s sure to convince you to sell all your belongings and move to Trinidad. Then, you have to try one of their classic rotis; I recommend the conch, shrimp, goat, or duck roti. And to wash it all down, order the Shandy Sorrel, a classic Caribbean beer-like drink.
Top 5 Things to Do in Miami Gardens
Check out the top 5 things to do in Miami Gardens. Explore nature, catch the big game, gamble your troubles away, hit the driving range, or simply window shop. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re sure to find something to do in Miami Gardens
The Hardrock Stadium
347 Don Shula Drive Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-943-8000
Even though the Hardrock Stadium has temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, get ready because this upcoming year should be crazier than ever. Starting in June 2021, the Hardrock Stadium is back to hosting events. Besides being the home field of the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes, the Hardrock Stadium is expected to host the music festival Rolling Loud and even the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. Get your tickets for these events soon because they’re bound to sell out fast! To learn more about upcoming events and how the Hardrock Stadium has increased its health and safety measures, go to its website.
Topgolf
17321 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-357-6151
It’s a Friday night in Miami Gardens. You don’t really want to go out out, but you also don’t want to sit at home and watch another episode of the Office. So, what are you going to do? You’re going to Topgolf; that’s what you’re going to do. The Topgolf in Miami Gardens is the perfect place to go if you want a little bit of casual fun that won’t break the bank. Grab a few friends, reserve a bay, order a pitcher...or two, and live out your golf pro fantasy. Because you may never be Tiger Woods, but after a couple beers at Topgolf, you might be able to convince your friends or at least yourself that you can swing just as well as he can.
Calder Casino
21001 NW 27th Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-625-1311
Miami Gardens is definitely not Vegas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend. Head on down to the Calder Casino to get your gambling fix without the plane ticket. The Calder Casino has all your favorite slots and games except better. Check out the Calder Casino’s e-Table Games Pit to experience roulette and blackjack but electronic. And then celebrate your winnings... or drown your sorrows at the Center Bar. There you can enjoy the bar’s fantastic chicken wings and watch your team play while hoping they have better luck than you did.
Rolling Oaks Park
18701 NW 17th Court Miami Gardens, Fla. (305)-621-5932
Rolling Oaks Park is one of Miami Gardens’s coolest parks. It’s the perfect place to take a walk and escape the stresses of everyday life. The park has walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, sheltered pavilions, and a number of summer and afterschool programs for the kids. One of the most popular programs is the Shining Stars Afterschool Program from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. This program helps your child gain valuable soft skills and work on their reading ability. In addition, the park also hosts a variety of summer camps that include tennis and basketball clinics. Also, make sure to check the park’s website to stay updated on COVID-19 protocols and when the park hosts its monthly community food truck event.
Peterson’s Harley Davidson of Miami
19400 NW 2nd Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. (833)-427-5391
Life’s short. Who knows what could happen? So, buy the motorcycle you’ve been wanting since you were a little kid, or maybe just go take a look at one. Even if you’re not in the market for a new pair of wheels, still visit Peterson’s Harley Davidson of Miami. It’s a cool place to spend a few hours on a rainy day, I mean you can always pretend like you’re going to buy a new bike, and maybe the store associates will let you take a little joyride. Also keep in mind that the store sometimes hosts events like Pet Fest where motorcycle enthusiasts and non-motorcycle enthusiasts alike come together to adopt rescue animals, drink beer, and listen to live music. Visit the store’s website to stay updated on upcoming events and promotions.
Other things to do:
One of the great things about Miami Gardens is that it’s close to a lot of great cities and parks. South Beach is only a short drive away, and Downtown isn’t too far either. To find out more information about other cities, towns, and things to do in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, check out these other city profiles.
The Best Schools in Miami Gardens
Find the best schools in Miami Gardens
We get it. Moving is stressful. There are a million things to think of, and one of the most pressing things on your mind is, “Where is my kid going to go to school?” However, if you’re thinking of moving to Miami Gardens, let us help you take some of that stress off your plate. We can’t tell you what happened to that one box in the move or help you find it. But, we can tell what the best schools in Miami Gardens are because we did the research and found the best schools in Miami Gardens or near the area from the compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report.
The school network in Miami Gardens consists primarily of Miami-Dade County public district schools and a few private schools. We know you might be a little worried because the schools in Miami Gardens aren’t the best, but we’ve included nearby options in this guide—like the award-winning schools in Pembroke Pines and Miramar. That way you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your child’s education if you’re moving to Miami Gardens.
