Guide To Miramar 

Miramar's history, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate 

Driving through Miramar, you’d never guess that it’s less than half an hour away from one of the largest party cities in the world, Miami. Even more surprising is that it’s one of the most conveniently located cities in South Florida, only about 20 miles to both the Fort Lauderdale Airport and the Miami International Airport. 

Miramar is a quaint community located in Broward County, nestled right between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It’s a good place to live if you’re looking for a slower pace of life but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of living near a large metropolis. You can relax in one of Miramar’s quiet parks under the South Floridian sun, yet you’re only miles away from one of the nation’s largest international airports.  

Living in Miramar is ideal because it has a wide variety of restaurants, multiple things to do on the weekends, good schools for the kids, and affordable homes. It’s the perfect place to settle down and enjoy life at your leisure.

To the east, Miramar borders the city of Pembroke Pines,  another small community that’s renowned for its restaurants and shopping centers. And to its west is the edge of the United States’s first national preserve, Big Cypress National Reserve, an ideal escape to nature. 

Today, Miramar is home to about 140,000 people. Its median age is about 36, so it’s a younger city than you might imagine. In fact, about a quarter of Miramar’s population is under the age of 18, making it the perfect place to watch your kids grow up. 

Miramar is a nationally recognized tree city for its efforts to maintain the natural landscape and to increase its tree canopy. Driving through Miramar is more than just a quick jaunt through a small town, it’s a breezy cruise down tree-lined streets. 

Miramar also has a history of receiving the Golden Seal of Excellence for its child care centers along with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Additionally, in 2006 and 2008, Miramar was named as one of the top 100 “Best Places to Live” by Money magazine.

Living in Miramar, residents have the privilege of extensive city amenities. You can take a walk, jog, run, or bike through one of Miramar’s 40 spacious parks. A wide variety of Miramar’s parks have outdoor fitness stations, recreational fields, and recreational centers. And the city of Miramar has two public pools for residents to enjoy year-round.  

If you’re looking for something more cultural, Miramar also has you covered. Check out Miramar’s Culture Center and ArtsPark, which offers dance and acting classes throughout the year for all ages. Also, catch a show or admire wall-sized murals and other art installations in Miramar’s ArtsPark.

Miramar might not be the hottest party city or right on the beach, but it is the type of place where you can sit on your front porch and savor the simple things in life: family, friendly neighbors, and the buzz of cicadas in the summertime. To experience what living in Miramar may feel like, contact the best Miramar realtors, AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. 

Miramar’s History 

The best things start out small

To say that Miramar had humble beginnings is an understatement. When it was incorporated in 1955, it was home to only 200 people. But now Miramar has transformed into a thriving community with roughly 140,000 residents. 

The idea of Miramar first came to fruition in 1953 when A.L. Mailman bought a large tract of land from H.D. Perry Sr., a dairy farmer. Mailman wanted to create a small commuter town between the large metropolises of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. He wanted to offer a community to people who worked in the big city but craved a small-town environment with affordable housing. And after buying the land that would eventually become Miramar, Mailman started his vision by constructing Miramar’s first 56 houses. 

After the city’s incorporation, Perry became highly involved in Miramar’s development, donating land to form some of the city’s schools and avidly participating in the community. He and his wife frequently held community-wide barbecues, and Perry made a significant contribution to Miramar's youth through teaching animal husbandry. Today, Perry is still widely recognized in the Miramar community, with many parks and schools carrying his name.  

In 1959, Miramar’s first municipal election was held. Robert Gordan was named mayor, and in his newly won position, he proposed Miramar’s name. In Spanish, Miramar means to look at the sea, but if you’ve driven through the city, you’ll notice the lack of ocean front property. Gordan did not name Miramar for its ocean vistas– or shortage of them–but rather, he named the city after the pre-Castro Miramar neighborhood of Havana, Cuba.  

Since receiving its Cuban-inspired name, Miramar has done nothing but grow. Early founders of the community saw its potential for development. So in 1972, the city of Miramar adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan before it became mandatory for all cities. The plan outlined how expansion would take place in the future, ensuring that Miramar would undergo responsible development and continue to be a city for the residents.  

Over the next decade, Miramar continued to grow. And in the 1980s, Edmund H. Ansin proposed the idea for the Miramar Park of Commerce. He saw the future potential of developing a business park on the Broward and Miami-Dade county line. And since the business park was constructed, Miramar has become home to many Fortune 500 companies and large corporations.

