Miramar, FL

West Miramar and the Villages of Renaissance came to fruition in 1955 with the notion to progress as a bedroom community. Since the city was incorporated, it has grown from having less than 200 inhabitants to the third-largest city in Broward County.

The Village Renaissance Faire, well-known among residents, stands built to support the Villages Charter Schools. The neighborhood event takes place every January and includes polo, jousting, chess, belly dancing, and food. This outing gives people first-hand experience of what it was like to live during the Renaissance era.

Both locals and visitors from all over rave about Antonio's Pizza on Miramar Pkwy. Antonio's Pizza, rated the number-one pizza restaurant in south Florida, comes close to authentic New York-style pizza. Regulars recommend the garlic rolls, and you can get a tasty meal here for less than $10.

Locals love Dragon Gate, a Chinese restaurant with a wide variety of dishes. The hot-and-sour soup and sesame chicken come highly recommended. The establishment holds a reputation not only for its stellar food, but top-notch customer service and authentic Asian ambiance. Customers have the option to dine in or order takeout.

Club Se7en, deemed a hot neighborhood spot, prides itself on great music, dancing and inexpensive drinks. The club even provides bottle service to those who want it. If the mood strikes for something a bit more low-key, check out R Bar, which houses a pool table and juke box. This nightlife hub also runs excellent deals on beer quite often.

Tropix Lounge, filled heavily with reggae music, serves acclaimed Caribbean cuisine and possesses a lively crowd. Visitors praise the lounge's customer service and laid-back atmosphere. If you stop in, order the stellar Jamaican style roast fish, a must-try.

The Villages of Renaissance neighborhood provides access to the community bus routes, which run from the west side of Miramar to the east side. The fare for this service remains free for visitors and residents. Broward County has a bus line that carries commuters to many metro Miami locations. The 595 Express provides riders with free park-and-ride locations. Riders have the option to purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket, bulk packages or an annual pass based on their needs.

Residents walk throughout the neighborhood to many destinations, depending on how far the errand takes them from home. The area has taxi services available, and both Lyft and Uber serve this neighborhood if you prefer. Most restaurants provide free parking for customers. If you travel to a nearby beach, you should be able to find a free lot within a reasonable distance. You can also find parking along Miramar Parkway for $1.50 per day. It is common in this area for people to have their own vehicles.

Especially due to the exceptional Florida weather, many residents can be found bike riding. The area houses over 19 bike trails. Interstate 95, Interstate 595 and Interstate 75 all remain easily accessible for residents in the Villages.

The Villages of Renaissance neighborhood has access to Miramar Regional Park, which stretches across 173 lush, green acres. The park provides football and soccer fields, two playgrounds and a corporate pavilion for rent. Residents often host birthday parties or barbecues here. Though admission remains free Monday through Friday, rental fees do apply for certain amenities. These range from an aquatic center to summer camps, and also a weekend and holiday admission fee.

Vizcaya Park has a 7,600-square-foot community center on 20 emerald acres. The park holds two basketball courts, a computer lab and a game room, making it very kid-friendly. The facility even provides chess classes and tournaments, and basketball clinics. The cost to enter the park remains free. Classes and clinics do require a fee and are slightly more expensive for non-residents.

If you have a furry friend, Pembroke Pines Dog Park remains a great park suggested by locals. It features a clean environment and has separate sections for dogs based on their size.

Every year, the city hosts the South Florida Multi-Cultural Games at Miramar Regional Park. Participants can partake in track and cricket games. The event opens freely to the public.

The overall cost of living in The Villages of Renaissance and West Miramar neighborhood hits at about 7.8 percent higher than the national average, but 10 percent lower than the Miami average. One can expect to pay an average of $1,445 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

The average price for a beer at a local pub runs between $3 and $5. Most bars do host daily happy hours as well, knocking that price down a few dollars. The Pub on SW 145th sells draughts for $3 during every happy hour.

Gas prices in this area run about 4 percent higher than the national average, making public transit a preferable option.

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens consist of both high-end and more typical mall stores, as well as eateries and farmers markets. Locals adore Adriana Primadonna, a cozy boutique that helps parents prepare the perfect nursery for their little ones.

Starcrush Boutique, located on Miramar Pkwy, carries fashionable women's clothing and accessories. They sell high-quality, modern clothing at reasonable prices. Feed you fancy at Pembroke Pines Mall, another arena of shops that locals love. This mall includes fine dining and entertainment.

The farmers markets at Pembroke Gardens take place every Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. For basic grocery needs, residents shop at Bravo Supermarket or Publix.