The first neighborhood of Miami, Coconut Grove, or “The Grove,” as it’s known locally, is one of the most sought-after living destinations in the country. Sophisticated and beautifully manicured, yet laid back and friendly too, Coconut Grove can be found just south of Downtown Miami and Brickell.

The village affords lush privacy and serenity while still being just minutes from the bustle of South Beach. It also offers its own unique and slightly Bohemian mix of bistros, boutiques, and cultural attractions.

Spanish- and Mediterranean-style homes give Coconut Grove much of its allure. There you’ll find gated estates and secluded mansions, as well as charming bungalows and condos in the downtown area. Homes in Coconut Grove were built to maximize shade and ocean breezes, with as much attention given to year-round outdoor living as to their gorgeous interiors.

Coconut Grove has attracted many celebrities over the years. There are more than a half dozen private schools serving grades K-12 in Coconut Grove, including two of the most exclusive schools in Miami.

Coconut Grove was established in 1825 and has remained one of the greenest spaces in the Miami region, with many nature preserves packed into its 5.6 square miles. For a stunning blend of native forest landscaping, formal gardens, Italian Renaissance architecture, and priceless artwork, head to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Formerly the villa of James Deering, heir to the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, the estate on the eponymous Biscayne Bay (Vizcaya in Spanish) is now open to the public and features luxurious interior furnishings and decorative art, prized antiques, outdoor sculptures, rose-filled terraces, and a restored swimming grotto.

The Grove is also a magnet for boating enthusiasts, with dozens of marinas to suit every kind and size of watercraft. Residents can choose from a variety of sailing and yacht clubs as part of the vibrant social community in Coconut Grove.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is one of its most prominent events, and there are culinary and music festivals too.  Shopping is easy, with several open-air malls and blocks of smaller shops for fun browsing. The new Cocowalk will be unveiled soon, a civic oasis beneath the palms offering visitors a step beyond the traditional shopping experience at its many stores, lunch spots, and late-night dining venues.

You can find nearly every cuisine represented in Coconut Grove, from fine dining to casual bistros featuring fresh local seafood and tropical fruit. The eclectic makeup of the community provides fantastic amenities for residents, with new discoveries and jewel-like parks around every corner.