"Hialeah Park is the most beautiful race track in the world." Joseph E. Widener, American art collector.
Just 10 miles from Miami, the city of Hialeah Gardens has a flourishing residential community and a top-quality golf course, which has been playing host to the PGA tour since the early 1960s. But golf fans knew that already, right? For those who live outside of the state of Florida and who are not golfing aficionados, it is probably most associated with Hialeah Park Race Track -- also known as the Miami Jockey Club -- which lies just a few miles down the road. Here, the historic grandstand and trackside buildings were constructed with some wonderful architectural designs in the 1920s. The park itself is noted as an official National Historic Landmark.
So much for the history, what about the accommodation?
"Hialeah Park is the most beautiful race track in the world." Joseph E. Widener, American art collector.
Just 10 miles from Miami, the city of Hialeah Gardens has a flourishing residential community and a top-quality golf course, which has been playing host to the PGA tour since the early 1960s. But golf fans knew that already, right? For those who live outside of the state of Florida and who are not golfing aficionados, it is probably most associated with Hialeah Park Race Track -- also known as the Miami Jockey Club -- which lies just a few miles down the road. Here, the historic grandstand and trackside buildings were constructed with some wonderful architectural designs in the 1920s. The park itself is noted as an official National Historic Landmark.
Moving to Hialeah Gardens
So much for the history, what about the accommodation?
Well, Hialeah Gardens boasts plenty of single story developments and is a great place to search for an apartment for rent as it affords superb communications with the rest of Florida. Being close to so many vacation residences in Miami, it is best to begin your apartment search in spring before the influx of tourists to the region.
The city's economy is reportedly on the rise in Hialeah Gardens, with recent multi-million dollar investments from European heavy machinery firms and others. As such, it is a good idea to take any documentation with you that proves that you are eligible to work in the United States, when apartment hunting. A recent tax return is usually a good idea to have on you, too. In terms of employment opportunities, then bear in mind that new merchandise distribution centers are expected to be built soon, which will take advantage of Hialeah Gardens excellent communications.
The Opa Locka Executive Airport, just to the north, affords the city plenty of civil air services and Miami International Airport is not far away, either. The city itself was incorporated in December 1948 when 12 people of the area unanimously voted to form their own community with just 26 registered voters. Presently, the city had grown to over 21,000 inhabitants, making it a vibrant place to live without all of the hustle you find in downtown Miami. As a result, you won't be surprised to learn that most of the land in the city is devoted to residential developments.
The City Layout
Hialeah Gardens is bounded to the south by the North Okeechobee Road, or U.S. Route 27, if you prefer. There are three districts that make up the city, each in the shape of a right-angled triangle (it is hard to get lost with such a system). The town of Medley lies to the south and it is a short drive to the west before you hit Florida's famous wetlands.
The West: The most westerly of the three neighborhoods has NW 138th Street to it northern boundary and boasts two parks, Westland Gardens Park -- the city's largest green open space -- and the smaller Golden Eagle Park. Westland Gardens Park has a plenty of sporting facilities including a heated swimming pool, racquetball courts, tennis courts and a professionally sized baseball field. You can find studio apartments for rent here, but newcomers will immediately notice the low level development that makes up nearly all of the accommodation on offer. As such, it is not the ideal place to find a condo for rent. You are better off looking in this neighborhood if the things on your wish list include a garden and a driveway.
Central Hialeah Gardens: Between the western neighborhood and the central one, Hialeah Hia Gardens Boulevard and the local high school's campus mark the boundary. This area has some more diverse housing options, including some gated community developments that reach the dizzying height of four stories. You will also find more choice of 3 bedroom apartments. This is the best choice if you want to be in the beating heart of the city.
The East: To the east, the last of the three triangular-shaped neighborhoods is the closest to the city's larger neighbor -- Hialeah -- with the Palmetto Expressway being all that stands between the two. This is the best place for apartment hunting in Hialeah Gardens if you plan to commute or travel regularly to Miami since it is quickest by road. To the western side of the area, there is a lake that is overlooked by a selection of three and four story condos. The neighborhood is well served by restaurants with most places to eat out dotted along NW 103rd Street, to the north.
Living in the City
Each of the three neighborhoods that make up Hialeah Gardens has a sense of community and there are a number of local events that are put on for residents over the course of the year. There are plenty of shops to choose from and a brand new retail center is planned for a location close to Okeechobee Road. Also, a big brand like L.A. Fitness has announced that it is planning a gym that will be situated in the city. For eating out, try Don Camaron Seafood Grill, located close to the Walmart Supercenter in the east of the city or Pizzeria Gardens which is in the west, near to Golden Eagle Park.
If you are thinking of moving to the city then the wonderful Florida weather is probably a big plus point and there's little doubt that many are attracted to the area for the sunshine and the low annual rainfall. However, you might like to consider that summer temperatures regularly reach in excess of 90 Fahrenheit, so apartments without air conditioning costs built into the rental charges are thin on the ground.
