West Avenue - Miami Beach, FL

South Beach began as an isolated sandbar in the mid-1800s, with nothing but swamps, sandy beaches and twisted mangroves along its deserted coast. In 1865, an investor bought the area to create a coconut plantation. Soon after, other entrepreneurs were attracted to the region and began constructing resorts, bridges and shopping districts.

As word spread, more visitors came to this part of South Florida, and they bought land to build businesses. In 1920, the community witnessed an unexpected land boom, leading to a rapid increase in population. Wealthy industrial families like J.C. Penny, Firestones and Albert Champion settled in the area.

Head to the Museum of HistoryMiami to discover and celebrate Miami’s history. Enjoy amazing exhibitions, city tours, research facilities and education opportunities. The museum also holds annual events throughout the year such as concerts, art shows and community walks.

Part of this neighborhood's magic lies in its unparalleled dining diversity. You can experience the mix of cultures up close as you feast on appetizers, cocktails, entrees, beer and wine from a vast selection of classic international cuisine. For a top quality Italian restaurant whose employees all speak both English and Spanish, and treat you like a member of their own family, try the Bella Napoli Pizzeria and Restaurant. Start off with an appetizer of mozzarella marinara or bruschetta, followed by chicken marala or shrimp scampi topped off with a dessert of tres leche or tiramisu. Portions here are huge, so expect to take some home for the babysitter or dog.

If you're just looking for classic Italian pizza, check out Lucali. Its modest furnishings, mismatching tables and chairs, and open kitchen style may make it look like any other regular pizza spot, but once you take a closer look, you begin to notice the pizza makers taking their time to prep each pie to perfection for the wood-burning oven. Crusts emerge blistered and thin, with puffed surfaces of golden dough.

LT Steak, located in the historic Betsy Hotel, serves up delicious dishes you might not expect to find at a steakhouse. Of course, the hand-selected, USDA prime or certified black angus steaks are the star of the show (try the filet mignon or the porterhouse), but you can also try roasted free-range chicken, king salmon, empanaditas, taquitos, and sushi.

Those in the mood for dancing and partying can join the rich and famous at one of the many outstanding South Beach nightclubs. Just a few blocks down from West Avenue sits Cameo, a legendary nightclub with amazing DJs, outstanding live concerts and the best dance floor in all of Miami. LIV, another major player in the South Beach night scene and a favorite with local sports players and super models, houses an enormous space, superb entertainment and VIP areas.

The local South Beach Trolley allows you to reach most of West Avenue attractions. Rides cost only 25¢, and buses run daily, stopping at popular destinations such Lincoln Road and Collins Park. Most residents prefer to drive their cars when traveling out of town, as they enjoy easy access to Florida State Road 826 and Miami International Airport. Parking within the city may prove challenging, as prices tend to be high and spaces limited.

Hailing cab in the street should not be a problem in this busy tourist area, but if all else fails, you can always arrange a pickup with Uber or Lyft services.

Residents can safely walk or ride their bikes on the ample beachside boardwalk that runs parallel to Collins Avenue.

West Avenue provides access to some of the most amazing beach parks in the entire nation. South Pointe Park has a white sandy beach within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. This is an excellent spot for rollerblading, jogging, biking and walking. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed on the boardwalk.

Those looking for a workout can head to Flamingo Park, a 36-acre park with football, baseball and soccer fields. The park also includes an aquatic center with an Olympic-size swimming pool. Parents can take their kids to the tot lot, which has free admission and provides a swing set, rock climbing wall and beautifully landscaped area.

The park hosts a wide variety of activities, programs and classes throughput the year. Adult programs include baseball, basketball and football leagues as well as exercise classes and an art club.

The cost of living in West Avenue is significantly higher than the Miami average, as it provides an enhanced level of convenience, luxury and comfort. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1850 per month.

Traveling longer distances within the city in public transportation run you about $2.25 for a one-way trip, while the local trolley only costs 25¢ per ride. If you're filling your tank, expect a small, 5 percent discount from the national average price of gas, while a pint of beer in a local bar sets you back $5.

Locals enjoy shopping at the nearby Lincoln Road Mall. This place houses big chain stores such as Forever 21, American Eagle Outfitters and Gap along its wide pedestrian-only promenade. It also includes chic boutiques such as Bagghy and G-Star. Madewell, a popular boutique for locals, specializes in beautiful women's fashion with a modern twist. High-end stores include Prada, Express and Vogue Italia, among others. Residents can shop for groceries at the Publix Supermarket on 6th Street, which has a free parking lot. Lincoln Road Farmers Market takes place every Sunday and sells artisanal goods and farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices.