Allapattah - Miami, FL

The Allapattah community emerged in 1856 with the help of William P. Wagner. As the earliest documented permanent settler, he built a home along the Miami Rock Ridge. The Florida East Coast Railroad brought development to the area, which lasted into the 20th century. The neighborhood went through a cultural shift from the 1950s through the 1980s as the area became a melting pot of different ethnicities.

Although no museums lie in the immediate Allapatta section of Miami, several can be found in outlying neighborhoods. The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse in Wynwood houses an impressive collection of exquisite art. Celebrate the arts scene at this endearing location. The HistoryMiami museum showcases many aspects of Miami's history. All residents of Miami appreciate the exhibits and over 400 items on display.

Locals enjoy spending time at the annual Allapattah's YMCA's Fall Festival, which includes Halloween traditions and a costume contest.

Head out for the evening and enjoy a wonderful dinner at several restaurants located in Allapattah. Indulge in some Cuban cuisine at Papo Llega Y Pon. Locals keep coming back for the delectable pork sandwich and the pan con lechon. Regulars spend time at the outdoor bar for the drinks and ambiance. Bring cash as this establishment does not accept plastic.

Looking for a quick, yet healthy bite to eat for breakfast or lunch? Head to Healthy Delights located in the Miami International Mall. Try a veggie wrap or a raspberry chicken wrap for lunch. You can also build your own wrap or salad to ensure your taste buds get exactly what they crave.

Head out for an amazing night of dinner and dancing at Club Tipico Dominicano. Feast on some steamed tilapia in coconut sauce or the Chicharron de pollo with tostones. The club picks up around 11:00 PM with bachata, reggeaton and salsa dancing. Enjoy reasonably priced cocktails while dancing the night away.

Locals can't get enough of L'Boulevard Cafe for a night of drinks and dancing. Friday nights consist of urban, hip-hop music while you'll find people doing the meringue and bachata on the dance floor on Saturday nights.

Approximately 70 percent of residents prefer to drive their own vehicles when traveling around the area. With easy access to I-95 and plenty of available, affordable parking, driving proves to be an easy task. Slightly over 10 percent of locals utilize public transportation such as the Metrobus and the Miami Metrorail. Biking along paths and streets with sidewalks makes a safe and healthy way to move about the neighborhood, and most sections are walkable. You can always hail a cab or call for Uber service to chauffeur you to your destination.

Enjoy life outdoors at the awesome parks found throughout the vicinity. Curtis Park houses several baseball fields and a race track that surrounds a soccer/football field. Get some exercise by running a few laps around the track. The shaded playground makes the park kid-friendly. The park hosts annual track and field events.

Just outside of Allapattah in the Edgewater area, locals have a great time participating in outdoor recreational activities at Margaret Pace Park. Take a stroll or a jog around the circular trails, or get in on a game of beach volleyball. Tennis and basketball courts provide hours of fun, or play a game of soccer on one of the fields. This kid-friendly, dog-friendly park is perfect for the entire family to spend quality time together in the beautiful Miami sunshine. Annually near the end of September, the park hosts the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon Weekend.

Expect to pay almost 9 percent higher than the Miami average to live in Allapattah. For a one-bedroom apartments, Renters should expect to pay around $1,100 a month. For those using public transportation, a one-way fare on the Metrobus costs $2.25 and commuters pay $2.65 for a one-way trip on the Metrorail. These reasonably priced options help save on gas, which is 4 percent higher than the national average. Even though the average beer price is $9, several local bars run specials where you can slug down a cold one for only $4.

Plenty of shopping opportunities at boutiques and specialty stores await consumers in Allapattah. The major shopping hub in the area is the 20th Street merchants' corridor. For high-end stores, many locals drive to nearby downtown Miami.

Find locals browsing through the racks at India Boutique Inc. wholesale store. From casual frocks to fancy dresses, this store has unbeatable quality and reasonable price tags.

For a wide selection of women's clothing and accessories, residents shop at Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique. Proceeds from all sales go to help homeless women and special needs children seeking services from the Lotus House.

Peruse the racks at D'or Fashion, a women's clothing shop on NW 20th Street. Shoppers find a great mix of day and night looks, as well as unique accessories at D'or. Although no farmers markets lie in Allapattah, you can reach several in neighboring areas within minutes. La Guardia Produce and Mini Market combines a grocery store atmosphere with a farmers market. The fruits and vegetables are reasonably priced and always fresh. Those who prefer to support local farmers head south to the Coral Gables Farmers Market. With so much more than just fresh produce, this market also sells homemade candles and baked goods. If you'd rather shop at a supermarket, Presidente Supermarket and Winn-Dixie both lie in the immediate Allapattah neighborhood.