The Neighborhood of Belle Meade & Belle Meade Island

Community Info

Belle Meade is a large sub-neighborhood of Upper East Side Miami. Established in the thirties, this special, gated community is bordered by Little River in the north, Biscayne Boulevard in the west, NE 72nd terrace in the south and Biscayne Bay in the east. Belle Meade is quintessential Florida living – the homes are breezy, open and tropical. Tree canopied streets and a singular tranquil ambience help make this one of Miami’s most popular neighborhoods. Ultra-exclusive Belle Meade Island lies to the north. It accommodates 54 luxury homes – residents and guests must go through two guard gates to enter this lush and exclusive island. Architecture in Belle Meade is representative of its residents – a multigenerational mix – from classic 1920’s Spanish mission style to the latest modern designs.

Here are just a few things that make the Belle Meade neighborhood stand out:

MiMo Revitalization: Walk west through the guard gate and you are at the epicenter of the MiMo Historic District. A foodies heaven and a designers bounty. Restored Art Deco properties up and down Biscayne Boulevard housing trendy shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Once you’re done, walk home to your quiet Belle Meade retreat. Perfect.

Waterfront Beauty: Dozens of homes on the water with beautiful views of the bay. A great spot to cast a faraway eye on the revelers of Miami Beach just a few miles across the water.

Gated Community: Only one way in, and one way out – through the manned guard gate on 76th street. It makes Belle Meade one of the most safe and secure neighborhoods in the area.

Belle Meade Mini Park: Tiny and quaint community park with picnic tables, BBQ, and a playground. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. The park also serves as the neighborhood’s town hall.

Legion Park: A huge park with basketball and tennis courts, tot lots and a recreation building with great programs for kids and adults. Plus it has secret histories. The gossip kind. More on that later.

A short history of the Belle Meade neighborhood:

  • Belle Meade broke ground in the 1930’s. Newspaper ads in the Miami Daily News that ran in 1925 were selling homesites (pre-development) starting at $7500. Nice.
  • Around 1916, William B. Ogden, owner of the land that would become Legion Park, built a coral rock covered mansion and named it the Tee House Plantation. Here he would entertain his friends, among them tire magnet Harvey Firestone and silent movie star Billie Burke.
  • In 1920, Ogen sold the property to Ed Ballard, who turned the home to an illegal casino and drinking resort. The state took possession of the property in 1933. Belle Meade has been quiet ever since.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Belle Meade:

‘O Munaciello: The owners – from Florence, Italy. The oven they prepare their authentic southern Italian cuisine in? From Naples, Italy. You know you’re getting real Italian cooking when the only thing not Italian in the mix is you. Incredible pasta and seafood dishes await you – and pizza of course!

Moshi Moshi: The sushi here is amazing. And that’s great. But what really makes this Miami establishment special is that it’s open until 5AM! This will permanently change your idea of late-night cravings. Dragon Roll please.

Ms. Cheezious: We have two words for you. Grilled Cheese. This laidback hangout serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches inspired by Miami’s cultural mash-up. Try our favorite – the Croqueta Monsieur.

Jimmy’s East Side Diner: This diner is straight out of the 50’s and serves some of Miami’s best comfort food. We recommend starting with one of their HUGE breakfasts. Oh! And it’s famous. It plays a major role in the Oscar-winning film “Moonlight”. Break out your Netflix.

Favorite things to do in and around Belle Meade:

Ironside District: You can skip over Biscayne Boulevard and do a quiet, early evening stroll through the Ironside Urban District and take in the sophisticated art galleries, eateries and shops.

Legion Park Farmers Market: Every Saturday vendors with local farm produce, baked goods, and delicious snacks set up a tent and allow you to eat their healthy fare (for a nominal price :)). Artisans are also there with their soaps, lotions, jewelry and art. Take it all in.

MiMo District: We’ve already said a lot about it. If you enjoy Art Deco architecture, eclectic dining and cozy bars – then welcome to MiMo. This historic district does more than preserve a design movement, their lighted crosswalks are the first steps in making Miami a more walkable city.

The mini park: You and the family can BBQ at the Belle Meade Mini Park. Maybe invite the neighbors to join you? Let us know. We’d like some burgers too!

You are so close to everything. Just look up 55th Street Station, Wynwood, Design District, Downtown Miami and so much more. It’s Uber easy. Belle Meade’s central location is by far one of it’s most attractive qualities.

Belle Meade’s Demographics

  • There are 2,149 people living in Belle Meade – 1,248 males and 900 females.
  • Married-couple families without children – among all households – is 26.8%
  • 12.6% of Belle Meade households are families with children

Distance to popular areas
Design District: 3 miles
Midtown: 3.3 miles
Wynwood: 3.8 miles
Downtown Miami: 7 miles
Brickell Center: 7.7 miles
Miami Beach (South Beach): 8.7 miles
Miami International Airport: 8.8 miles
Aventura Mall: 9.2 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Private:
Morningside Montessori School (Toddler to Kindergarten)
The Cushman School (K-12)

Public:
Morningside K-8 Academy
Phyllis R. Miller Elementary School
Horace Mann Middle School
Miami Arts Charter – MAC (6-12)
Design and Architecture Senior High – DASH (9-12)

Are you in love with Belle Meade?

Email or call me (305.318.8557) to learn more, talk about what’s available and hopefully visit a few of these amazing homes. I can’t wait to show you around.