The Best Elementary Schools in Miami Gardens
As far as elementary schools, Miami Gardens actually doesn’t do too bad. The top recommended elementary schools in Miami Gardens are North Dade Center for Modern Language, Miami Gardens Elementary School, and Crestview Elementary School. Greatschools.org rates the North Dade Center a 9/10, Miami Gardens Elementary an 8/10, and Crestview Elementary a 7/10. And all of these schools received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
In terms of academic performance, North Dade Center performs the other two schools. However, that is to be expected from its greatschools.org rating and from the fact that students must apply and be selected to attend this school. North Dade Center is also special in that its curriculum focuses on implementing second language education in French or Spanish for your child.
North Dade Center exceeded the state standards in standardized testing in every subject, scoring a 78% proficiency in math, an 86% proficiency in English, and a 63% proficiency in science. Meanwhile Miami Gardens Elementary still exceeded the state standards in standardized testing for every subject, but its scores are a lot closer to the benchmark than North Dade Center’s. Miami Gardens Elementary scored a 70% proficiency in math, a 56% proficiency in English, and a 54% proficiency in science. And Crestview Elementary fell behind the state standards in standardized testing in English and science, a 68% proficiency in math, a 54% proficiency in English, and a 39% proficiency in science.
All of these schools either receive pretty good reviews, but some of these schools don’t have enough reviews to offer a comprehensive view of the school, so I recommend reading the reviews that are available on greatschools.org and checking out each school’s individual website to find out some more information.
However, one Miami Gardens Elementary parent did say, “My son started at this school when he was 4, pre k. I saw him change from being my baby boy and needing me to help him with his homework, to working independently. He still needs my help from time to time, my point is the teachers are great role models. I have much respect for them and what they are striving to do when it comes to our children.”
Remember, if you’re unsatisfied with any of these elementary schools, you can always check out some of the other elementary schools that are listed in our Pembroke Pines and Miramar city guides.
The Best Middle Schools in Miami Gardens
To start off, we do not recommend any of the middle schools located in Miami Gardens. However, we do recommend the Somerset Academy Middle (Miramar K-8), Glades Middle School located in Miramar, and the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School located in Pembroke Pines.
Greatschools.org rates Somerset Academy Middle a 10/10, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle a 9/10, and Glades Middle a 7/10. And all of these schools also receive an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
Before diving into each school’s academic performance, note that both Somerset Academy Middle and Pembroke Pines Charter Middle are a part of Broward County’s public charter school system, so students have to apply and be selected to attend these schools. Whereas, this is not the case for Glades Middle.
In terms of academic performance, Somerset Academy Middle takes the cake, scoring a 100% proficiency in math, a 100% proficiency in English, and an 89% proficiency in science—in short, absolutely amazing. Pembroke Pines Charter Middle follows closely behind with a 78% proficiency in math, an 84% proficiency in English, and an 83% proficiency in science. And then comes Glades Middle, scoring a 62% proficiency in math, a 66% proficiency in English, and a 54% proficiency in science. However, note that Glades Middle still exceeds the state standards for standardized testing in every one of these subjects.
Somerset Academy Middle doesn’t have a review or parent testimony listed on greatschools.org, and the other schools receive mixed reviews, so it’s worth checking out each school’s website and reading the reviews that are present on greatschools.org.
However, one Glades Middle parent did say, “Middle school is a rough time in anyone's life. Coming from the nurturing environment of elementary school to six classes with teachers, students, schedules, activities, etc. is daunting even for the most well-adjusted child. Glades Middle has made this difficult transition a very smooth one for my son. You hear horror stories in middle school, don't let those stories sway you from coming to Glades.”
Remember you can always explore more middle schools in our Pembroke Pines and Miramar guides if you’re unsatisfied with these options.
The Best High Schools in Miami Gardens
Just like with middle schools, we don’t recommend any of the high schools in Miami Gardens. However, we do recommend Everglades High School located in Miramar and both Pembroke Pines Charter High School and Somerset Charter High School located in Pembroke Pines.
Greatschools.org rates Pembroke Pines Charter High a 9/10, Somerset Academy Charter High an 8/10, and Everglades High a 6/10. However, keep in mind that all of these schools received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
Following the same trend as with middle schools, both Pembroke Pines Charter High and Somerset Charter High are a part of Broward County’s public charter school system, so students must apply and be selected to attend either of these schools. This is not the case with Everglades High.
