Guide: Moving to Pinecrest, 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 Pinecrest, FL
Pinecrest is a suburban village in Miami-Dade County, Florida that was incorporated in 1996. It is approximately 15 miles south of downtown Miami and 20 minutes from Miami International Airport. This affluent area has a low crime rate, peaceful tree-lined streets, a wonderfully responsive local government and police force, glorious parks, a friendly casual atmosphere, and the most highly regarded public and private schools in South Florida. It’s a highly coveted neighborhood for young families.Pinecrest is a suburban village in Miami-Dade County, Florida that was incorporated in 1996. It is approximately 15 miles south of downtown Miami and 20 minutes from Miami International Airport. This affluent area has a low crime rate, peaceful tree-lined streets, a wonderfully responsive local government and police force, glorious parks, a friendly casual atmosphere, and the most highly regarded public and private schools in South Florida. It’s a highly coveted neighborhood for young families.
Pinecrest is one of the areas in which Goldman Residential Group specializes. Hazel is one of its founding mothers! She, along with Pinecrest’s initial mayors, Evelyn Greer and Gary Matzner, worked to secure a village government to protect the area’s large lots from being turned into smaller lots and ensure property taxes went towards local needs such as parks and police presence.
Her efforts molded Pinecrest into the safe, family-friendly neighborhood it is today, and it continues to be a popular and desirable enclave for families.
Things To Do In Pinecrest, FL
There is much for Pinecrest residents to enjoy! Pinecrest living entails many beautiful and lush outdoor spaces, such as:
Pinecrest Gardens is a 20-acre park on the corner of Southwest 111th Street and Southwest 57th Avenue. It was originally home to Parrot Jungle, making it an iconic and cherished location, and is now a municipal park with magnificent gardens and a recreation center. There is something at Pinecrest Gardens for children and adults of every age including a water playground, petting zoo, playground, picnic areas, feed-the-fish experiences, botanical gardens with beautiful and rare plants, a swan lake with iguanas, turtles, cranes, and other native birds, movie nights, all kinds of entertainment in the Parrot Bowl, classes ranging from botany to fitness, to languages, as well as a wonderful Farmer’s Market on the weekends.
Coral Pine Park is an active 9-acre park with a recreation center, six well-lit tennis courts, a nature area, an all-purpose field, and a tot lot.
Evelyn Greer Park is an active ten-acre park with multi-purpose athletic fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. The park also includes batting cages, a tot lot, and a gazebo with Wi-Fi.
Next door to Pinecrest Gardens is the new Pinecrest Branch Library, a beautiful public library, and the Pinecrest Community Center Gym which offers youth programs, adult programs, yoga in the park, fitness classes, and camps for a membership fee.
Best Schools In Pinecrest, FL
The main attraction for families moving to this area is the schools. The best public schools, probably in the state of Florida, as well as some of the area’s best private academies, make this one of the most coveted areas for young families with children.
Many of the area’s public schools are nationally recognized and highly rated including:
- Pinecrest Elementary
- Palmetto Elementary (known for its exceptional performing arts program which includes various concert and jazz bands, a drum line, chorus, and cheerleading squad and is led by a Miami-Dade County Public School Teacher of the Year)
- Howard Drive Elementary
- Palmetto Middle School
- Miami Palmetto Senior High School (consistently ranked on the yearly U.S. News & World Report 25 top school rankings)
Pinecrest Presbyterian Day School is a private institution that offers programs for children 18 months through kindergarten, as well as an after-school care program for Pinecrest Elementary students. Some of this day school’s most unique programs are its yoga club and cooking club.
Rambam Day School at Temple Beth Am is a private institution that offers a fully integrated general and Judaic curriculum with the benefit of a low student-teacher ratio. It has an Early Childhood Center for children younger than pre-kindergarten and an Elementary School that covers kindergarten through the 5th grade.
Bet Shira Preschool is a part of the Bet Shira Congregation. They offer students a STEAM-focused curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math to foster creative thinking and problem-solving from an early age.
Saint Louis Covenant School serves students from PreK-2 through 8th grade and is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. It utilizes multi-sensory instructional techniques and helps students prepare for life by teaching them structure, routine, organization, and time management skills.
Kendall United Methodist Church Preschool serves students between the ages of 12 months and 4 years old. Its staff prides itself on working with each student’s parents and the church to provide a positive educational environment for young students.
Gulliver Preparatory School is a private co-education school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This school opens up a multitude of unparalleled opportunities for every student by exposing them to new experiences, ideas, worldviews, and possibilities.
Best Restaurants In Pinecrest, FL
There are many stellar restaurants in Pinecrest, FL, perfect for family dinners or evenings out. Below are some of our favorites:
Apizza Brooklyn Resto + Vino offers Pinecrest residents an authentic Brooklyn Italian dining experience. Delicious pasta and pizza dishes are made daily using only the finest ingredients.
Captain’s Tavern is a local favorite for seafood. It’s been open for more than 40 years! Its interior is modest and comfy, and its menu is timeless.
Joanna’s Marketplace is a neighborhood favorite! They make artisanal bread, fine pastries, and desserts. They also offer extensive lunch and daily hot menus, as well as catering services including holiday menus.
Trattoria Luna is a Tuscan-style restaurant that opened in the late 1990s. It’s a local favorite due to its daily specials and generous portions.
Two Chefs Restaurant is a sophisticated French American restaurant that’s been in Pinecrest for over 20 years. It’s well known for its innovative weekly menus featuring local and seasonal dishes.
Roasters ‘N Toasters has been a Pinecrest staple since the early 1980s! It brings authentic New York deli flavors to South Florida.
Pinecrest residents are a short drive from Coral Gables and Coconut Grove which means wonderful dining options abound. Explore nearby restaurants in our Coral Gables Neighborhood Guide and Coconut Grove Neighborhood Guide.
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.