Hallandale Beach, FL

Luther Halland, who was a worker for Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, has the honor of being Hallandale's namesake. He was the community’s first postmaster and operated a trading post. Before that, the Seminole Indians once hunted here, gathering a root that was used to produce arrowroot starch for dough. Once settled, Hallandale became a farming community, taking a century to evolve into predominantly a retirement Mecca. Hallandale Beach attracts even larger numbers of young urban professionals who appreciate its proximity to the business center of Miami.

The restaurant choices in Hallandale Beach feature broad selections and vary widely in price. If you enjoy home-delivery of great, inexpensive kosher food, The Sage Bagel & Deli provides a casual daytime haunt with traditional fare, including fresh sliced Nova, brisket and even kippers.

Sushi remains a South Florida staple, and Hallandale’s Eddie Hill’s restaurant ranks as a long-time favorite among the local residents far and wide. Thai food comes as the specialty here, and with octopus and conch as well as dozens of tantalizing rolls, the menu does not disappoint.

Decadently luxurious and memorable best describes Il Mercato Café & Wine Shop, a wine connoisseur’s dream come true. The décor feels reminiscent of a European neighborhood bistro, and diners enjoy seating indoors and out. Freshly-caught fish dictate the menu here, so you’re not likely to eat the exact same meal twice in a row.

The Village of Gulfstream Park serves as the center of nightlife in the area with several music venues around the complex, but outside of that, a few establishments still provide places to go in the area. For dinner and dancing, Tatiana’s Russian cuisine and unique shows can’t be beat. Mardis Gras Casino, on the north side of town, also features live music and restaurants on its premises.

Several convenient Broward County Transit bus routes run through Hallandale Beach, and a free minibus service operates for the community by the city of Hallandale Beach, with four routes that criss-cross the city as well as neighboring cities of Hollywood to the north and Aventura on the south side.

Parking remains plentiful and free almost everywhere you go in Hallandale Beach, and Interstate 95 provides easy access to outlying areas via Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Although at rush hour the traffic backs up significantly, it clears quickly and does not stay congested into the evening hours.

Hallandale Beach serves as a great town to bike or walk around; although crossing busy Hallandale Beach Boulevard can be a bit of a chore. Each part of town has parks and paths for dog walking and jogging.

Several free parks exist throughout Hallandale Beach, including two at the beach. BF James Park has restrooms, two basketball courts, a playground and a swimming pool for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The swimming pool stays open year-round, and has aquatic programs as well as open and lap swim sessions. The pool charges daily admission fees, but also sells annual pool passes.

Peter Bluesten Park opens from dawn to 9 p.m. and provides a 6-acre green space with a community center, municipal pool, tennis and racquetball courts, outdoor basketball courts, and even sand volleyball courts. Outdoor athletic fields, a children's playground and a concession stand round out this fun spot for a day outing.

Joseph Scavo Park contains restrooms, a playground, a fitness trail and basketball courts. Bring Fido to enjoy the two dog parks here, one for large dogs and one for small dogs.

Living in Hallandale Beach, while definitely cheaper than nearby Miami, nonetheless runs you a bit more than it would further inland. From anywhere in this city it costs you less than $5 both ways to go to the beach, or down to the mall in Aventura and back home via public transportation.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages at $1,452 per month, making Hallandale moderately expensive for the region, but that’s the price you pay for being near the beach and in the center of so much activity.

A beer costs you at least $5 most places, but you may be able to score a $2 draft if you look for specials and bargains. This town has bars of all different sizes and types, from sports-oriented pubs to casino watering holes and everything in between.

Hallandale Beach gas prices tend to be right at the national average and lower than nearby Miami’s fuel costs due to their higher taxes.

No end exists to the shopping choices in Hallandale Beach and the surrounding vicinity. The RK Diplomat Shopping Center provides a large strip mall, with another strip mall across the street. Toward the beach, a Wal-Mart store and Gulfstream Village service the neighborhood, with numerous upscale boutique-style shops to choose from in the Village. For major shopping expeditions, Aventura Mall awaits only 10 minutes away to the south.

Gulfstream Village’s Charming Charlie, a fashion accessory boutique, provides exquisite finishing touches for the ladies wardrobe. Shop here for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, purses and belts.

Gabriel & Ko. Boutique Specializes in children’s couture, and ready-to-wear collections for stylish infants and children. This store provides a taste of the latest season’s fashion trends from your favorite designers in Europe and worldwide.

Staying well-fed is a cinch with both Publix and Winn-Dixie having stores centrally located in Hallandale Beach. Both have ample parking, and the shuttles take you there if you prefer to leave your car at home.