Fontainebleau - Miami, FL

Fontainebleau developed simultaneously with the influx of South Americans who immigrated to Florida. Its proximity to Florida International University and the Miami International Airport spurred its change from a small neighborhood to a well-populated enclave with a lush golf course and residences surrounding freshwater lakes. More than 90 percent of the population speaks Spanish, and it contains large Nicaraguan and Venezuelan populations.

Museum lovers can keep abreast of the events and exhibitions offered by the Frost Art Museum, located on Florida International University’s south campus. Nearby Coconut Grove also hosts an annual arts festival, which draws thousands to its streets. The accessible collegiate sporting events held at the university throughout the academic year make sports fans happy, including football, soccer, baseball and basketball.

In this area of Miami, one can never get bored of eating out. Ethnic restaurants from more than a dozen cultures await within a 5- to 10-minute drive of Fontainebleau. Connoisseurs delight to find culinary fares from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Nicaragua, Japan, China, Puerto Rico, Argentina and American in the locale. Eateries in this upscale neighborhood can be found on every corner. People who wish to enjoy an evening out often visit Coconut Grove and Coral Gables for their pubs, clubs and bars.

Diners who enjoy Japanese food may want to try Maido Japanese Restaurant, located on 107th Avenue. You can dig into a dish of deep-fried Chicken Katsu accompanied by a Teriyaki Glaze, or order a platter of fresh Sushi or Sashimi. Many people enjoy hot sake along with this authentic Asian cuisine.

For those who wish to sample delicious Latin American and seafood dishes, Las Palmeras Restaurant should be at the top of your list. They serve colorful platters of Sailor's Rice (Arroz Marinero) and a picante Shrimp Ceviche, which make diners consider ordering seconds.

Most people in the area use their own personal vehicles due to Miami’s underdeveloped transportation system. Restaurants and retail businesses provide free parking in the Fontainebleau area. Uber, MetroRail and buses may be utilized instead of taxis, due to the long wait time.

The Florida Turnpike sits approximately 2 miles west of the neighborhood, and Dolphin Expressway awaits within sight of the enclave, which makes it easy to hop on the highway. However, pedestrians and cyclists should seek alternate forms of transportation due to the congestion and speed of traffic.

Fontainebleau provides residents with two parks within its perimeter: The Women’s Park and Ruben Dario Park. The women’s park contains a lake, and provides fitness buffs with plenty of room for jogging, walking and cycling. Children love the open space, and parents can take the opportunity to rest on the benches while keeping an eye on their young charges.

Ruben Dario Park, located half a mile east of Women’s Park, caters to fitness buffs and families alike, with basketball and tennis courts, a covered picnic area and a children's playground. This park also runs year-round sports development programs for children 6 to 14 years of age. Dog-lovers only need to take a 15-minute drive to Tropical Park located at 7900 Southwest 40th Street in order to walk their furry friends, as neither of Fontainebleau’s two parks provide canine-friendly amenities.

Due to Fontainebleau’s close proximity to Florida International University, housing remains in demand and often difficult to procure, especially during the academic year. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence lists at $1,333, which places neighborhood rentals above Miami’s median rental price. Inexpensive beer and alcoholic beverages may be found in the area since college students frequent the local restaurants happy hour prices can range from $3 to $5. Taking a bus from Fontainebleau to downtown Miami lasts approximately half an hour and costs less than $3. Gas lists at 2 to 4 percent above the national average in this area of Miami.

Plenty of shopping areas may be found within a few minutes' drive of Fontainebleau. Miami International Mall awaits residents just a quick jump across the Dolphin Expressway. Best Buy Mobile provides electronics lovers with a wide choice of gadgets, and Champs tempts sports lovers with a selection of athletic clothing. Invicta Watches carries a full line of timepieces for men and women to choose from.

Higher-end boutiques may be encountered in the nearby Coconut Grove and Coral Gables districts. Budget-minded shoppers may also want to try hunting for bargains in the Doral area industrial district, which lies between Fontainebleau and the Miami International Airport. Tu Video Tienda on Park Blvd is your place to find music and DVDs in a retail store location.

Most residents utilize the Flagler Park Plaza Publix, located at 8341 West Flagler Street, for their grocery shopping needs. Organic food lovers must check out the Coral Gable's Farmer's Market taking place every Saturday, situated at the junction of Miracle Mile and LeJeune Road.