Coconut Grove, or The Grove, is one of the oldest and most unique settlements in Greater Miami. In the Grove lush tropical foliage hides houses. Streets may twist and turn. Some of the original Bahamian descendents still settle the Grove. A small bungalow may sit next door to a large estate or a small condominium complex. Magnificent waterfront mansions line the Bay on the North and South. Houses come in various styles and price ranges. Luxury condominiums line the downtown waterfront and attractive townhomes exist in the center of the Grove, all within walking distance to the area town center.

Coconut Grove has an eclectic mix of history, art, culture, and nature. The Grove is home to the Barnacle, the oldest house in Miami still standing on its original site. Residents can enjoy outdoor concerts and movies monthly at the Barnacle. Villa Vizcaya, an early 20 th century Italian Renaissance style mansion on Biscayne Bay , has an art museum and extensive gardens, and is host to many public and private events. The Grove also has an 8 acre tropical garden called the Kampong, one of the National Botanical Gardens. Several of the finest private schools exist here as well as a very good public elementary school.

Bordered by Biscayne Bay on the South side and US 1 on the North side, Coconut Grove has a large boating community, including the US Olympic Training Center for Sailing, two private yacht clubs, and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, which is open for public membership. For those more interested in shopping, the center of the Grove is a vibrant area filled with small boutiques and two large indoor-outdoor shopping malls: Coco Walk and the Shops at Mayfair . A FRESH MARKET will open in late 2005 offering organic, gourmet shopping adjacent to the Grove's waterfront marina. Art lovers appreciate the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, one of the largest in the country, as well as many other cultural and recreational events throughout the year.  
 

Coral Gables , known as the “City Beautiful,” was created in the 1920s by developer George Merrick and is one of the earliest and most successfully planned communities in Florida . Coral Gables is characterized by its Mediterranean architecture, wide streets, waterways, civic plazas, arches, fountains, and lush foliage. Residents live in quiet neighborhoods with superior municipal services. Many historic homes date back to the 1920s and 1930s, including unique themed villages, such as the French, Italian, and Chinese Villages . Later developments include higher-end waterfront communities such as Cocoplum, Gables by the Sea, Gables Estates, Old Cutler Bay , and Deering Bay .

Coral Gables has a thriving business sector. The Corporate Capital of the Americas , located near the airport, consists of 150 multinational corporations, making Coral Gables the Latin American headquarters for many international companies. The vibrant downtown, centered on Miracle Mile, has numerous businesses, shops, restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. The Village of Merrick Park includes a new high end shopping center. Coral Gables is also home to the University of Miami and the Coral Gables Youth Center , a popular recreational facility for both youth and adults.  
  

The entire downtown Miami area and the regions to the immediate North are undergoing an exciting revitalization. Some of the largest and most luxurious condominiums and mixed-use developments are changing the skyline. Downtown, Uptown and Midtown areas now have trendy lofts and boutique buildings, as well as self contained communities complete with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

These neighborhoods are centrally located and ideal for those who want to be near Miami 's financial center, the airport, and the beaches. The American Airlines Arena home to the Miami Heat and the Miami – Dade Cultural Center are both easily accessible from these areas. The new multi-million dollar Performing Arts Center is scheduled for completion in 2006. The existing Metrorail and the newly planned trolley system allow for easy transport.   
  

Key Biscayne is a luxurious tropical island featuring resort style living. Located just ten minutes from downtown Miami , Key Biscayne offers a paradise getaway from Miami . The community, known as the Village of Key Biscayne , measures 1.25 square miles. The Rickenbacker Causeway, a toll road, connects Key Biscayne with the mainland via Virginia Key. Both Key Biscayne and Virginia Key form the first (northernmost) part of the Florida Keys .

Residents of Key Biscayne can take advantage of numerous outdoor activities. The 500 acre Crandon Beach and Bill Baggs State Cape Florida Recreation Area are both very popular for daytime excursions. The park features a historic lighthouse on the Southern tip of the island, breathtaking beaches, nature centers, and bike trails. Local marinas offer easy access to fishing and sailing. The Links, a host to PGA Tournaments, is the public golf course, and the world renowned tennis center hosts the annual Tennis Pro Championship. On neighboring Virginia Key are the Miami Seaquarium and the University of Miami's Rosensteil School of Marine Science, as well as one of Miami-Dade County's premiere public magnet schools, The Mast Academy.

Key Biscayne features villas, condominiums, apartments, and luxurious houses. Many residents travel the island in private golf carts since there is a maximum speed limit of 20 mph. The community is very self contained, offering most shopping conveniences, restaurants, and fine Public elementary and middle schools. Key Biscayne is ranked in the top 150 Wealthiest communities nationwide, based on median home prices near $700,000 and the resort lifestyle.   
 

Greater Miami is a diverse metropolitan area alive with commerce and entertainment. The infusion of Latin American, and Caribbean cultures is evident in the fashion, art, music, and local food. Although half of the population of Miami is Hispanic, its immigrant communities also feature large numbers of Europeans and a large Jewish community. Miami is truly an example of America 's founding fathers vision of a “Melting Pot.”

Miami 's tropical weather and location on the ocean make it a popular place for locals and tourists. Fishing, boating, sailing, scuba diving, and other water activities abound. Residents enjoy numerous outdoor parks and attractions. Outdoor cafes and open air shopping malls are common and allow people to take advantage of the year long pleasant weather.