From its original 56 houses to now, Miramar is one of the largest cities in Florida in terms of land. But it still has room to grow. Roughly ⅔ of Miramar’s land is not developed, giving its current residents space to breath and allowing the city time to develop responsibility. To find your piece of Miramar, contact the best Miramar realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. 

Top 7 Food Spots in Miramar   

Miramar is a small city with a big appetite for diversity. Living in Miramar offers you the chance to explore Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean, Dominican, Japanese, and American cuisine along with so much more. Bar food? Fine dining? Miramar still has you covered. To learn more, check out the top 7 restaurants in Miramar. 

1. La Careta

   3632 SW 8th St. Miramar, Fla. - (305)-444-7501 

   No top restaurant list in South Florida would be complete without a Cuban restaurant, and La Careta is the best Cuban restaurant in Miramar... and possibly in all of South Florida. The first La Careta opened in 1976 on Little Havana’s famous Calle Ocho, and since, La Careta has expanded to nine restaurants throughout the Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Stop by and enjoy classic Cuban comfort food like crispy chicharrones, gooey imperial rice, and tender guava barbeque chicken. 

2. El Churrasco

   11608 City Hall Promenade Miramar, Fla. - (954)-885-4800 

   There’s not much that can beat a classic Brazilian steakhouse and a decent caipirinha, and El Churrasco offers both. Come experience tender, juicy picanha; smoky filete con tocineta: pão de queijo with the most instagrammable cheese pull you’ve ever seen; golden, crispy yucca fries and actually, I don’t think I need to say anymore. 

3. Francisca

   12703 Miramar Parkway Miramar, Fla. - (954)-404-7954 

   The best charcoal chicken you’ll ever have is closer than you think. It’s actually right down the street. Discover some of the best Latin cuisine in Miramar with a trip to Francisca. Francisca, a part of the Boca’s restaurant group, recently opened a location in Miramar so that the residents would have a chance to experience Latin food as it should be: flavorful, traditional, and with a side of empanadas. 

4. Blue Ginger Seafood Steakhouse

   14395 Miramar Parkway Miramar, Fla. - (954)-538-7988 

   Date night? The in-laws are in town? Casual Tuesday but you don’t feel like cooking? Blue Ginger Seafood Steakhouse is the answer. As a traditional Japanese Hibachi steakhouse, Blue Ginger Seafood Steakhouse provides a unique dining experience and a show. Whether you try the specialty Blue Ginger roll or the legendary Hibachi Churrasco, you’ll soon discover why Blue Ginger Seafood Steakhouse is your next favorite restaurant in Miramar. 

5. Tribeca

   12100 Miramar Parkway Miramar, Fla. - (754)-210-6174 

   Seeking Caribbean cuisine, amazing happy hour deals, and an atmosphere that’s sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation? Then look no further than Tribeca. Tribeca serves a fusion of Latin and Caribbean cuisines, specializing in various Dominican dishes. Happy hour is Monday through Friday between 4-7 p.m. And Presidente beer is $3 whatever the time maybe. Take a break, relax, and go to Tribeca to experience island life in your own backyard. 

6. Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill

   5500 SW 29th St. Miramar, Fla. - (754)-400-8558 

   I’m sure someone once said that you can know everything about a town by having a beer in its best sports bar. I’m not entirely sure if that’s true, but if it were, then I’d have nothing but good things to say about Miramar. Bokampers is the place to go in Miramar to grab a cold one and watch the game. Its atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at the game...even if your team is losing. Bokampers is known for being a homegrown South Florida chain with a mission to be “The Best Game in Town.” So, stop by and see if Bokampers really lives up to its name. 

7. Texas Roadhouse

   3241 SW 160th Ave. Miramar, Fla. - (954)-499-3391
   Just because you’re in South Florida doesn’t mean you can’t have a taste of Texas. Texas Roadhouse may be a chain, but don’t let that fool you. It is the place in Miramar to go for all your down home, southern cravings. Order their fried pickles, award-winning ribs, country-fried sirloin, and Porterhouse T-Bone to experience how real cowboys eat. Also, make sure to get an order of their rolls for the table...you’ll thank me later. 

