The Neighborhood of South of Fifth

Community Info

The South of Fifth (or SoFi) is a community bordered by Fifth Street to the north, and the ocean to the south, east and west. Mainly an affluent area, a few of Miami Beaches most iconic condos are located here. Full of restored historical buildings and modern luxury condos and hotels, the architecture is both eclectic and strangely harmonious – every building has found its place. Considered the quiet side of South Beach, South of Fifth is a wonderful neighborhood for couples and families wanting a serene, walkable neighborhood.

Here are just a few things that make the South of Fifth neighborhood stand out:

Deceptively Serene: This is the other side of South Beach. Quiet and laid-back, it’s a great place to live, work and relax. If you want to play, just walk across fifth street and dive in.

Close Knit Neighborhood: The South of Fifth neighborhood is tiny, so you’ll make friends fast. Everywhere you walk you will be stopping to say hello or giving a quick wave of salutation as you walk to your next destination.

Walkable: As mentioned before – this neighborhood is walkable. Walk to buy groceries. Walk to an intimate dinner. Walk to the gym. Walk to (and on) the beach. Just. walk.

Location, location, location: South of Fifth is a unique location. From here, you are close to the cultural and entertainment hubs of Miami and Miami Beach. The neighborhood itself is a destination for dining and shopping – go ahead and enjoy the convenience of it all.

A short history of the South of Fifth neighborhood:

In the 1800’s, the area we call South Beach was unsettled farmland.
In 1870 the Lum Brothers bought 160 acres to start a coconut farm, and it 1876 they built the first farmhouse. Their little sister would christen the area “South Beach”.
In 1920 the McArthur Causeway was completed – a direct link from Miami to the South of Fifth neighborhood.
In the 70’s and 80’s, South Beach was a poor area inhabited by retiree’s and Cuban immigrants.Now it’s one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the US.
The movie Scarface and the television show Miami Vice were filmed in South Beach.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around South of Fifth:

Joe’s Stone Crab: We know. This is no surprise, but it would be a terrible disservice to you and stone crab lovers everywhere not to at least mention it. What started as a small sandwich shack in 1913 is now an international sensation – and the most profitable restaurant in the US. So, shed whatever excuses you may have for not going, and dine at what’s become one of Miami Beach’s most respected dining institutions. It will be more than awesome.

Prime 112: Located in the historic Brown’s Hotel, Prime 112 specializes in dry aged USDA prime steaks. Usually, that’s all we need to say. But we’ll do a little better. We recommend the Japanese A5 Kobe with Chimichurri sauce. Bring those two worlds together. You’ll know why when you taste it.

Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis: This is incredible Greek cuisine. If you’re in the mood for authentic Mediterranean food, you have found your boo. Their seafood is known for its freshness and the meticulously artful preparation that make every visit a joy for the palate. Don’t know what to choose? Let the staff take you on a journey you will never forget.

Rossella’s Kitchen: Known for their homestyle Italian fare, Rosella’s Kitchen is a popular spot in the neighborhood. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, many locals consider it the go-to venue for a good, healthy meal on the beach. Try an appetizer – maybe the fresh bufala mozzarella caprese – with a bottle of wine. Watch the night go by pleasantly.

Smith and Wollensky: Some legends are here to stay. A steak at Smith and Wollensky is an event. The location is island-perfect, the service is impeccable and for prime dry-aged steak, there is no other. So good.

Favorite things to do in and around South of Fifth:

Third Street Beach Yoga: Back in 1998, newly-minted yoga instructor October Rose started doing yoga at sunset. As time went on, many followed, and a yoga studio on the sand was born. October Rose has moved to India, but what she started is stronger than ever. Join in every day and get your qi balanced.

South Pointe Pier: This is a local favorite – a quick drink at the pier while watching the sun go down. You can also do some fishing – or pretend to fish as you people watch. From here it’s a quick walk to South Point Park and the beach – after all – it’s Miami Beach. Why else would you move here?

Ocean Drive: What can we say about Ocean Drive that you haven’t seen in the movies and tabloids? Not much. But Ocean Drive south of fifth is quite different. It’s a low key hangout for residents and the city folk who love the ocean, but not the famous revelry. It’s a quiet walk with the smell of the ocean thick in the air. Enjoy the intimate restaurants and the crashing of the waves.

Jewish Museum of Florida: This exceptional museum is housed in two restored synagogues on Washington Avenue – one of which was Miami Beach’s first Jewish place of worship. Free on Saturdays, spend a day walking through the history of Jewish people in Florida which dates back to 1763. It’s history brought to life through paintings, artifacts and photos lovingly curated by the community and several Jewish organizations.

Distance to popular areas

South Beach: 1.3
Design District: 7.6 miles
Midtown: 7.7 mile
Wynwood: 8 miles
Downtown Miami: 6.8 miles
Brickell City Center: 7.2 miles
Miami International Airport: 10.2 miles
Aventura Mall: 20.5 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
North Beach Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Biscayne Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Nautilus Middle School (6-8)
Miami Beach Senior High School (9-12)

Private
Lehrman Community Day School (K-5)

Are you in love with South of Fifth, South 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.