Coconut Grove is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Nestled under an expansive canopy of Banyan trees, Coconut Grove boasts an eclectic atmosphere deeply rooted in South Florida history. As Williamsburg of Brooklyn has transformed the New York borough, Coconut Grove parallels that culture in Miami, attracting a worldly and contemporary vibe. Located along the scenic Biscayne Bay and only minutes to downtown, Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami, Coconut Grove is a highly desirable location.

Coconut Grove, locally known as “The Grove” is a bit of paradise just South of Downtown Miami. In less than 6 square miles, the combination of a strong international presence and robust artistic community make this bohemian upscale waterfront community unlike anywhere else in the city.

Old-Floridian style defines the Coconut Grove real estate to create a sophisticated laid-back town perfect for the Brooklyn, Boston or San Francisco transplant and international set. The neighborhood displays a variety of architectural styles including Key West, Contemporary, Spanish-style villas, ultra-modern, Mediterranean and French chateaus that come together under the sub-tropical natural environment.

In addition to picturesque single-family homes, the Coconut Grove condo market has been redefined with numerous luxurious residential buildings including the Grove at Grand Bay “Twisted Sisters”, Park Grove, The Grovenor House, Mr.C Residences, Residences at Vizcaya, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton and Vita at Grove Isle.

Shopping, Restaurants, History & Recreation

Coconut Grove is rich in history and offers many sites and museums to learn and experience this neighborhood’s deep South Florida roots.

The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami. The house, built in 1891 was originally constructed for influential Coconut Grove pioneer and American yacht designer, Ralph Middleton Munroe. Today, the 5-acre property situated on Biscayne Bay offers events, day passes and memberships. Events include Outdoor Starlight Movie Nights, Concerts, Yoga by the Sea and the annual Commodore’s Birthday Party.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was originally home to one of South Florida’s earliest businessmen and conservationists, James Deering. Deering moved into the Tuscan Mediterranean architectural style estate on Christmas Day in 1916. The property originally consisted of 188 acres of native tropical forests and lush gardens. Today, the estate consists of 50 acres with 10 acres of Italian Renaissance gardens and the Villas Museum located in the original house. Vizcaya welcomes visitors weekly Wednesday through Monday. It is a popular destination for state occasions, weddings, social events, photoshoots and has been featured in multiple Hollywood films.

The Kampong is a National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. This nonprofit institution dedicates resources toward the protection of global tropical plants. The Kampong was one of botanical explorer, Dr. David Fairchild’s former estates. The Kampong is home to tropic, sub-tropic and equatorial plants including exotic fruits, over 50 varieties of mango, numerous species of palms and flowering trees all studied by scientists from around the world. The Kampong is open to the public weekly Tuesday through Friday for self-guided tours. The space is also coveted for private parties and weddings.

Held every year over President’s Day Weekend, art enthusiasts from all over the world gather in Coconut Grove for the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Started in 1963, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is produced by the non-profit Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association to fund art programs, including granting scholarships for students in local fine arts programs.

A light-hearted and eclectic notable event in Coconut Grove is the King Mango Strut, dubbed “the Weirdest Parade in the Universe”. With a different theme every year, “Grovites” participate in the parade with hand-made floats and costumes. Other events include the Coconut Grove Artisan & Farmers Market at Saint Stephen’s Church, Trivia Nights at Barracuda Taphouse & Grill

Whether you are looking for an upscale French-Mediterranean experience, spicy Peruvian influenced cuisine, sophisticated Indian or a casual burger, the Grove has it all. The sounds of jazz, salsa, and reggae fill the local neighborhood bars. Locals love to dine at the variety of restaurants in the Grove including Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, Glass & Vine, Atchana’s Homegrown Thai, Greenstreet Café, Lulu, Strada in the Grove and Bellini at Mr. C. For a casual waterfront dining experience, patrons gather at Monty’s Raw Bar to hear local bands and watch boats come into the marina.

The waterfront community is home to over 15 parks including many dog parks, yacht clubs and marinas. It is a very dog friendly, pedestrian, bike friendly and easily accessible neighborhood. If you are passionate about boating and waterfront activities, Coconut Grove is home to the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coral Reef Yacht Club and Dinner Key Marina.

Coconut Grove has a lovely commerce district full of restaurants and boutique shops. The newly reimagined and redesigned shopping center, Cocowalk offers an urban village of restaurants, retail a movie-theater and over 100,000 square feet of office space. Community favorites include H&H Jewels, Books & Books and Nikki’s Beachhouse Boutique.

Schools

Coconut Grove offers one of the best and most abundant school districts in Miami. Coconut Grove Montessori School is a highly respected preschool through elementary private Montessori school. Another nearby Montessori option for preschool is the popular Village Montessori School. Both schools also offer summer camp programs. For private day school, the highly prestigious Ransom Everglades School serves grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1902, the school is considered one of the top three college preparatory schools in Miami. Additional private school options include: La Salle High School, Saint Hugh Catholic School, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Day School, and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.

The local public schools are also very strong and include: Coconut Grove Elementary School, George Washington Carver Middle School, and George W. Carver Elementary. It’s also important to note that George Washington Carver is the only public middle school recognized by the foreign governments of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain in the county.

Gated Communities in Coconut Grove

Gated communities in Coconut Grove include The Moorings, Camp Biscayne, Hughes Cove, Entrada Estates, Four Way Lodge Estates, The Anchorage, Treasure Trove, Ye Little Woods and DeGarmo Estates.

If you are ready to call Coconut Grove home, contact the Audrey Ross Team for more information on the Coconut Grove real estate market.