Top 5 Things to do in Miramar  

Want to experience real South Florida nature? Be a part of the new urban agricultural movement? Explore Miramar’s rich cultural scene? Check out the top 5 things to do in Miramar 

1. Miramar Cultural Center/ ArtsPark

   2400 Civic Center Place Miramar, Fla.  (954)-602-4534 

   Right across the street from city hall lies the Miramar Cultural Center and ArtsPark. Take a picture with one of the wall murals or just enjoy a walk, admiring the public art installations. The center also hosts new classes every few months like the AfroBeat dance class for adults or the Colors of Sankofa acting series for middle and high school students. To find out about upcoming cultural events, shows, and art exhibitions, check the center’s website.

2. Snake Warrior Island Natural Area

   3600 SW 62nd Ave. Miramar, Fla. 

   One of the best things about living in Miramar is how close it is to the Everglades. Snake Warrior Island is a stunning wetlands area where you can hike and see Florida’s natural beauty up close. It’s a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so be sure to bring your binoculars to spot many of Florida’s well-known avian species like the Tricolored Heron, the Anihinga, the Osprey, and many more. For more information about hikes at Snake Warrior Island Natural Area, go to floridahikes.com. 

3. Miramar Community Garden

   3700 Largo Drive Miramar, Fla.  

   If you’re looking for a way to meet your neighbor and grow some fresh veggies, become a member of the Miramar Community Garden! The Miramar Community Garden is the first micro-farming system in Broward County. By becoming a member, you have access to the garden to grow your own food, the opportunity to learn more about urban farming, and the ability to connect with the community. What more could you want?

4. Monster Mini Golf

   14435 Miramar Parkway Miramar, Fla. - (954)-589-1878 

   Miramar may not have a full golf course with 18 holes and driving range, but it does have Monster Mini Golf! Bring the whole family to enjoy 18 holes of monster-themed, fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark fun. Play a few rounds, or head over to their arcade, which includes a virtual reality attraction. Whatever you choose, Monster Mini Golf offers a safe way for your family to spend time together even in the midst of a pandemic. Monster Mini Golf follows all CDC COVID-19 recommended protocols and requires masks at all times. 

5. Miramar Regional Park

   16801 Miramar Parkway  Miramar, Fla. 

   Spend the day relaxing at Miramar’s Regional Park. There’s plenty of walking and jogging trails for you to enjoy. So take a leisurely stroll by the lake under the South Florida sun. Or take advantage of the park’s swimming pool and multiple recreational fields. There’s also a playground for the kids along with shaded pavilions and barbeque pits throughout the park. So bring the family—you can even bring the dog— and enjoy a day outside, playing and grilling hotdogs!   

Other things to do in Miramar:

One of the great things about Miramar is that it’s close to a lot of great cities and parks. South Beach is only a short drive away, and the Everglades are practically in your backyard. 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.

Miramar Education 

Find the best schools in Miramar 

Finding a new home in an area you don’t know a lot about is a battle. But add finding a good school to the mix, and the task seems virtually impossible. However, don’t worry too much because we’ve got you covered. We did the research and found the best schools in Miramar from the compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report. 

The school network in Miramar is made up of Broward County public schools and a series of Broward County public charter schools (Somerset Academy) along with a few private schools. On average, Miramar’s elementary and middle schools rank higher than its high schools according to greatschools.org. However, you can still find a good option for your child’s education no matter their age in Miramar. And if you’re still worried, Miramar’s neighboring city, Pembroke Pines is renowned for their charter schools at all grade levels. To find out more about Pembroke Pines’s school, check out our Pembroke Pines guide.  

Elementary Schools in Miramar

The top recommended elementary schools in Miramar are Somerset Academy Elementary (Miramar K-8), Silver Shores Elementary School, Sunset Lakes Elementary School, and Somerset Academy Elementary (Central Miramar Campus PK-12). Somerset Academy Miramar K-8 was rated the highest, 10/10. And the following elementary schools were all rated 9/10. All received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report, so you really can't go wrong with any choice. 

Somerset Academy Elementary (Miramar K-8) had the highest test scores in every subject, exceeding the state standard in English and maths by at least 40%. And it is recognized as a blue ribbon school by the United States Department of Education for its academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Somerset Academy Elementary (Central Miramar Campus PK-12) also performed exceedingly well in standardized testing. And although Silver Shores and Sunset Lakes don’t take any superlatives when it comes to standardized testing, both still score high above the state average in most subjects. 

