The Neighborhood of La Gorce

Community Info

La Gorce is an enclave within the neighborhood of North Beach. It is bounded by Indian Creek in the south, the Isle of Normandy to the north, and Biscayne Bay to the east and west. The neighborhood is known for its huge lots, lush tropical landscaping and beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. Like most of the areas island communities, there is one road into the neighborhood with a guardhouse, making it exceptionally safe and quiet. Architectural Styles range from Spanish Mediterranean to Modern. A great place for growing families and avid boaters.

Here are just a few things that make the La Gorce neighborhood stand out:

La Gorce Country Club: Classic 90-plus-year-old social club with all the amenities of good living and mingling. Completely renovated in 2005, it added a cafe, fitness center and a sauna and spa. If you want, you can play some golf too.

Great Security: The neighborhoods guardhouse is manned 24/7, and all the visitors auto tags are logged as a security measure. This provides residents with a layer of safety that keeps the islands secure.

Privacy: Though not completely private, having a one-road access point does have its benefits. For the most part, anyone entering the islands either lives there or is doing work there. The resulting lack of traffic makes the streets safe for children and romantic walks under the tree canopy.

A short history of the La Gorce neighborhood:

  • Carl Fisher developed the island by dredging more than two million cubic yards from Biscayne Bay.
  • The La Gorce Country Club was completed in 1927. In 1928, Johnny Farrell won the first Miami Beach–La Gorce Open. In the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, the golf course attracted all the top golfers, including Gene Sarazen, Bill Mehlhorn and Horton Smith.
  • The Fontainebleau Resort was built on the property that previously held the Firestone Mansion, home of auto tire magnate Harvey Firestone. Purchased in 1952,  hotelier Ben Novack paid $2.3 million. Score.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around La Gorce:

Nobu: Ever heard of Nobu Style cuisine? Well get ready. Created by Sushi Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this fusion cuisine is a delicious merging of Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients. It’s so good, Nobu has over 30 locations around the globe, in 5 of the seven continents. Fun fact? Robert De Niro is one of Nobu’s co-owners, “You talkin’ to me?”

Broken Shaker Miami: Nestled in the ultra-hip Freehand Hotel, the Broken Shaker has a reputation for cocktail perfection. So much so, it was awarded Best American Hotel Bar by Tales of Cocktail. With a spirited penchant for adventure and experimentation, allow one of their highly trained mixologist inspire a great night out.

Lola Restaurant & Grill: This Argentine cuisine inspired spot is special in many ways. It began with a hidden spot, tucked away in the mezzanine of the Oceanside Plaza Condominium, and has moved into the spotlight with their incredible ambience and unexpected taste experiences. Go ahead and stray off the beaten path. Lola awaits.

 

Favorite things to do in and around La Gorce:

Fontainebleau Resort: Few resorts have the history that the Fontainebleau Resort has. Opened in 1954, it was host to some of South Florida’s most incredible parties and musical events. Recently restored and revamped for 21st century indulgences, it boasts an immensely popular nightclub called Liv and an enviable concert series called BleauLive that has hosted performers like Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Maroon 5, and many more. Not into the crowds? Then sit at one of their cozy lounges and have the bartender create something for you. The vibe is so dense, you will be inspired to Instagram your experience.

Faena District: Argentinian developer Alan Faena has started restoring the historic buildings along Collins Avenue from 32nd to 36th streets – and in the process has created something very cool – a micro-renaissance rooted in the arts. Check it out. The Faena Forum is an incredible landmark building that showcases innovation in the arts, entertainment, businesses, and technology. You can also visit the Faena Theater, a lovely 150-seat cabaret, hosting live musical performances. Definitely something to explore.

There’s always the beach: Not to point out the obvious, but the La Gorce neighborhood is on an island, and near a plethora of beautiful beaches. Don’t like the sand? Go out on your boat (or charter one), rent a jet ski, go deep water fishing – there is an ocean out there with oceans worth of possibilities. So we say try it all. Leave no experience untested.

Location, location, location. La Gorce puts you a stone’s throw away from the pleasures of South Beach, as well as some of Miami Beach’s cozy hangouts. Bottom line? Living in the La Gorce neighborhood is one of South Florida’s many wonderful experiences where residents get the best of many worlds – from the cultural to the bohemian, from the reclusive to the sociable – Miami Beach and Miami have you covered. Have fun creating an amazing life.

La Gorce Demographics

  • There are 2,623 people living in La Gorce.
  • The median age of La Gorce residents is 36, which makes it a fairly young community.
  • In the lower island, 73% of the population is married and almost 90% on La Gorce Island are married.

Distance to popular areas

South Beach: 4.4 miles
Design District: 5.3 miles
Midtown: 5.6 mile
Wynwood: 6.2 miles
Downtown Miami: 9.3 miles
Brickell City Center: 9.8 miles
Miami International Airport: 11 miles
Aventura Mall: 10.4 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
Treasure Island Elementary School – Grades PK-5
North Beach Elementary School – Grades PK-5
Nautilus Middle School – Grades 6-8
Miami Beach Senior High School – Grades 9-12

 Private schools
Holy Spirit Church & Inst / Miami Beach Academy – Grades PK-1

Are you in love with Key Biscayne?

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.