Sweetwater Groves - Miami, FL

Sweetwater has earned the nickname “Little Managua” because it houses the largest concentration of Nicaraguans and Nicaraguan-Americans in the United States. Sweetwater Groves was the original name given to today’s Sweetwater district by the Miami-Pittsburgh Land Company in the 1920s when it purchased and began to develop the area. In 1941, Sweetwater Groves became incorporated as its population continued to slowly grow.

Sweetwater Groves saw its real growth with the establishment of Florida International University in the 1970s and the construction of the Florida Turnpike and Palmetto Expressway. At this time, Sweetwater had a large population of Latin Americans in addition to its Nicaraguan inhabitants.

This small enclave is located down the street from the famous Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum based at Florida International University’s south campus. The museum partnered with the Smithsonian Institution and hosts art exhibits from its Washington-based affiliate throughout the year.

This area of Miami has restaurants serving up cuisine from exotic locales such as Cuba, Japan, Nicaragua, Peru, China, Venezuela, Chile and Argentina. You will find these eateries spread out over the entire neighborhood versus in a central location. After finishing dinner in one of these upscale restaurants, people head to Coral Gables and Coconut Grove to party at one of the many clubs and pubs.

If you've never tried Cuban pizza, you simply must visit Rey’s Pizza. For over three decades, this restaurant has been pleasing locals with its unusual cheeses and uniquely sharp flavors. More than just pizza adorns the menu here, with breakfast fare such as scrambled eggs or French toast, and of course, don't forget the Cuban coffee

If you have a hankering for Chilean food, why not give Pamela's Delicatessen at 8469 Bird Road a try. This restaurant opens early, so you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner here. Pamela specializes in moderately priced South American cuisine that guarantees that you will put this restaurant at the top of your list. Try her fantastic crab pie with shrimp and scallops or the 10-ounce skirt steak with mashed potatoes. For a taste of the Far East, Royal Thai serves up favorites from noodle dishes like the Pad Woon Sen, which is melt-in-your-mouth cellophane noodles stir-fried with egg, baby corn, bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, pineapples, sweet soy sauce and tomatoes to shrimp or pork-fried rice.

Sweetwater Groves' residents are never at a loss of choices for their night-time entertainment venues. If you like Latin rock, take a short jaunt up to the La Covacha Nightclub located on 10730 NW 25th Street. This secluded hot spot features the latest local Latin rock and roll bands.

Most of Sweetwater’s residents use their own vehicles due to Miami’s poor public transportation system. Businesses and restaurants in this area offer free parking. MetroRail, Uber and MetroBus may be utilized, as taxis are difficult to find, and the wait time often exceeds 45 minutes. The close proximity of Sweetwater to the Florida Turnpike and Palmetto Expressway facilitates highway access, traffic allowing. Pedestrians and cyclists should seek an alternate mode of transportation due to the fast pace of local traffic. Additionally, the area does not have any cycle tracks.

Sweetwater has an awesome fitness-friendly area within the city limits. Ronselli Park has facilities for football, soccer, baseball, basketball, racquetball and T-ball. The park hosts annual activities such as the Jose Marti Parade, Easter egg hunts, a Halloween party, Fourth of July celebrations and Christmas shows. The city does not charge a fee to enter the park and delivers year-round activities and fun for the entire family.

Cyclists and joggers can make use of the dedicated exercise paths at James M. Beasley Linear Park, located along the Tamiami Canal, but be sure to watch out for the alligators If you enjoy exercising with your favorite pooch, you will need to make a 15-minute drive southwest to Tropical Park (7900 Southwest 40th Street) since there are no parks in this district of Miami that provide designated dog-walking areas.

The cost of living in Sweetwater Groves is slightly lower than the city average, with the median rental rate for a one-bedroom residence listing running at $927. Taking a bus to downtown Miami costs $2.25, and throwing back a beer at one of the local pubs will set you back $7. Gas usually runs 4 percent above the national average should you need to fill up your vehicle at one of the gas stations in the neighborhood.

Plenty of boutiques and specialty shops may be found within a few minutes’ drive of Sweetwater Groves. If any ladies have that big wedding to plan for, stop in and check out the bridal gowns at Leggenda Bridal, located at 34 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Leggenda carries moderately priced couture gowns in the latest styles, and its customer service is one reason it has become so popular in South Florida. If you call ahead to make an appointment, the hands-on staff will arrange for specialized, one-on-one service.

If you are shopping for clothes, accessories or gifts, the Emporium on 2606 Ponce de Leon Boulevard in the Gables should be at the top of your list. This shop won South Florida’s prestigious “Best Women’s Clothing and Jewelry Award” and specializes in contemporarily designed clothing and accessories. At the Emporium, the staff provides wardrobe tips, fashion consultations and what it describes as “at-home closet assistance.”

Sweetwater residents utilize Publix Grocery Store on 1525 Southwest 107th Avenue for their weekly needs. Publix carries fresh meat, fish, poultry, produce and a wide assortment of baked goods. If you prefer organic food and produce, try out the farmers market on Biltmore Way every Saturday.