The Neighborhood of Upper Eastside
Community Info
The Upper Eastside is a collection of several desirable neighborhoods. It is bordered by Edgewater to the south, Miami Shores to the north, Little Haiti to the west and Biscayne Bay to the east. Within its borders are Bay Point, Morningside, Bayside, Belle Meade, Shorecrest, and Palm Grove – all beautiful historical neighborhoods that are in high demand from families looking for centrally located homes. Additionally, the historical MiMo District and the Ironside District – both areas with many art galleries, shops and restaurants – are within walking distance of most homes. If you are looking for traditional neighborhoods with a fun and diverse nightlife, you have found home.
Here are just a few things that make the Upper Eastside neighborhood stand out:
Neighborhood Chic: This collection of neighborhoods contain a variety of classic and modern architectural styles and levels of exclusivity. They are tied in many ways – but most importantly they are tied by where people gather – sharing shops, restaurants and grocery stores. It is a very diverse collection of people and cultures living together.
Active nightlife: Two beautifully hip districts – the MiMo and Ironside districts – provide the neighborhood with so many things to experience. From art galleries to tattoo shops, from pizza places to haute cuisine – your biggest issue is deciding what to do next. Let’s not forget 55th Street Station too – a tree-canopied block of shopping and victuals.
Morningside and Legion Park: Two huge parks with huge offerings. Sailing, basketball, swimming, soccer, tot lots, and so much more. Getting physical is literally a short walk from anywhere.
Location, location, location: The Upper Eastside is part of Biscayne Boulevards renaissance, and it’s only going to get better. Plus, you are still close to amazing Miami and Miami Beach hot spots, including Downtown and Wynwood. You can be part of what comes next.
A short history of the Upper Eastside neighborhood:
- In 1984, it was the first neighborhood of Morningside to receive historic designation by the City of Miami.
- Fun Fact: Bay Point is a celebrity and mogul magnet. Here are just some of its many famous residents – musicians Enrique Iglesias, Willy Chirino and DMX. Athletes Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, and Liván Hernández. And influential attorney Stephen Zack, ex-president of the American Bar Association.
- Belle Meade has a sordid little secret. In 1920 Ed Ballard, turned his home (the future site of Legion Park)j into an illegal casino and drinking resort. The state took possession of the property in 1933, because it was not happy about it. At all.
- Most of Shorecrest was Winfield Farm, well known for its rows and rows of orange trees.
Restaurants & Attractions
Some of our favorite places to dine around Upper Eastside:
Blue Collar: Good comfort food for any occasion. If the goal is to chew slowly, nosh on some delicious bite-sized snacks and good conversation, then you and a friend have a spot to indulge, the Blue Collar. What to try? One word. “Jambalaya”. Wild Florida shrimp with chicken and pork sausages? Sign us up.
La Placita: It’s here. Puerto Rican street fare in MiMo is a reality – and it tastes so good. Our favorite thing to do here? The Mofongo Shop. You can make your own mofongo – add all the things you’d like on a plantain, and bite in.
Jimmy’s Eastside Diner: We consider this the heart and soul of the neighborhood. For over 40 years Jimmy’s Eastside Diner has been serving hearty breakfasts and lunches to families. Laid back, harkening back to the fifties, this time-tested establishment is a popular weekend destination for those who live in the Upper Eastside.
Pinch Kitchen: Right on the edge of the Upper Eastside, Pinch Kitchen’s American New Fare is a tasty stop when you are looking to step out of the ordinary. Farm-to-fork veggies, locally sourced ingredients, boutique wines and craft beer – they are not aiming to offer the typical meal. A personal favorite for us are the Pinch Croquetas served with a thick aioli.
Favorite things to do in and around Upper Eastside:
MiMo District: In an effort to preserve the incredible MiMo buildings in the area, the MiMo District was created. Now all those wonderfully designed buildings get renovated, upgraded and seen by people like you and me. This destination is shock-full of restaurants, shops and everything in between.
Legion Park Farmers Market: Every Saturday year round you will find farmers, cooks and artisans feeding and decorating bodies everywhere. 40 vendors in all, you’re bound to find or smell something that speaks to you. It’s a great way to spend a morning.
Morningside Park: Few parks have open spaces and open ocean to play in. Try your hand at any of these activities; tennis clinics and tennis lessons, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, basketball and much more. The park also has a great after school program and summer camp.
Ironside District: This newly created urban and design district is on the western border of the Upper Eastside, and features a vibrant collection of design showrooms, boutiques, cafes, galleries, and much more. A great place to take a stroll, take in some window art shopping and end with a deep red glass of wine. We’ll see you there.
Upper East Side Demographics
- The Upper Eastside has a population of 15,056 residents.
- The median household income was $44,964 (2016).
Distance to popular areas
Design District: 1.8 miles
Midtown: 2 miles
Wynwood: 2.8 miles
Downtown Miami: 5.8 miles
Brickell Center: 6.3 miles
Miami Beach (South Beach): 7.4 miles
Miami International Airport: 7.5 miles
Aventura Mall: 10.3 miles
Neighborhood Schools
Public:
Morningside K-8 Academy
Phyllis R. Miller Elementary School
Miami Arts Charter – MAC (6-12)
Design and Architecture Senior High – DASH (9-12)
Private:
Morningside
Montessori School (Toddler to Kindergarten)
The Cushman School (K-12)
Are you in love with Upper Eastside?
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.