Golden Glades - Miami, FL

The genesis of Golden Glades coincided with the establishment of the Golden Glades Interchange, which comprises the junction of South Florida's major highways; The evolution of Golden Glades also rapidly increased as Florida’s highway system developed. As Florida became a hot destination for homeowners in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the neighborhood expanded. 40% of the population has Haitian ancestry so Haitian Creole is widely spoken in the neighborhood.

Golden Glades is also the home of the Dezer Museum, which features classic model cars and vehicles used in Hollywood film productions. For those seeking other forms of cultural stimulation, the Haitian Heritage Museum located on Northeast 2nd Avenue contains brightly colored art, paintings and memorabilia related to the Haitian Culture.

Due to its commercial nature, Golden Glades does not host any annual events, however South Beach and Downtown Miami - both rich in their annual offerings - are less than twenty minutes away by car.

The main artery running from the beach to Golden Glades is 163rd Street. Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese restaurants may be found along this main thoroughfare.

One of the most popular restaurants in this neighborhood is Little Saigon, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The chef and owner hails from Vietnam and turns each culinary delight into a flavorful work of art. Fantastic presentation of flavorful and moderately priced food has earned this restaurant a faithful clientele for more than two decades. Notable appetizers include Vietnamese spring rolls, baby octopus and grilled meat skewers. Diners may also enjoy the popular meat and noodles dish accompanied with a tall glass of slow-brewed Vietnamese-style iced coffee.

Bo Leg's BBQ is another option in Golden Glades. Located on northeast 167th Street, you can't miss the smoky smells as you pass. Enjoy brisket, jerk chicken and even hot dogs with a side of mac and cheese or potato salad. Come with some bills in your pocket as a meal costs around $15 and the restaurant accepts cash only.

At night, locals are never at a loss for entertainment in the Golden Glades neighborhood. The warehouse district contains one of North Miami's hottest venues - The Wherehouse. Located within the warehouse district, at 2016 NE 155th Street, this club has secure parking, three awesome bars, wide-screen televisions and Internet access. It also provides amenities for private parties, receptions and business functions.

Most people living in the Golden Glades section of Miami utilize a personal vehicle or a Miami-Dade Metrobus. Since this area serves as the transportation hub of Miami-Dade County, buses run along the main thoroughfare frequently and on a regular basis. Taxis may also be easily hailed curbside in busy areas or by telephone, and Uber also provides service to the area. The neighborhoods proximity to the interchange facilitates highway access. Cyclists and pedestrians should take care in this area due to the traffic congestion and speed of the vehicles; alternate forms of transportation should be strongly considered instead.

Golden Glades residents often use Bunche Park West (no admission fee), located half a mile west of the interchange, for cycling and exercise. Oleta River State Park ($6.00 admission per vehicle) also provides a child- and dog-friendly venue, which includes kayaking, paths for cycling, cabanas, picnic areas and grills. Oleta River State Park is particularly popular with residents living in North Miami-Dade County due to its water-related activities. Families gather on weekends for parties, exercise and fishing, or simply to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine. Neither location hosts an annual event, however an annual family pass for Oleta River State Park can be purchased for $120.00. If you'd like to grab a peek at the local flora and fauna, the mangroves within the park host a wide variety of wildlife - so be sure to bring a pair of binoculars

The cost of living in this neighborhood ranks slightly below the Miami average. The average rental rate for a one bedroom apartment in this area lists at $834.64 a month, which places it at just below the local rental price median. The central location of Golden Glades facilitates bus access and the transportation cost to downtown Miami runs between three to four dollars via Metrobus. Beer may be purchased at a local restaurant or bar for five to six dollars and the local gas prices come out to about 4-5% above the national average. Golden Glades appeals to budget-conscious individuals due to its comparatively lower cost of living and location with respect to shopping and schools.

There are several options for shopping available in this section of Miami. The Mall at 163rd Street contains a large number of retail outlets. Higher-end stores, boutiques, restaurants and a food court may be found at the Aventura Mall, located approximately seven miles from the Golden Glades Interchange. The ever-popular Nespresso Boutique sells coffee and coffee-related items, and a Children’s Boutique called “Peek” also opened within the Aventura Mall proves to be a consistent favorite with younger visitors. Peek caters to children and maintains a friendly, family atmosphere. Both the Aventura Mall and The Mall at 163rd Street are popular weekend destinations for South Florida families and friends.

Due to the large number of Asian businesses in Golden Glades, an abundance of Oriental grocery stores and shops, such as Chung Hing Oriental Mart (1855 NE 163rd Street) and Vinh An Oriental Market (372 Northeast 167th Street) populate the area. There is also a farmer’s market located in North Miami - at 770 NE 125th Street. Those who like to shop in bulk may want to check out Costco Wholesale on Biscayne Boulevard and 145th Street. Chain grocers such as Publix and Whole Foods also service the area.