One Sunset Lakes parent stated, “I am so happy my kids are attending this wonderful school. It is a very organized, loving, clean, and safe environment. The way an elementary school should be.”  

Overall, Sunset Lakes generally receives positive testimony. Silver Shoes has some mixed reviews. And neither one of the Somerset schools has been reviewed. So you may want to consider each school’s location and check out their websites to see which is the right fit for your child.  

Middle Schools in Miramar

The top recommended middle schools in Miramar are Somerset Academy Middle (Miramar K-8), Glades Middle School, and Somerset Academy Middle (Central Miramar Campus PK-12). The two Somerset Academies are a part of the same school families as the previously mentioned elementary schools. And Glades Middle School is a part of the general Broward County public school system. 

Like it’s elementary counterpart, Somerset Academy Middle (Miramar K-8) performs the highest in standardized testing, exceeding the state’s standards by 15% in its worst-performing subject, science. Glades Middle School follows behind barely exceeding the state standard in some subjects, and according to greatschools.org, Somerset Academy Middle (Central Miramar Campus PK-12) falls below the state standard in some subjects. 

However, both Somerset Academy Middle (Miramar K-8) and Glades Middle School were rated an “A” by the FDOE’s school accountability report, and Somerset Academy Middle (Central Miramar Campus PK-12). Review the middle schools’ testing histories here.   

High Schools in Miramar

Moving on to high school, the top-recommended high schools in Miramar are Everglades High School, Somerset Academy High (Central Miramar Campus PK-12) , and Miramar High School. All were rated average or below average by greatschools.org, but in this case, greatschools.org may not provide a complete picture of the schools’ performances. The FDOE’s school accountability report rated Everglades High School an “A,” Somerset Academy High (Central Miramar Campus PK-12) a “B,” and Miramar High School a “C.”

Both Everglades High School and Somerset Academy Central Miramar Campus PK-12 have been awarded the College Success Award for their efforts in preparing students for college and later career. Everglades High also has a lower student to teacher ratio than Miramar High School. And there is no information about the student-to-teacher ratio for Somerset Academy High (Central Miramar Campus PK-12).  

For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Broward County public school website. Also, visit greatschool.org or niche.com for additional parent testimonials and to explore Miramar 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.

Get Involved in Miramar

Learn more about the Miramar community 

One look at Miramar’s Instagram and you can see it’s a city that truly cares about the needs and wants of its residents. The city regularly updates its social media, informing its residents of available resources and upcoming events like commission meetings. Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miramar is still committed to engaging with residents, holding multiple virtual events like “Conversations with Mayor Messam.” So if you’re looking to become an active part of the community, learn more about Miramar municipal government and find what you can do to participate.  

Miramar’s municipal government is headed by the city commission, which is made up of the Mayor and four commissioners. Both mayor and commissioners serve four-year terms and vote on regulations, ordinances, and other issues. However, the day-to-day functions of the city are largely overseen by the city manager who is appointed by the mayor and the city council.

The current Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, has lived in Miramar for over 20 years. Messam is a former 2020 candidate in the presidential election, and he currently owns Messam Construction. Messam first served as city commissioner in 2011 and then was elected mayor in 2015. Messam was also reelected as mayor in the most recent election. Messam’s most well-known contributions to Miramar are establishing a living minimum wage, supporting various public beautification projects, and pushing for green initiatives in the city. 

For more information about Messam or any of the other commissioners, check out the city’s website for their full biographies and contact information. To become more involved with the municipal government, attend a virtual commission meeting and see the commissioners in action. To find the schedule for all public meetings and the link to attend, go to the city’s website.

If you want to get even more involved, check out Miramar’s list of ways you can volunteer and participate in the community. Become a member of the Miramar Community Garden and grow your own food while interacting with your neighbors. Volunteer at the Miramar Culture Center and ArtsPark or start your neighborhood watch program. Or maybe volunteer at the police department. In whichever way you want to be involved in the Miramar community, make sure you follow the city’s social media and updates, so that you can be an informed resident.  

Miramar Real Estate

Find the best Miramar realtor near you

If you’re interested in making Miramar 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 Miramar realtors, but they can provide the inside scoop on everything Miramar. For more information about Miramar or houses for sale in Miramar, call (305)-680-3268 or check out their Facebook.  

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