Little Haiti Miami, FL

The formation of Little Haiti preceded the establishment of the City of Miami by half a century. It began in the 1850s as a small farming community called "Lemon City." The tiny settlement housed an expanse of lemon groves but was subsequently annexed and absorbed by the City of Miami in 1925. This part of Miami then began its shift from agricultural to residential.

Today Little Haiti South represents the epitome of evolution in Miami. The annual Art Basel show now hosts exhibits in the neighborhood, alongside posh eateries. This enclave also houses the Haitian Arts Alliance and the Caribbean Cultural Center which showcase Afro-Caribbean culture in South Florida.

While there is no central restaurant location, many plazas and street corners house small bistros, where passers-by can smell the freshly cooked island cuisine. Chef Creole on 200 Northwest 54th Street packs in crowds of locals yearning for marinated, sauteed conch (lambi), pork marinated in sour orange (grillot), or fried goat (tassot). Try some of the ti malice hot sauce on the side if you dare. Haitian food tantalizes the tastebuds, so make Chef Creole one of your first stops when you move to your apartment in Little Haiti.

If you enjoy fusion food, you need to sample some of the fare at Leela's Restaurant on 5650 NE Second Avenue. Chef Devellien Lubin and Marthe LaFrance create colorful, on-the-plate masterpieces which capture your eye as well as your palette. This culinary duo combines the best of American and Haitian cooking styles. Stop by to sample some of the stewed beef with spinach (ragout) or the artistically designed fruit plate. The nightlife in Little Haiti South is as lively as any Caribbean isle. Steel drums compete with rock and roll in this electric environment, and the nightlife in this enclave pulsates with energy. The clubs, pubs, and bars can be discovered throughout the neighborhood instead of being clustered in a centralized district.

Residents from across the entirety of Miami-Dade County have enjoyed Churchill's Pub since 1979. Located on 5501 NE 2nd Avenue, this music hotspot features jazz, punk, and rock and roll. Place this pub at the top of your list and hoist back a beer, play some billiards, or watch worldwide sports via one of the several live satellite feeds. Churchill's Pub hosts local musicians and offers new bands a place to launch their gigs. Groups like Marilyn Manson, the Slackers, Agent Orange, and Social Distortion acknowledge Churchill's role in their rise to fame.

The News Lounge Cafe on 5580 Northeast 4th Court is another neighborhood favorite. They serve up tapas and cocktails on the open-air patio. The News Lounge prepares an awesome organic brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The creative presentation of locally grown, organic eats pulls in the masses on weekends. Salmon tartar, omelets, and multigrain bread go down ever so smoothly with a side of savory house music.

When you move to a Little Haiti South apartment, you an use your car to get around or you can take the MetroBus. Uber is available, but taxis are more easily accessible. Parking is free throughout Little Haiti South. This neighborhood is close to I-95 for easy commutes throughout South Florida. Less-busy side streets are ideal for walking or bicycling through the neighborhood.

People living in Little Haiti South have two waterfront parks to enjoy. Morningside Park and Margaret Pace Park provide dog- and children-friendly venues with loads of fun for the whole family. Fitness buffs can enjoy pool, tennis, and kayak rentals at Morningside Park or launch the family cruiser from the boat ramp. Margaret Pace Park has a children's playground and areas dedicated to weight lifting, basketball, and tennis. This park also offers an enclosed dog park. Both parks are free to the public and make great locations to watch the annual Fourth of July fireworks displays over Biscayne Bay.

Compared to the rest of Miami, the cost of living in Little Haiti South is below average. The median rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,031, and the quick trip to downtown Miami will set you back $2.25. A local pub will charge you $6 to gulp down one of your favorite brews, and the cost of fuel is about equal to national average.

Boutique lovers in this part of Miami frequent the Art and Design District for the latest fashions and home furnishings. If you want to decorate your house or apartment with the latest styles, you need to check out the Adriana Hoyos Gallery, located at 4100 NE 2nd Avenue in the heart of the design district. It specializes in high-end furniture, art, and accessories imported from Ecuador. Adriana Hoyos' courteous staff can help you turn your living room into a show room.

Sebastien James Boutique on 130 Northeast 40th Street caters to both men and women. This posh shop sells chic threads and carries premium brands, high-end accessories, and luxurious leather jackets. If you appreciate clothing with a European flair, put Sebastien James at the top of your list.

Little Haiti South residents shop at the Biscayne Boulevard Publix or its sister store on 48th Street and Biscayne. Publix offers a fine selection of fresh meat, poultry, fish, and produce. Organic food lovers may want to check out the Saturdays-only, Upper Eastside Farmers Market on Biscayne Boulevard or the Lincoln Road Farmers Market, which opens on Sundays.