Choosing where to settle down in Miami-Dade County can be a bit hard due to the many amazing places and neighborhoods in this beautiful county. The array of best and fun things to do and many beautiful and historic places to visit give locals, tourists, and even immigrants a hard time choosing to settle down in Miami-Dade. Most times, this is because of the feeling of missing out on the other beautiful and fun parts of the city after settling down in a particular location.
However, one of the best places, no doubt, where you can decide to live or settle down in Miami-Dade is Coral Gables. This amazing city was founded in 1925 by millionaire visionary George Merrick, who had a clear vision for the future of the community.
Coral Gables didn’t get its name because the city was made of corals but was named by George Merrick, he grew up in, which was made of a limestone, coral-like exterior and fitted with a gabled roof.
Furthermore, given that it was one of Florida’s earliest planned cities, the homes and buildings have textured walls and tiled roofs, which together form a unifying style for the entire city.
However, many ask, “Is Coral Gables a nice place to live?” Definitely. It is one of the best places you can live if you are looking to get a feel for a suburban area in a city.
With a population of about 49,000+, residents of Coral Gables seem more like a large family, and most own their own homes as well. There are many restaurants, coffee shops, spas, salons, and parks in Coral Gables. Also, many young professionals who lean liberal call Coral Gables home. There is a mall, and the public schools in Coral Gables are also highly regarded.
Coral Gables gives its residents a nice feel of a homely and comely environment. The ambiance around the city is cool, relaxing, and mostly peaceful.
Is Coral Gables a nice place to live?
To the question ” Is Coral Gables a nice place to live?” It is true that there are many nice places in Miami, and the fun never stops. But still, for people looking for a place to settle down and wondering if Coral Gables is a nice part of Miami, I can assure you that this is one of the best places you can decide to live the rest of your life in Miami.
Coral Gables is not short on the best and most fun things to do. The city has a lot of beautiful sights and scenery, a beautiful suburban feeling, great quality, and lots of beautiful spaces throughout the city. No wonder it is nicknamed “The City Beautiful.”
There are lots of beautiful places in Coral Gables that gave rise to its nickname, The City Beautiful, and they include:
1. Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
There is a lot to do at the Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables. Being one of the most exquisite hotels around Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel provides a lot of sightseeing for both locals and tourists alike.
The hotel contains a world-class resort center, dining room, and hall for different kinds of meetings, be they formal or informal. Also, there are special halls for different kinds of events. The halls reserved for wedding purposes are particularly exquisite. There are halls for other social engagements like birthday parties, family and friend get-togethers, etc.
When you are at the hotel, you should visit the spa. Facials, nail services, hair, and makeup—name it, Biltmore Hotel Spa has it all.
Don’t forget to take a look at the golf course too and get a feel of the cool ambiance oozing from its deep, lush green areas.
2. Miracle Mile
I call a walk down Miracle Mile a miracle walk. You can’t walk down Miracle Mile and not be in awe of the many shops, restaurants, arts institutions, and financial institutions that line up the road.
Miracle Mile is a 0.503-mile (0.810-km) stretch of Coral Way in Coral Gables, Florida, that runs through Lejeune Road (SW 42nd Avenue). It is also the major east-west road through the city’s downtown central business district.
Miracle Mile is not just a renowned destination for dining, entertainment, and shopping in the City Beautiful but also in the entire Miami-Dade County. In addition, visitors always find exactly what they came for, given to them with the utmost quality and service.
3. Shops at Merrick Park
Are you a fashion enthusiast and you are looking for a place to satisfy your fashion curiosity or explore different kinds of fashion cultures? Visit the shops at Merrick Park.
Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables, this luxurious shopping center welcomes you with luxury brands and picturesque streetscapes and also provides the ideal setting for year-round sunbathing.
4. Venetian Pool
Venetian Pool is a public pool in Coral Gables.
Since its opening in 1923, this distinctive aquatic facility has been utilized by hundreds of thousands of people. Over 820,000 gallons of water are added daily to the Venetian Pool, which is supplied with spring water from an underground aquifer.
Two waterfalls and grottos that resemble caves are included in the pool to make swimming fun for everyone.
Other places that make Coral Gables a nice part of Miami include:
- Lowe Art Museum
- Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
- Matheson Hammock Park and Marina
- Pinecrest Gardens, etc.
What is living in Coral Gables like?
Of course, many want to know what it is like to live in a city before deciding to settle down there. However, I can assure you that life in Coral Gables is good. The City Beautiful is a great place to call home.