As far as academic performance goes, Pembroke Pines Charter High does the best, scoring an 84% proficiency in algebra, a 76% proficiency in geometry, and an 88% proficiency in biology. Somerset Academy follows behind with a 73% proficiency in algebra, a 70% proficiency in Geometry, and an 85% proficiency in biology. And finally, there’s Everglades High with an 81% proficiency in United States history, a 56% proficiency in geometry, and a 71% proficiency in biology.
However, keep in mind a couple things when you’re looking at these scores. First, consider that all these schools have different scores posted in different subjects, so the comparison is not standard. And secondly, all of these schools exceeded the state standards for standardized testing in every subject except Everglades High which fell one point below the state benchmark in geometry.
In addition, all of these schools earned the College Success Award for their efforts in preparing students for college and later careers in 2019 and 2020.
In terms of reviews and parent testimonials, none of these schools receive great reviews, so it’s worth reading them for yourself at greatschools.org and checking out each school’s website.
But an Everglades High parent did say, “My son has had an amazing experience here. He has become a leader and is well on his way to receiving top college offers next year in his senior year.”
Remember you can always check out other high schools in the Pembroke and Miramar areas if you’re unsatisfied with these options. Pembroke Pines is especially renowned for its public charter high schools and their commitment to academic excellence.
For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Miami-Dade County public school website and Broward County public school website. 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.
Miami Gardens Community
Get involved and learn more about the Miami Gardens Community
So, you’re thinking of moving to Miami Gardens? Well, one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the area and the community is to educate yourself a little on the municipal government. Learning about a city’s government is the first step to seeing how the community operates. From there you can begin to get involved with the community and make Miami Gardens your forever home.
In Miami Gardens, the mayor and six other council members make up the city council, and each council member serves four-year terms. However, Miami Gardens is a little different than other city councils in Miami-Dade County. On the Miami Gardens City Council, two council members are elected citywide, and the other four are elected through their individual, respective districts. The city council at large acts as the city’s legislative body, voting on ordinances and resolutions and establishing various city policies.
In terms of voting power, the mayor’s vote is no more or less significant than any other council member. Shortly put, all members of the council have equal voting power. The mayor simply holds a ceremonial role as the head of the city and is expected to represent the city at various events. However, the city manager who is appointed by the city council runs the actual day-to-day functions of the city.
The current Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris has lived in Miami Gardens for over 20 years. In 2012, Harris was elected as a council member, and he was reelected in 2016 for the same seat. In 2018, Harris was appointed the vice mayor of Miami Gardens, and finally, he was elected as Miami Gardens’s third mayor in 2020. Even though Harris hasn’t had a long political career, he’s spent most of his adult professional life serving Miami Gardens. Prior to becoming a council member, Harris was a senior juvenile probation officer for the state of Florida. He helped found the Department of Juvenile Justice’s “Success Through Empowerment Program” (STEP) which mentors at-risk youth and youth who have been involved with the criminal justice system. And in 2008, Harris was recognized for his efforts and dedication to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Harris has also been recognized by Legacy Magazine as one of Miami’s fifty most powerful and influential black professionals in business
For more information about Harris or any of the other council members, check out the city’s website for their full biographies and contact information. To see Miami Gardens’s council members in action, check the city’s website for a schedule of upcoming meetings. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are closed to the public except for the open public comment portion of the meeting. Participants must register to make a comment, before the meeting. And even though meetings are technically closed, residents can still live stream the meeting. To find out more information about how to watch, visit the city’s website.
If you want to get even more involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Miami Gardens. Go to Miami-Dade County’s website to see how you can help maintain various Miami Gardens parks. Volunteer with Engage 305 to foster a grandparent, help feed the homeless, or work with Habitat for Humanity. Also, check out the Community Improvement Organization, an organization that aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged members in the community. And, be sure to go to Volunteermatch.org: it’s another great resource to stay updated on new and upcoming volunteer opportunities in Miami Gardens.
Miami Gardens Real Estate
Find the best homes in Miami Gardens
If soul food and gambling sound up your alley, then you may want to consider moving to Miami Gardens. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history and culture. Yeah, it’s a place with room to grow, but the exciting part is that by moving there you can be a part of that growth. If you’re seriously considering moving to Miami Gardens, you have to get in touch with the best Miami Garden realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. They’re the best people to help you find a home in Miami Gardens and provide you with more information on the area. Call them today at (305)-680-3268.
