South Miami: The City of Pleasant Living
Nestled between the tony areas of Coral Gables and Pinecrest, South Miami is a vibrant community of 11,862 that truly earns its nickname as "The City of Pleasant Living."
Incorporated in 1927, South Miami is one of Miami-Dade County's oldest communities. In 2001 it won the coveted designation of All-America City in recognition of its cohesive network of neighborhoods, businesses and goverment working together to keep its small-town atmosphere among South Florida's varied and growing communities.
About three miles south of Miami, its 2.3 square miles borders the University of Miami's main campus, Coral Gables and Pinecrest.
Families make up the majority of South Miami's residents -- 60.3% of its multi-ethnic population -- with an estimated median household income of $60,888, which is higher than Florida's median income of $44,736.
The lush green area that eventually became South Miami was first settled in 1897 by W.A. Larkins, who brought his family to the end of the wagon trail now known as Ingraham Highway. Settling down, Larkins opened a dairy, a post office and later grocery and general supply stores, which led to the town first being called Larkins after its postmaster.
By the mid-1920s the town's citizens agreed to incorporate and renamed their community South Miami. Since then the "City of Pleasant Living" has kept its small town feel partly by reducing its size twice -- it was originally six square miles, and has now been reduced to its current 2.3-square-mile size, creating irregular boundaries that characterize the city.
The "City of Pleasant Living" has taken active steps to foster its community including youth activities and parks. The city's downtown business district is home to boutique hotels like the Mediterranean-style Best Miami Hotel and the chic Shops of Sunset Place mall including Aeropostale, Armani Exchange, Oceania, Urban Outfitters and Zumiez.
The Shops of Sunset Place is a tourist destination in itself with a simulated railroad bridge, faux architectural ruins and spitting metal lizards to thrill shoppers, and theme restaurants including Wilderness Grill/Paradise Down Under (Florida Trend).
Joining these businesses are restaurant hotspots like Marhaba Restaurant. The Brandon Lurie (Plaza 57) office complex and other mixed-used development ensures South Miami's downtown district remains a vital center of activity.
South Miami is also the home of the South Miami Hospital complex, which has gained recognition as a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellent by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has a reputation for innovative health care in many areas of expertise. The hospital also is only the fourth facility in the Miami-Dade County area to receive the Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence. Nearby is the Hotel Indigo, offering a convenient place to stay near the hospital complex. Coupled with the Oxford medical office development just across the street from South Miami Hospital, the city has become a hub of cutting-edge health care.
From trendy condos to single-family houses on tree-covered land, housing value has almost doubled since 2000 in the City of Pleasant Living. Estimated median house or condo value in 2009 came in at $372,893, up from the $164,200 in the year 2000. (City-data.com).
Still inspired by the pioneer spirit that first founded South Miami, the City of Pleasant Living is a family-friendly place that embraces change while retaining its charm.
