Guide: Moving to Coral Gables, FL
At Goldman Residential Group, we understand that finding the right property is only part of a successful residential real estate transaction. We pride ourselves on helping our clients find the best fit for them and their families in this large, diverse city. We hope you enjoy this neighborhood guide curated by Hazel and Evan!
Introduction to Coral Gables, FL
Known as the City Beautiful, Coral Gables is about seven miles southwest of Downtown Miami, with residential opportunities from luxury condos to sprawling estates. One of the first fully planned communities in the United States, views include residential enclaves and commercial areas inspired by the architectural style of the Mediterranean.
This location has it all: international offices, banking, top-rated restaurants, theater, historic estates, gorgeous fountains, canals, manicured golf courses, and country clubs as well as graceful old oak trees. The Gables is a shining example of the classic definition of Florida fine living.
The Biltmore Hotel is the centerpiece of this city and its surrounding areas have lots of parks, ball fields, a wonderful library, and a large, vibrant community center.
Coral Gables is also home to the University of Miami, which sits on 240 acres.
Things To Do In Coral Gables, FL
There is much to do in the City Beautiful! Residents of Coral Gables have direct access to some of the most beautiful landmarks and parks in the city of Miami making it the perfect place for families who love to explore arts & culture as well as the outdoors.
Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza are two pedestrian-friendly areas of the city. They are lined with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and a variety of local businesses.
The University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum is a major general art museum that’s free to the public.
The Coral Gables Museum displays a variety of historical items and contemporary art pieces done in a wide range of mediums, and the outdoor public areas are nothing short of stunning. It also offers kids camps during school breaks.
The Coral Gables Art Cinema is one of the city’s most unique movie theaters. It’s known for showing first-run and regional premieres of quality American independent and international features. It was recently recognized as the city’s Best Art-House Cinema and Best Movie Theater (Readers’ Choice).
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is situated on nearly 90 acres of picturesque land on Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. It’s home to an outstanding botanical collection that contains tropical fruits, orchids, and native Florida plants. It’s known for its stunning gardens and idyllic ambiance.
The Venetian Pool is another fantastic outdoor destination for local swimmers: it’s an aquatic facility with two waterfalls and cave-like grottos. It’s fed by spring water from an underground aquifer and is the largest freshwater pool in the country. Its Mediterranean architecture, lush palm trees, and whimsical waterfalls will transport you to the iconic Miami of decades past.
The Riviera Country Club is one of the most exclusive golf courses in the city. It offers an 18-hole golf course and tennis facilities, as well as a beautiful pool. It’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful homes in the area and has a calm, serene atmosphere.
The Biltmore Hotel & Resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in Coral Gables and a Miami icon. It’s not only a national landmark but a local treasure. It’s a stunning example of how Mediterranean architecture was adapted to the South Florida landscape for a unique style. It offers luxurious accommodations, delicious dining, and unparalleled service. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full-service spa. Residents can become members for access to the fitness center or the golf course and enjoy benefits like exclusive access to events and savings around the property.
The Coral Gables Golf and Country Club is a stunning example of iconic Miami architecture. Built in 1924, you’ll find coral stone waterfalls, crystal chandeliers, black marble foyers, an elegant ballroom, and beautiful banquet rooms on the property. Memberships include access to amenities such as the fitness center, exercise classes, outdoor lap swimming pool, pool-side chaise lounges, tennis courts, and programming discounts.
The Granada Golf Course offers a par 36 nine-hole course, memberships, tournaments, and lessons including private, group, junior lessons, and specialty shot classes.
Best Schools In Coral Gables, FL
Schools in and near Coral Gables, FL are wonderful. Families who move to the Gables will have a variety of schools to choose from.
Key Point Academy Coral Gables offers a challenging and empowering developmental and academic curriculum for preschoolers. It focuses on quality childcare experiences.
Gables Montessori serves children between the ages of 18 months to 6 years old. It is the only Montessori Preschool in the Miami and Coral Gables area that offers childcare services before and after school. Their bilingual program is certified by the American Montessori Society (AMS). They also provide Mandarin language classes as part of the regular curriculum.
