Glenvar Heights - Miami, FL

As a census-designated neighborhood in Miami-Dade County, Glenvar Heights shares a rich Southern Florida history. The Tequesta Indians were the first to inhabit the area. They fished and made their mark as hunters and gatherers. European settlers invaded in the early 19th century in search of ship treasures from the Great Florida Reef. The Seminole Indians arrived at the same time, which led to the Second Seminole War and a loss of population in Miami. The area became re-established in the 1840s with the help of William English. Miami-Dade County is named after Major Francis L. Dade, a soldier whose life was taken in the Second Seminole War.

Although no museums station themselves directly in Glenvar Heights, several surround the neighborhood. Lowe Art Museum celebrates the arts scene in Miami through its fine paintings and exhibits. The museum hosts the annual recycled art book sale typically held in October.

When you feel like skipping a night of cooking, don't expect any trouble finding dining options in nearby neighborhoods. Locals flock to Red Fish Grill, originally the Matheson Hammock beach pavilion. Sit outside among the oil lanterns for an exotic, intimate atmosphere. Enjoy the quiet music played on the guitar. Start off with an appetizer or soup of the day for about $7. Main entrees, such as the grilled salmon and the Chilean sea bass, make tasty dinners. Featured in the movies "There's Something About Mary" and "Random Hearts," this restaurant carries a history that customers truly enjoy.

Craving some authentic Italian food? Head out to Caffe Vialetto for appetizing entrées served in a lovely atmosphere. The short rib or pear ravioli dishes make mouths water, and returning customers favor the chicken francese and champagne risotto.

The nightlife scene flourishes all throughout Miami. Experience nightclubs with dancing and live entertainment and local dive bars where everybody knows your name. Although no bars lie in the immediate Glenvar Heights neighborhood, you should have no trouble finding one within minutes.

The Bar in Coral Gables is a hot-spot for dancing and listening to old school hip-hop. Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern keeps residents coming back because of its amazing drink specials and diverse crowd.

The majority of residents prefer to drive their own vehicles in order to move about the area. With accessible and affordable parking, drivers move about with ease. Commuters can jump on U.S. 1 North or FL-976 to reach the city center of Miami. For those who prefer to bike, several biking trails connect Glenvar Heights to neighboring areas and these paths. Most streets are safe for biking, but try to use sidewalks whenever possible. You can find locals walking around the vicinity as well. Those in need of public transportation utilize the Metrobus and the Miami Metrorail. For a quick, hassle-free ride, locals hail a cab or use the Uber app.

A great way to enjoy some outdoor family fun is to head out to a park and experience everything nature has to offer. Several parks sit right outside of Glenvar Heights and await those who want to exercise, have a picnic, or simply relax in the Miami sunshine.

Matheson Hammock Park, in nearby Coral Gables, brings serenity to those who visit. With breath taking views and an amazing beach, relieve some stress and leave your worries behind. Find people fishing and kayaking on the clear blue waters. Others prefer to walk or jog around the property. Kids enjoy swimming in the shallow waters and playing in the sand. If you own a boat, launch your boat off of the free boat ramp. The park hosts the annual Miami Paddle Challenge, which attracts people from all over Miami.

Another well-known neighborhood park, Tropical Park, houses tennis and basketball courts along with soccer and football fields. Home to several area high school football games, as well as batting cages, fun for all ages awaits those who visit. Have a picnic and spend some time with family and friends. The location also houses a dog park, so bring the pooch out for some fresh air and some exercise. Be sure to attend the annual Santa's Enchanted Forest in December.

Living among amazing amenities in a safe neighborhood costs a bit more than just the average town. The cost of living in Glenvar Heights is seven percent higher than living in Miami. Expect to pay around $1,605 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence. Since gas prices check in at four percent higher than the national average, save some money and utilize public transportation. For just $2.25, passengers can hitch a one-way ride on the Metrobus, and commuters pay $2.65 for a one-way trip on the Metrorail. When heading out for a night on the town, a beer costs $9, but find a local bar and pay half that price for an ice-cold brew.

Major shopping areas surround the neighborhood. You can find high-end stores, chain retail options, and boutiques within miles of Glenvar Heights. Many locals spend time shopping at the Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. Find high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus and mid-scale stores such as Banana Republic and J. Crew.

When you feel like getting away from mall shopping at chain stores and want a unique boutique, take a quick drive to Miami and find some awesome options. The Boutique in Miami sells women's clothing and swimwear for affordable prices. With stellar customer service and a wide selection of clothing options from jeans to cute dresses, locals return time and time again.

Ohm Boutique in Coral Ridge serves as another excellent option for a boutique shopping experience. Browse through the racks, and find casual shorts and printed pants as well as daytime dresses and swimwear. Check out its Instagram and Facebook pages for new outfits available for purchase.

Several farmers markets set up shop right outside Glenvar Heights. Locals travel to Pinecrest for the awesome variety of organic produce at Pinecrest Gardens Farmer's Market. Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Market is another option for residents who prefer to buy goods from local vendors. They have everything from vegan ice cream and baked goods to produce and lotions.

Those who enjoy more of a supermarket experience shop at Trader Joe's, Publix, or Whole Foods Market, which all lie within minutes of Glenvar Heights.