Why Do People Love Living in Coral Gables?

It has been awhile since we sang praises for the City Beautiful.  So that is just what we are going to do.  There are so many things to rave about when it comes to Coral Gables but here are a few of the highlights.

Coral Gables is a perfect blend of old and new.  Not only is there some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Florida along with lots of lush and tropical landscaping, there is definitely a newer atmosphere with commercial and residential development throughout the city.  Still, the entire atmosphere has that wonderful Mediterranean feel to it and offers so much to so many people.  It is a place where people come for a visit and immediately fall in love with everything about it. 

Reasons to Live in Coral Gables

Coral Gables offers its residents the best of everything from attractions to its locations to real estate.  Here are some of the reasons to live in Coral Gables:

Location

We hear it all the time – “location, location, location.”  Coral Gables is situated just south of the city of Miami within a short drive to downtown and Brickell not to mention fabulous Miami Beach.  Additionally, Miami International Airport and the other major transportation hubs are also very close to Coral Gables. 

On top of being close to so much, Coral Gables is adjacent to Biscayne Bay.  There are so many canals and waterways that meander through the neighborhoods that make it a perfect place for boaters. 

Shopping

There is so much to see, do and enjoy about living in Coral Gables.  There is definitely some of the best shopping and dining on the Miracle Mile.  Residents can easily walk along the street to pop in and out of some of the most unique shops and cafes.  At the Village at Merrick Park and Cocowalk (located in nearby Coconut Grove), everyone’s favorite national and regional retailers are easily accessible.  Additionally, there are more projects in the works as developers see the value and benefits of building in Coral Gables. 

Attractions

Coral Gables has so many attractions that draw people.  Some of our favorites include the Venetian Pool, Dinner Key Marina and the nearby golf courses.  

The Venetian Pool is an amazing pool created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry that holds 820,000 gallons of spring water fed from an underground aquifer.  Even more amazing is that in the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily.

Area golf courses include the Biltmore Hotel and others located in neighborhoods in and around Coral Gables.  Doral is just a short drive and is known for its championship courses as well.

Real Estate

One of the most important aspects of settling down in Coral Gables is the real estate market.  All of South Florida has rebounded from the crash several years ago.  This includes the Coral Gables real estate market.  The past year saw a significant uptick in terms of the number of properties listed on the market as well as the list and sale prices.  The biggest increases shown are with the price per square foot which shows double digit increases across the board.  For example, the sale price per square foot for properties under $1 million saw a 15 percent increase from $248 to $286. 

For interested buyers, there are so many options in Coral Gables.  Many buyers looking for second homes and investment properties like Coral Gables because of all it has to offer.  Even first-time buyers are looking here as an alternative to Miami with the smaller homes and Coral Gables condominiums like 55 Merrick and Ten Aragon on the market.  There are also new developments on the horizon such as Merrick Manor.  High-end luxury real estate buyers often look to Coral Gables because of the amazing estate homes in unbelievable neighborhoods.  Celebrities and sports figures have flocked to Coral Gables because of the privacy there.

Coral Gables Has Everything to Offer

For those who want to live here, Coral Gables has everything to offer.  From all there is to do here to the options with Coral Gables real estate, it is easy to see why so many come here and decide to stay here.

Top Five Newest Coral Gables Listings Under $500K

It only takes one visit to Coral Gables to see what all the fuss is over this "city beautiful."   From the unique architecture with a Mediterranean flair to the wonderful shops and restaurants, so many people make the decision to live here instead of simply visit every year. 

For those who are interested in settling in Coral Gables, or at least in spending half the year in paradise, there are lots of real estate options in this glorious city.  Much of the median priced properties are situated in the heart of the city close to the top golf courses, the Miracle Mile's shopping and dining and the University of Miami.  To give an idea of what is out there, following are the top five newest Coral Gables real estate listings under $500K.

918 Ferdinand Street, Gables Granada, List Price:  $500,000

This is an absolutely fantastic home with so much character and detail.  Updated with modern fixtures and finishes, it offers the best of old and new.  Built in 1926, this home features beautiful hardwood floors, arched doorways, clay tile floors in the kitchen and detached garage and more.  Then the new is added with a remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances as well as updated and modern baths.  Outside, the brick driveway is lined with tropical landscaping and leads to a wonderful backyard with brick patio and covered clay tiled porch. This is definitely one of those homes that gets a lot of attention because of its character.  Because it is in the heart of Coral Gables, it is close to everything from golf to shopping to travelling into Downtown Miami. 

1109 Tangier Street, Granada, List Price:  $495,900

Located on a wonderful tree-line street in one of the favorite established neighborhoods in the heart of Coral Gables, this is the perfect home with two large bedrooms and two baths and a den that can easily be converted to a third bedroom.  The front entrance features a shady porch while the backyard offers fruit trees and a beautifully landscaped lawn.  With over 1,600 square feet, there is lots of room to move with open and airy rooms.  The kitchen has tons of counter and cabinet space but could use a little updating to make it more modern.  The garage is large and also has a storage loft.  Built in 1955, this home is full of character with a Mediterranean style architecture that is the epitome of the old Florida.

920 Alberca Street, Granada, List Price:  $485,000

Granada is a section of the Gables that oozes Florida the way it used to be.  With its Spanish-Mediterranean architectural style, its barrel roof, and detailed tiled entry, this 1,492-square foot home, built in 1942, oozes old Florida.  Other details include a huge picture window across the front of the house as well as an open living and dining area that is very inviting.  The newly remodeled kitchen features granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances while the bathroom is equipped with designer fixtures.   Additionally, there are upgrades like shutters, a new roof, and crown molding throughout the house.  Outside, there is a beautifully landscaped yard with lots of mature shade trees.  In terms of location, golf courses abound with the Granada Golf Course and the Biltmore just five minutes away.

637 Zamora Avenue, Coral Estates, List Price:  $475,900

This cozy bungalow with a Mediterranean influence is situated in one of Coral Gables most established neighborhoods.  Built in 1940, it features a new kitchen with sleek cabinetry and tons of counter tops.  It has so much style and character with clay tile floors in the entryway, hardwood floors throughout the house arched doorways leading from one room to another.  The newly remodeled bath features ceramic tile walls and floors with updated, designer fixtures.  In the backyard, there is a wonderful bricked in patio and lawn that offers tons of room for expansion.  The brick-paver driveway and sidewalk add a touch of elegance to an already beautiful home with tons to offer.

1607 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, #10A, Ponce de Leon Condo, List Price:  $469,000

Located in one of the premiere buildings in Coral Gables, this gorgeous residence offers beautiful panoramic views of downtown as well as the Miami skyline.  A private elevator opens up to the two-bedroom, two-bath unit that is spacious and features a designer elements throughout each room.  The kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinetry while the baths have updated fixtures and finishes.  Steep out onto a balcony or look out one of the floor to ceiling windows from the city.   Several community amenities are situated on the sixth floor and include a large pool patio, hot tub and lanai with a fitness center and sauna.   Close to everything in Coral Gables, walk to all of Downtown Coral Gables' restaurants & unique shops as well as Publix.

Tons of Character

At $500K and just below, there are numerous single family homes in Coral Gables' most established neighborhoods.  With tons of character and in a peaceful atmosphere, these offer so much to their owners.  But, if condominium life seems more appealing, Coral Gables is full of property in beautiful, centrally located communities that are also popular with buyers.