Miami has recently taken a step into the international art and music scene. This past year Miami played host to the world renowned Basil Art Show and the MTV Latin American Music Awards. In 2006 a new Performing Arts Center , designed by Cesar Pelli, is scheduled to open in downtown Miami . Miami is also home to the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts and the Jackie Gleason Theater, where aficionados can watch the Miami City Ballet perform. Miami has many wonderful art museums: Lowe Art Museum , the Bass Art Museum , Miami Art Museum , and the Museum of Contemporary Art .

Miami , known as the “Gateway to Latin America ,” serves as the headquarters of Latin American operations for many multinational companies. These include American Airlines, Cisco, Disney, Exxon, FedEx, Microsoft, Oracle, SBC Communications, and Sony. It is home to many Latin America Media enterprises, such as MTV Latin America. Miami also has the largest concentration of international banks in the country. Additionally, Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami are among the nation's busiest ports of entry. The Port of Miami is the largest cruise ship port in the world. In 2003 Miami hosted the Free Trade of the Americas negotiations and is one of the leading candidates to become the trading blocs headquarters.   
 

Miami Beach is a diverse, urban area made up of a series of islands located about three miles from downtown Miami between the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay . In the past 15 years, Miami Beach has transformed from a largely tourist area to becoming one of the most glamorous and trendy locations to live in the world.

Miami Beach consists of famous resort hotels, luxurious condominiums, and homes located on waterfront and non-waterfront properties. The southernmost end of Miami Beach , South Beach , is recognized for its art-deco inspired architecture, trendy nightspots, and high-end restaurants. Lincoln Road is the place to find an outdoor café or unique boutique. The New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, and world class theater are all located here. Other cultural establishments include the Bass Art Museum and the Wolfsonian. Several marinas exist for those who enjoy boating, and of course, the sandy beaches draw in those who love to swim, surf, and sunbathe.

Just north of South Beach is slightly quieter. Beautiful Mediterranean and Art Deco family style homes abound, as well as waterfront and golf course communities. It is not uncommon to find a celebrity or two living in this area. Further East on Collins Avenue and the beach are high-rise condominiums for vacation-home buyers and residents. Northern Miami Beach areas include Surfside, Bal Harbour , Sunny Isles, and Williams Island , all of which offer single family residences and luxury condominiums.   
 

The community of Miami began on the Miami River . The early Indian tribes traded and lived on the River. Settlers and Missionaries followed. The City of Miami was founded at the mouth of the Miami River . The Miami River has always played a large part in the economic lifeline of the city.

Today, the Miami River stretches 5.5 miles from Biscayne Bay through the heart of Miami ending at the Miami International Airport . The Miami River is still a critical part of the city's commerce. Currently, a multi-million dollar dredging project is underway to clean up the river and increase its viability.

The Miami River area is rapidly expanding to include a unique residential neighborhood. New luxury condominiums and trendy lofts line the Miami Riverfront, creating an “urban chic” lifestyle. Condos offer splendid views of the River, downtown Miami , Brickell Avenue , and Biscayne Bay . An extensive river walk is planned to enhance the entire area. The Miami Riverfront is a perfect location for the working professional who needs to be downtown quickly.  
 

Pinecrest has a suburban atmosphere in an urban environment. Pinecrest is one of the more desirable residential areas due to the sizeable lots and proximity to area businesses. The tree-lined streets and large estate homes date back to the 1950s when this was mainly a rural community. Today the spacious feeling remains. Pinecrest is home to Pinecrest Gardens , a lovely park with a lake, walking and jogging paths, picnic areas, and event facilities. Pinecrest residents have easy access to over 300 businesses and two shopping malls along South Dixie Highway . There are five highly regarded public schools and private academies, labeled as some of the best schools in the country. The Village of Pinecrest is conveniently located 10 miles south of downtown Miami and 5 miles from the Miami International Airport . Approximately 20,000 residents live in this affluent community.

Palmetto Bay lies between SW 136 th Street and SW 184 th Street and has a neighborhood suburban atmosphere. The public schools are excellent in this area. Other renowned private schools are also located in Palmetto Bay. One can locate less expensive, quality homes in this area, as opposed to other areas just North.

Families seeking outdoor activities in Pinecrest / Palmetto Bay areas can ride their bikes to Fairchild Tropical Gardens , an 83 acre paradise on Biscayne Bay filled with tropical flora and fauna, and Matheson Hammock Park , home to picnic grounds, bike and walking trails, and one of the areas best marinas.   
 

South Miami residents live on quiet, tree-lined streets in comfortable neighborhoods. The Center of the community is home to one of the region's largest retail – entertainment centers, Shops at Sunset Place, as well as numerous boutiques, restaurants, and movie theaters.

South Miami attracts a large number of professionals and families. Homes range from estate homes to low-rise condominiums.  
 

Miami is a city built on the water. Waterfront property can be found in almost every area and neighborhood in Greater Miami. Residents wanting to live on the water can choose from magnificent homes, luxury condominiums, and townhomes. Coconut Grove, Coral Gables , Key Biscayne, Miami , and Miami Beach all have homes directly on the water, as well as those on canals. Coral Gables is actually designed around a series of canals, known as the Coral Gables Waterway.

Many small exclusive gated communities exist in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables , including Cocoplum, Gables Estates, Journey's End, Old Cutler Bay , Gables by the Sea, and Deering Bay . Some homes on canals in Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and Miami Beach offer “No Bridges to the Bay” access. Many other neighborhoods exist West of Biscayne Bay that offer lakefront living on motorized and non-motorized lakes.

Key Biscayne and the islands of Miami Beach , including Star Island , Hibiscus Island , and Indian Creek Island offer spectacular views of the bay and ocean from luxury mansions.

High-rise condominiums on Brickell Avenue, in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, the Miami River, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and Downtown Miami all offer waterfront views.