St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School serves students as young as three years old until the 5th grade. They offer a fully integrated STREAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) that’s infused with Episcopal values. One thing that sets St. Thomas apart is that its educators collaborate across disciplines and grade levels to ensure every student is being challenged and flourishing.
St. Hugh Catholic Church & School serves students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. It infuses scripture messages and Catholic values into its academic curriculum, daily activities, and athletic program. Its academic curriculum is also enhanced through programs such as art education, music education, physical education, Spanish-language education, and technology education.
Somerset Gables Academy serves students in kindergarten through the 8th grade. Focused on delivering educational excellence with an innovative, forward-looking approach, this school is a STEM Cognia nationally certified school.
Coral Gables Preparatory Academy is a public K8 center serving students from pre-kindergarten through the 8th grade. Its mission is to deliver a caring and safe learning environment and rigorous academic program for its students.
Riviera Schools is a private school that offers an intimate environment with top resources and programs to create well-rounded students. It has two campuses: the Riviera Day School Campus for grades pre-kindergarten through fifth, and the Riviera Preparatory School Campus for grades 8th through 12th.
International Studies Preparatory Academy is a high school offering students language magnet programs. It ranks 18th in Florida and prepares students to meet the challenges of the 21st century through the development of their academic and social development, linguistic capacity, cultural appreciation, and international and global awareness.
Fusion Academy Miami is a fully-accredited middle and high school that offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning. Students can enroll full-time or supplement their current schooling part-time with classes for credit, tutoring, and college counseling.
Best Restaurants In Coral Gables, FL
Dining in Coral Gables is some of the finest in Miami. Those who call Coral Gables home will have plenty of delicious dining options at their fingertips.
Bugatti Bistro is a wonderful Italian restaurant offering restaurant dining, al fresco patio dining, and take-out. It’s most famous for its Lasagna Days (every Wednesday) during which patrons flock to the restaurant for a piece of incredible lasagna.
Bulla Gastrobar in Coral Gables is one of the best Spanish gastro bars in Miami. It has been a long-time local favorite and is the chain’s first location. The restaurant offers a fun, casual ambiance inspired by the most popular tapas restaurants in Spain.
Caffe Abbraci has been serving flawless Italian comfort food, great wine, and well-made cocktails to Coral Gables’ residents for over three decades. It’s well-known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Christy’s Restaurant has been a local landmark for over 40 years. It provides a classic steakhouse and fine dining experience in an intimate setting in the heart of Coral Gables. Among its most famous dishes is Christy’s Caesar Salad.
Hillstone Coral Gables serves favorites like handcrafted sushi, USDA prime steaks, and signature tres leches in an intimate setting on the beautiful Miracle Mile. It’s perfect for small gatherings.
Talavera Cocina Mexicana blends timeless and modern Mexican recipes in the heart of Coral Gables. Both its food and drinks menu is carefully curated to represent the best of Mexican cuisine.
Threefold Cafe is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast and lunch. It offers healthy but hearty options mainly made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu rotates and changes regularly. Threefold is also known for its high-quality coffee menu.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House on Salzedo Street (one block from Miracle Mile) offers the traditional Ruth’s Chris experience in a gorgeously remodeled setting. It’s the perfect location for dining with friends and family, private parties, or even corporate events.
Seasons 52 Restaurant brings its fresh approach to food and wine to Miracle Mile. Its chefs prepare seasonal food using rustic cooking techniques like brick oven roasting and wood fire grilling. Happy Hour is hosted every Monday – Thursday.
Your Dream Home Is Closer Than You Think
We partner with each client to find, not only the best property, but THE dream home that perfectly fits their lifestyle. With 59 years of combined experience and as life-long residents of South Florida, we have a deep understanding of the most coveted communities in this vibrant city. We are also client-centric in our approach, reducing the stressors that accompany residential real estate in a competitive market. We can help you and your family find the best home in the perfect neighborhood as well as painters, decorators, stagers, marble installers, landscapers, insurance options, plumbers, etc., to make your home exactly what you want it to be. We can offer you many options for anyone in any field who can assist you in getting your home up to the standards you want. Get in touch with us today.