Guide: Moving to Coconut Grove, 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 Coconut Grove, FL
Hugging the shoreline of Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove is an upscale village representing the historical heart as well as the best of Miami’s past merging with Miami’s future.
Located between Coral Gables and Downtown Miami, this lush and densely tropical area has been known to attract artists, authors, and musicians in the past but is now one of the preferred neighborhoods for the city’s rapidly growing population of finance and technology experts.
Also known as “the Grove,” this neighborhood is a vibrant community on the Bay with chic shops, sidewalk cafes, and renowned private and parochial schools.
This premier location offers distinctively unique properties set in grand gardens with umbrella banyan trees and cool bay breezes, as well as fabulous condos.
Things To Do In Coconut Grove, FL
The beauty of Coconut Grove is its vibrant community and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Aided by the gorgeous, year-round Miami weather, the Grove’s calendar is always overflowing with things to enjoy.
Commodore Plaza is a vibrant, tree-lined block of restaurants and businesses in Coconut Grove. Favorites such as Greenstreet Cafe, Loretta & the Butcher, and LoKal Miami Restaurant & Bar are located on this block. There are many locally-owned boutiques to explore. Also located on this block is the stunning Cruz Building which is a premier wedding and event venue.
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located in the heart of Coconut Grove. It offers a tree-lined, pet-friendly walking trail that leads to the oldest home in Miami-Dade County that’s still standing in its original location. The home is a charming bungalow-style home built in 1891 that’s since been converted into a museum. There is also a historic boathouse and expansive lawn overlooking Biscayne Bay on-site. Residents can enjoy the grounds and events hosted on-site throughout the year.
David Kennedy Park is a family-friendly and pet-friendly park located minutes from Coconut Grove. Its majestic trees, waterfront vistas, and open-lawn areas make it a favorite for locals. It caters to recreational visitors as well as fitness enthusiasts. It features low-impact rubber asphalt running paths, various calisthenic exercise stations, and a large outdoor resistance-based gym area. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the bay at sunrise from its many benches and boardwalk.
South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove faces Biscayne Bay and is home to many businesses and parks (including David Kennedy Park mentioned above), as well as luxury condos and homes. Marinas, sailing, and yacht clubs include:
Monty’s Raw Bar is one of the most popular restaurants on this street. Open since 1969, its waterfront tiki hut aesthetic and classic menu overflowing with seafood dishes makes it a Miami favorite.
The Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Farmers Market is a Coconut Grove staple for residents and visitors alike. Residents can purchase organic produce, goods, and prepared foods from local growers and vendors every Saturday.
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is an annual event that puts Coconut Grove at the center of the Miami art scene. The Grove has long been considered Miami’s original art district and this is one of the nation’s largest outdoor arts festivals.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a local gem! It will transport you to the Gilded Age. The grounds consist of a lavish villa built between 1914 and 1922 as Industrialist James Deering’s winter retreat and acres of manicured gardens. Now a historic landmark and Miami icon, visitors can enjoy the home and its stunning gardens. The main home is a tribute to Italian and Mediterranean architecture and contains much of the original furnishings and artwork.Monty’s Raw Bar is one of the most popular restaurants on this street. Open since 1969, its waterfront tiki hut aesthetic and classic menu overflowing with seafood dishes makes it a Miami favorite.
The Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Farmers Market is a Coconut Grove staple for residents and visitors alike. Residents can purchase organic produce, goods, and prepared foods from local growers and vendors every Saturday.
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is an annual event that puts Coconut Grove at the center of the Miami art scene. The Grove has long been considered Miami’s original art district and this is one of the nation’s largest outdoor arts festivals.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a local gem! It will transport you to the Gilded Age. The grounds consist of a lavish villa built between 1914 and 1922 as Industrialist James Deering’s winter retreat and acres of manicured gardens. Now a historic landmark and Miami icon, visitors can enjoy the home and its stunning gardens. The main home is a tribute to Italian and Mediterranean architecture and contains much of the original furnishings and artwork.
Best Schools In Coconut Grove, FL
There are many wonderful schools in the Coconut Grove area. Here are some of the top schools:
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School is a private day school that serves students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Affectionately known as the “little school by the bay,” it’s been open for over 60 years. Students are taught Episcopal values such as inclusivity, reason, and the intentional teaching of compassion and humility. It’s a small school, allowing for a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Coconut Grove Montessori School offers enrichment programs for elementary school-age students such as language arts, math, geography, math, botany, zoology, and cultural studies.
Coconut Grove Elementary School is a public school that offers students the chance to enroll in the French International Studies program or a Spanish Program. It provides a quality education so that students have the opportunity to lead productive and fulfilling lives as lifelong independent learners and responsible citizens in a global society.
Ransom Everglades is one of the top private schools in Miami. It’s an independent, non-profit, co-educational, college-preparatory day school serving middle and high school students.
lmmaculata-LaSalle High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school that’s a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami and is located between Mercy Hospital and Vizcaya on South Bayshore Drive.
St. Hugh Catholic Church & School serves students from pre-kindergarten to eighth 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.
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls private Catholic school for grades pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. It’s part of an international network of Sacred Heart schools whose mission is to educate women leaders in the Sacred Heart tradition that fosters growth in an active faith in God, intellectual values, and a commitment to social awareness in an environment of wise freedom and community.
Best Restaurants In Coconut Grove, FL
Amal Miami offers a modern Lebanese culinary experience in the heart of Coconut Grove. Guests can enjoy generous, shareable dishes and hand-crafted cocktails infused with Lebanese flavors.
Ariete is inspired by Executive Chef & Owner Michael Beltran’s Miami roots, Cuban-American heritage, and French culinary training. Ariete is devoted to locally sourced products and ingenious pairing and cooking techniques. It received a Michelin Star in 2022.
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is a family-owned bakery specializing in pies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and one-of-a-kind desserts. Everything is baked in-house using fresh, locally sourced, and high-quality ingredients.
Kush By Spillover In Coconut Grove is a more casual dining option but delicious nonetheless. Residents of Coconut Grove can indulge in delicious food, drinks, and fresh oysters. The interior is funky and fresh.
LoKal is famous for its sustainably and locally sourced burgers, sandwiches, and craft beers, as well as its casual setting. All protein is sourced from Florida and processed in-house for freshness and unparalleled quality. It was the first restaurant in Miami-Dade County to use 100% clean, renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power. It’s dog-friendly.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is a trendy, woodsy-chic pizzeria serving artisanal Neapolitan-style pies, antipasti, and salads. It’s well-known for its star-shaped pizzas, as well as its friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere.
Sadelle’s Coconut Grove brings New York dining and a celebratory atmosphere to the Grove. It was named an essential brunch destination by Harper’s BAZAAR and Cosmopolitan, and its sticky buns were ranked one of the Best Dishes of 2015 by The New York Times.
Sapore di Mare is a fine Italian restaurant that focuses on simple and quality seafood dishes. Its whimsical decor is meant to transport you to a boat on the Amalfi Coast.
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.