A perfect locale for homeowners who like to have everything at their fingertips, Coral Gables is found immediately southwest of Downtown Miami, near Little Havana and Coconut Grove. Home to the University of Miami and many celebrities, this community boasts several of the wealthiest zip codes in the country.
The residents who make up Coral Gables’ population of around 50,000 were drawn there by its nearby amenities, exclusivity, and luxurious atmosphere. Mediterranean-style homes surrounded by lush greenery and soothing fountains give this highly desirable area an Old World feel.
You’ll find gorgeous estates and waterfront mansions in Coral Gables, as well as more modern condos downtown for those who appreciate being able to access fine dining, boutiques, art, and entertainment just outside their door.
Public schools in Coral Gables are served by the Miami-Dade School District. There are also a number of private institutions to choose from for students of all ages.
The city of Coral Gables was one of the first fully planned communities in the US, started in 1925. The planner and primary developer of the city was George E. Merrick, who was responsible for the incredible growth Miami experienced in the early 1900s, taking it from a series of sleepy seaside communities to a thriving urban area connected by modern roadways. Even then, Coral Gables was known for its meticulous zoning, which favors residents by creating a limited commercial district that contains business sprawl.
Merrick was passionate about the aesthetics of Coral Gables, and the verdant golf courses, tree-lined boulevards, and lovely bridges of the city today reflect his influence, as do the thousands of homes he built there. The Spanish-style architecture was the ideal choice to complement the southern Florida environment, and Merrick employed other international influences throughout the burgeoning community as well, in addition to providing the land for the University of Miami.
Historic preservation has been a priority for the city since the middle of the 20th century. Coral Gables now has a Registry of Historic Places to protect special properties and landmarks and review any modifications to significant structures. The famous Biltmore Hotel, inspired by the Spanish Cathedral of Seville and designed by George Merrick, is located in Coral Gables, as is the Venetian Pool, an incredible aquatic facility built in 1923.
Coral Gables features 47 miles of waterfront, as well as numerous beautiful parks close to every home in the city. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden contains 83 acres of nature preserve, where you can also see world-class art exhibits. Whether you prefer boat marinas, lagoon beaches, or nature trails amid the mango trees, you can enjoy it with ease in Coral Gables, all with stunning ocean and city vistas.
People come from throughout the Miami area to take advantage of Coral Gables’ top-flight restaurants, fashion centers, and theaters. Art galleries abound, and there is a perennially popular annual summer concert series too. Visitors and residents alike always say there is something for everyone in Coral Gables, from the Lowe Art Museum to cozy cafes to the free trolley that traverses Ponce de León Boulevard.
