The Neighborhood of North Beach
Community Info
North Beach is the northernmost part of the City of Miami Beach. Bounded by 63rd Street and Indian Creek Drive to the south and 87th Terrace to the north, it holds some of Miami Beach’s most desirable neighborhoods; Isles of Normandy, Biscayne Point, and La Gorce. This idyllic beach town neighborhood is awash with MiMo architecture, community cohesiveness, and the hopeful outlook that built it after the war. It is a gorgeous place to raise a family, a short walk to culture, the beach, schools and parks. We consider this neighborhood one of the best values on Miami Beach, and one of the most livable in South Florida. You must check it out.
Here are just a few things that make the North Beach neighborhood stand out:
Beach town feel: The best thing about North Beach is that it has retained much of it’s small village feel. Homes are modest, historical, and the vibe is family oriented. You’re not here to enter the scene like it’s glitzy neighbors, you’re here to quietly live the moment. Walk everywhere, say hello to people as you walk about and feel welcome.
The Beaches: Let’s not forget, you’re on the beach. White sands, serene ocean waters and the cool island breeze Miami Beach is famed for. Make it a point to start and end your day with sand in your toes. It’s the cheapest form of therapy known to man and woman.
Cute downtown: The downtown strip on Collins Avenue is an enjoyable walkabout – and a testament to the neighborhoods walkability. The mom and pop restaurants and shops provide a nostalgic view into North Beach’s past and a window into its future. Enjoy the cosmopolitan sights, sounds and smells.
Location, location, location: North Beach is ideally situated far from everything and close to it – simultaneously. Beautiful, homey and quiet, it is a wonderful place to live that is conveniently close to anything you’d like to do. Enjoy.
A short history of the North Beach neighborhood:
- By 1925, North Beach was home to five Biscayne Houses of Refuge, organized and run by the U.S. Life-Saving Service to help with shipwrecks along the coast.
- Fun Fact: Scandal is never too far behind. The infamous Jungle Inn was a reputed speakeasy and gambling joint on the southeast corner of 69th street.
- The Deauville 1958 gained international fame and music history immortality when The Beatles visited for their second performance in the US for the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
- The Martinique was the first hotel in the city to be air conditioned – can you imagine life without AC? Well, there was a time…
Restaurants & Attractions
Some of our favorite places to dine around North Beach:
El Rancho Grande: A purveyor of “mexellence” you say? Well that’s what owner Chef George Rodriguez says. This is a natural spot for a night-about on North Beach. It has all the charm, food and drinks to start off your adventure. The menu items are not surprising; tacos, quesadillas, burritos, etc. But the taste is! Highly recommended.
Sazon Cuban Cuisine: Every neighborhood should have a Cuban Restaurant. For North Beach, it’s Sazon’s. Truly authentic Cuban cuisine served with the warm, Latino vibe. If only to start your day (or night) with a cafecito, you will be making this place part of your daily routine.
George’s: Nothing says “sit down and eat well” than a cozy Italian restaurant. And in George’s case, nothing could be more true. Elegant home cooking, exceptional wines and just steps from the North Miami Bandshell, it is a strategic start for any evening of fun. Plus, very reasonably priced and open 24-hours, every day. Make a point to stop in and enjoy this family-style restaurant. You will love it.
Little Brazil: Sometimes, we feel that our Latin but Portuguese neighbors to the south are underrepresented in our fair city. But in North Beach, you can experience authentic Brazilian fare at Little Brazil. Friendly, delicious smelling and satisfying, you can taste a little of Rio in every bite.
Prima Pasta: The Cea family have done something special here. Authentic Italian cuisine, family owned and operated, for almost 30 years. This Miami Beach icon is your “go to” for a family friendly outing or a quick business lunch. We recommend eating outside and witness the fun of a beach day up close.
Favorite things to do in and around North Beach:
O Cinema: Are you a film buff? This single screen independent movie theater won’t be showing blockbusters – but it will be showing the finest local, indie, and international films. Check out the fringe stories being told around the globe at this cultural monolith – if you love movies, you will love O Cinema.
The North Beach Bandshell: Built in 1961, this National Register of Historic Places designated open-air amphitheater is the heart and soul of the neighborhood. Designed in the Miami Modernism (MiMo) style, this special venue hosts live performances, festivals and even movies. Plan to spend a lot of time here.
Miami Beach: Bottom line, you’re on Miami Beach, and have full, unmitigated access to everything the Beach has to offer. Minutes from the South Beach hustle and mainland Miami’s considerable offerings, you could not be in a better place. North Beach gives you all that in a quiet, beach town setting.
North Beach Demographics
- The North Beach had a population of 43,250 residents
- The median household income was $40,775 (2010)
Distance to popular areas
Design District: 2.1 miles
Midtown: 7.9 miles
Wynwood: 8.4 miles
Downtown Miami: 11.5 miles
Brickell Center: 11.9 miles
Miami Beach (South Beach): 6.8 miles
Miami International Airport: 13.2 miles
Aventura Mall: 8.2 miles
Neighborhood Schools
Public schools
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Mater Academy Miami Beach – Grades K-9
Biscayne Elementary School – Grades PK-5
W. J. Bryan Elementary School – Grades PK-5
Private schools
St. Joseph’s School – Grades PK-8
Yeshiva Elementary – Grades PK-8
Lehrman Community Day School – Grades PK-5
Le Petit Papillon Montessori School – Grades PK-5
Von Wedel Montessori School – Grades PK-2
Are you in love with North Beach?
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.