University Park - Miami, FL

University Park was originally identified as the campus of Florida International University, which began construction around 1965. The Tamiami Airport sat on the area prior to the building of the university. As the city of Miami grew west, the area became populated and grew around the university, along with a large park to support the area.

The Frost Art Museum and Wertheim Performing Arts Center sit within University Park, providing cultural experiences and annual events that are designed to enrich the lives and education of the area residents and students.

Residents and visitors to University Park enjoy a variety of locally owned restaurants in the area, along with South Florida staples such as Flanigan's Seafood Bar & Grill which has many locations and a wallet-friendly lunch menu. A variety of cultures represent the culinary choices within University Park. Rio Cristal serves some of Miami's best Cuban food from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that you may simply walk by without looking at twice. Looks are deceiving, as this eatery provides generous portions of palomilla steak and expertly seasoned fries. You can't visit a Cuban restaurant without trying the savory Cuban sandwich, hot pressed with a crispy pickle finish, and Rio Cristal's is no exception. In the heart of University Park, along the Tamiami Trail, you can find specialTea Lounge and Cafe. Organic and vegan-friendly teas and coffees welcome health-conscious guests, with salads, wraps and sweet treats to accompany your beverage and help you get your day started. The spiced hot chocolate is creamy and comforting, even on a warm day, and the wild buffalo bill wrap combines spicy buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella and mixed greens for a mildly spicy and filling lunch. Several bars and lounges line the streets within University Park. Hookah Inn offers a laid-back atmosphere with specialty cocktails and a full hookah bar. Sports Grill, a Miami sports bar staple, maintains a lively sports-themed atmosphere with wall-to-wall televisions tuned to all of the day's sporting events worth watching. Home of Miami's Best Chicken Wings, this local favorite also has a variety of drink and other specials that keep students and residents coming back for more and in the action with all things sports.

Miami-Dade Transit provides public bus service to the area, with several routes intersecting along the Tamiami Trail and SW 107th Avenue. Many residents and students walk the neighborhood, as most of the streets contain walking paths and pedestrian-safe areas. The roads carry heavy traffic at times but also feature bike paths which make the area biker friendly.

Metered public parking lines all major roads, and both taxi companies and Uber service the area. Commuters enjoy direct access to Florida's turnpike and the Tamiami Trail which connects University Park to major business areas throughout South Florida.

Tamiami Park dominates the landscape for a large portion of the University Park area. The lush vegetation and plentiful recreational opportunities make this park the go-to area for exercise enthusiasts. Free entry to the park excludes the cost of parking. Several youth sports leagues take advantage of the athletic fields and courts. A large pool hosts lap swimmers and provides a cool respite from the hot South Florida weather. Several walking and bike paths interconnect through the park as well. Four-legged friends on a leash can visit the park, but a formal off-leash dog area is located at Tropical Park, just a short drive southeast of University Park.

Annually, Tamiami Park hosts youth sports league tournaments and outdoor festivals, including food and arts festivals that incorporate local artists and students, along with a Youth Fair promoting the community and young, aspiring talent.

The cost of living in University Park is about 4 percent higher than the Miami average and 14 percent higher than the Florida average. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area averages $1,046 a month, and it costs $2.25 per person to reach downtown Miami by bus.

Typically, a pint of beer at a local bar sets you back $5. Gas prices in the area trend around 6 percent above the national average.

Locals patronize the Dolphin Mall and the Miami International Mall for their shopping needs. Located less than 4 miles north of University Park, these malls contain several large department stores and a number of smaller retail spaces, including Bloomingdale's, Bass Pro Shops and Kohl's. Students on a budget and looking to find a local boutique within waking distance of University Park have several options as well.

Madrag & 10 Spot Fashion sits just west of Florida's turnpike adjacent to Florida International University. This boutique sells fashionable women's attire and glimmering accessories. The shop offers expert advice to ensure you have the perfect outfit to impress for a night on the town. The unique fashions and ever-changing inventory help you stay ahead of the pack.

Flamingo Formal Wear stocks a varied selection of formal attire. From rental tuxedos to expertly tailored personal garments, the staff ensures you are dressed to the nines for that special event. Students frequent the location to grab formal wear for university functions and ancillary events.

Visitors and residents have no problem locating their weekly essentials, thanks to the presence of Publix and Winn Dixie within University Park. Sedano's Supermarkets is a local chain that provides a wide variety of Hispanic ingredients and specialty foods. Located directly on campus, the Organic Farmers Market at FIU meets the farm-to-table requirements of health-conscious residents. The market sells fresh produce, honey, coconut oil and a variety of homemade humus. Arrive early to be sure they don't sell out.