The Waterways - Aventura, FL

Aventura, the city in which The Waterways neighborhood is located, was an unincorporated part of Miami-Dade County until 1995. Before the city was incorporated, it was referred to as Turnberry, and many businesses, including the Turnberry Resort and Isle, still bear the name. Once the city was incorporated, it adopted the name from Spanish word for adventure. Florida State’s largest conventional shopping mall and the fifth largest in the United States is located in Aventura, 1 mile from the Waterways neighborhood.

The Waterways neighborhood has no museums or art galleries to speak of, but Adventura does fully support the Friedland Art Gallery and Adventura Arts & Cultural Center.

You can find the majority of the dining options along Biscayne Boulevard or at the Waterway’s Shoppes off of northeast 207th Street.

A local favorite for Cuban cuisine, Barrio Latino serves authentic Latin American food inspired by Cuba, Argentina and Mexico. Try the Milanesa de Carne, a Cuban-style breaded steak topped with ham, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Entrées are served with white rice, black beans and one choice of side; locals highly recommend the sweet plantains. Servers will create the perfect sangria table side using white wine and fruit.

With a mission to provide informed consumers with healthy choices, Juice & Java treats diners to a robust menu full of options. Choose an option off the specialty menu, such as the eggplant packets or falafel quinoa. Pair them with a side of hand-made guacamole or hummus for a completely satisfying meal. Top the meal with any of Juice and Java’s specialty juice mixes and bask in the nutrients. Juice & Java, open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offers dine-in, carry-out and delivery.

Founded by Ralph Disalvo and Andrew Garavuso in 2008, Sicilian Oven is an award-winning Italian eatery. Voted best wood fired pizza by the New York Times, Sicilian Oven diners are treated to pizzas made with fresh made dough, imported Italian tomatoes, Grande mozzarella, Locatelli Romano cheese and extra virgin olive oil. Repeat customers recommend The Boss with pepperoni. Pair the meal with one of the high quality wines available, and enjoy the warm romantic atmosphere.

The Waterways nightlife can be fairly quiet in the center of the neighborhood, but head north to the Village at Gulfstream Park to find several nightclubs for dancing, the opportunity to meet new people and listen to live music. You can try your luck at the tables at the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino complex too.

Waterways residents enjoy tree-lined private streets suitable for walking. Paved pathways are available in some of the condominium communities. Bicyclists should take care when riding on the streets, as no bike lanes are available.

When traveling around the neighborhood, residents enjoy a free shuttle service for all areas within Adventura. The shuttle service connects to stops made by the Miami Dade and Broward County Transit Lines for convenient transportation to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The neighborhood is centrally located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale; locals can reach either destination in a trip of about 32 minutes.

Both of the major cities offer an international airport, so business and recreational travelers have easy access to the friendly skies.

Most commuters residing in the Waterways use personal vehicles for transportation. Commuters have access to Miami or Fort Lauderdale via the I-95 expressway. US Highway 1 is also an option for those who prefer a more scenic route. If you desire taking a private car or taxi, consider calling one of the local cab companies, or using your smartphone to request an Uber or Lyft ride.

All residential areas in the Waterways neighborhood have private parking; street side parking is available too. Park and recreation areas provide free public parking, but spaces can be limited. Commercial areas and business complexes also provide ample free parking.

Waterways residents have direct access to one of the largest parks in the area. Waterways Park, located along the north side of northeast 213th Street, features 7 acres of manicured play areas for all ages. The park contains a covered playground, exercise pathways with two exercise stations and an athletic field with lights. Residents can also find a pick-up a game of basketball on the park’s outdoor basketball court. Covered picnic tables make the perfect spot for birthday parties, but be sure to reserve a spot in advance. Dogs are allowed, but they must remain on a leash.

If you need a place to exercise your pup, the Waterways Dog Park provides the ideal location for running and socializing with other dogs. The park features showers to wash off your pet and two dog-friendly water fountains. The park is only accessible to Adventura residents, and you will need your key card to open the gate. During park hours, an employee is available to maintain the park and ensure only friendly dogs are let off their leashes.

Be sure not to miss the annual Founder's Day event every November in Founder’s Park.

Life in South Florida carries a higher cost of living than the national average, and Adventura, including the Waterways, is not an exception. The cost of living in Adventura rests at 22 percent higher than the national average, 21 percent higher than Florida in general, 12 percent higher than Miami and 9 percent higher than Fort Lauderdale. Residents pay a premium for the newer construction, coastal views and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area runs around $1,505 a month.

Traveling to Downtown Miami or Fort Lauderdale via the 95 Express Bus costs about $2.65. Gas prices run about 5.4 percent higher than the national average, and you can expect to pay around $6.50 for a pint of beer.

Residents of the Waterways do not have to go far for everyday shopping. Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods Market and Target line the neighborhood at Biscayne Boulevard in the central shopping area. The neighborhood does not have its own farmers market, but Aventura hosts a weekly green market at the Founder's Park every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy foods, jewelry, and crafts.

Shoppers only have to travel 1 mile to Aventura Mall to find any shop their hearts desire. As the largest shopping mall in the state, shoppers can find everything from Sears to Dior.

Unknwn, a unique clothing shop in the Aventura Mall owned by LeBron James, carries edgy fashion pieces created with the urban millennial in mind. Featuring brands such as Ewing, Noir Noir and Marcelo Burlon, Unknwn embodies the spirit of urban living with high-fashion tastes. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a hard-to-shop-for friend, look here for exclusive bags, books and accessories.