Coral Gables is special in a very beautiful way in that it gives both a feel of a suburban area as well as a metropolitan city vibe.
The city is known for its orderliness and strict community planning. Also, even for first-timers, the well-naturally arranged tree boulevards that lined up the neighborhood and ivy-covered mansions will surely be noticed at first sight.
Furthermore, the fact that the city is centrally located affords both locals and tourists alike close proximity to major areas in downtown Miami, such as the Coconut Grove Area, Pinecrest, Downtown Area, etc. Also, Port Miami, Miami International Airport, Miami Beach, and other destinations are within reach.
In addition, you must be aware that although Coral Gables is more like a suburban area, the traffic can sometimes get overwhelming, and this is because of its close proximity to major Miami areas.
Finally, Coral Gables doesn’t have a beach, but you can easily access the famed Miami Beach from the city.
Is Coral Gables good for singles?
Are you perhaps single and looking for a place to call home or spend some time out on vacation? Coral Gables is worth trying out, and you sure won’t regret choosing the city.
The city has many attractions and establishments that singles will find endearing. One of these major establishments is the University of Miami. Also, there are calm avenues lined with palm trees, fancy stores, public parks, and a free tram that travels across the city—what more can you ask for?
Furthermore, there are numerous festivals and artistic events that are being held in Coral Gables that you can enjoy all by yourself. These festivals are commonly referred to as “The Gables” by locals, and they offer some spice to Coral Gables nighttime life.
As opposed to the South Beach area of Miami, which I won’t recommend for singles because of its influx of couples, lovers seeking fun, etc., and enjoying a more romantic evening, Coral Gables is a bit more reserved and singles-friendly.
You can visit the following attraction sites in the City Beautiful even though you are single and still have some fun:
- Fairchild Botanical Garden
- Coral Gables Museum
- Lowe Art Museum
- Pinecrest Gardens
- University of Miami, etc.
- In addition, some of the restaurants and bars you can try out at night even though you are single and won’t feel left out include:
- Spanglift Cocktail Bar and Kitchen
- Blackbird Ordinary
- Tap 42: Coral Gables
- Hole in the wall
- Blue Martini Lounge
- Bar Nancy
- Doc Bs Restaurant + Bar, amongst many others
- Overall, Coral Gables is a great place for singles to live or visit.
Is Coral Gables an expensive place to live?
Due to the fact that Coral Gables is in Miami, South Florida, to be precise, it is a pretty expensive place to live. Still, the cost of living in the beautiful city is expensive compared to its neighboring towns.
Furthermore, Coral Gables overall cost of living is thought to be 16% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive cities in the nation.
The cost of living in Coral Gables has been increasing lately. The areas with the biggest price increases were transportation and housing. But not to worry; Florida is a tax-friendly state.
Finally, it is important to note that when relocating to Florida, it is also critical to take the heat into account. The prolonged, sweltering summers certainly affect the cost of living, particularly your energy costs. Your cost of living will rise throughout the summer because you’ll probably use your air conditioner more often than not.
Why are coral gables famous?
Aside from its Mediterranean-themed planned community, known for its historic and affluent character reinforced by its strict zoning, popular landmarks, and tourist sights, perhaps the biggest contributing factor to Coral Gables fame is the University of Miami. Let’s take a quick look at the University of Miami.
The University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private research university with a primary campus in the city that covers 240 acres (0.97 km2). It is the second-largest employer in Miami Dade County and Coral Gables, employing 16,479 faculty and staff as of 2021.
Some of the things to do at the University of Miami include:
- The Watsco Centre
- University of Miami Bookstore
- The 120,000 square-foot Donna E. Salalah
- The Rathskeller, amongst many others
- Inside the University of Miami alone, there are so many fun things to do that even a day won’t be enough for you to tour the whole institution.
Conclusion
Coral Gables is a very peculiar city in the whole of Miami-Dade County. In the city, there are a lot of things you won’t find in any other city. A great example is the prestigious University of Miami, not to mention the rare, beautiful tree boulevards that line its streets.
Also, there are lots of tours you can engage in around Coral Gables. Some even offer helicopter tours. They include the Miaimi Private Airplane Tour with free food and drinks, the Half-Day City Tour Highlights around Coral Gables, etc.
Start packing up your luggage now and start planning for a visit to Coral Gables. And if it is relocation you are planning, your first choice destination should be Coral Gables.
You are in for fun that has no end!
