Kings Point East - North Miami Beach, FL

Sunny Isles, Florida often gets hailed as "Florida's Riviera." This small, barrier-island area was founded in 1920 when Harvey Baker Graves purchased the 2.26-square-mile tract for development. The islet saw construction of the Fulford-Miami Speedway soon after, but a category 4 hurricane subsequently destroyed it in 1926.

The development of Sunny Isles slowly increased during the 1950s with the construction of single-family residences and hotels that sprang up soon after. The real estate boom of the early 2000s heralded the entrance of a more residents, which in turn led to the construction of massive, luxury ocean-front condominiums. Kings Point East is a long neighborhood that stretches along the ocean.

Kings Point East and Sunny Isles sit just 20 minutes north of Miami Beach's museums and galleries. Also, music lovers should take "note" -- jazz fans flock to this island community every November for Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest Weekend.

Residents of Kings Point East enjoy an area with a reputation for posh restaurants, clubs, and pubs. Numerous eateries lie within a five-minute drive of Kings Point East. Russian, Colombian, Japanese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants comprise some of the most talked-about culinary hot-spots in this part of Miami, offering a different cultural dining experience every night of the week.

The Copper Chimney Restaurant, located on Collin Avenue, gives those with a taste for curry a place to sample some of fine Indian Cuisine. This establishment specializes in clay oven dishes (Tandoor) and cooks up more than 50 additional culinary offerings. Choose from the South Indian menu or the Indo-Chinese menu, or order something for the kids from the children's menu. Try out the Copper Chimney's basil chicken (murg tulsi), yogurt-marinated tiger shrimp (jhinga angarey), or one of its many vegetarian dishes.

If you enjoy Italian-Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, put Timo Restaurant, also on Collins avenue, at the top of your list. This four-star eatery serves up savory Mediterranean-style sea bass, braised short ribs, and pizzas prepared in a wood-burning oven, and it has a full liquor bar and a large list of European and American wine to accompany the dishes. Those planning a party or a reception can have a chat with the restaurant's Chef Andriola to set up on- or off-site catering accommodations.

Kings Point East's close proximity to South Beach guarantees action-packed nights of dancing and revelry. Hop onto Collins Avenue to take the 15-minute jaunt south to enjoy some of the hottest pubs and clubs in America.

If you prefer to party beach-side, Nikki Beach on Ocean Drive fills the bill. This club throws awesome beach parties, fueled by cool drinks and ocean-side breezes. Every Sunday night rocks with local DJs pumping out the hottest new tunes.

Most residents in Kings Point East utilize their own private vehicles, which may include boats and personal watercraft on weekends. MetroBus operates in this part of the city and provides convenient transportation to South Beach and downtown Miami. You can hail taxis along Collins Avenue, and Uber is an option.

Free parking remains available in commercial zones in the Kings Point East district, however beach-goers should prepare to shell out a few bucks to park in one of the hotels or commercial lots. The I-95 and Florida Turnpike interchange lie seven miles to the east of the beaches, so plan on spending in excess of 20 minutes should you need to access these thoroughfares.

Kings Point East lies close in proximity to two of South Florida's most popular parks: Haulover Beach Park and Oleta River State Park. Both of these parks prove "Fido-friendly," so the whole family -- even the four-footed members -- can join in on the fun. Oleta River State Park charges $6 admission per car, while Haulover Beach Park charges $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends.

Haulover Beach Park sits along the Atlantic Ocean and has a picnic area as well as a clothing-optional beach. Oleta River State Park has kayak rentals, a camping area, jogging paths, and covered pavilions for picnics and barbecues. Both these parks serve as popular gathering points to watch the annual Fourth of July fireworks shows over the Intracoastal and downtown Miami.

The cost of living in Kings Point East proves expensive compared to other parts of the city. While the price of a ride to downtown Miami on MetroBus only sets you back $2.25, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sunny Isles Beach sits at $1,516. Plan on paying about $7 for a beer in the Kings Point/Sunny Isles district and dropping eight percent more than the national average for a gallon of gas.

Shoppers rejoice -- Kings Point East lies in the middle of shopper's heaven. The Shops of Bal Harbor and swank South Beach boutiques promise to keep you entranced with the latest fashions and trends. Bal Harbor caters to South Florida's elite and its stores carry elegant Euro-crafted threads for special occasions or nights out on the town.

In South Beach, the go-to shops lie along Ocean Drive and within the Lincoln Road district. Make your trips to the beach in comfortable attire, but stop by Jessie Boutique on Alton Road first to peruse their lines of resort wear.

Enjoy a creative twist on style by pairing some of your attire with exotic Indian jewelry. Stop by the 9th Chakra Boutique, also on Alton Road, which specializes in "Gifts for the Soul" and maintains an interesting selection of eclectic jewelry, oils, incense, and Eastern-themed decor to create a special ambiance in your home.

Kings Point East residents have access to a large selection of seafood, poultry, meat and produce at the Publix Supermarket located on Collins Avenue. Organic food-lovers need to set aside their Sundays so that they can stroll through Lincoln Road's day-long farmers market. Another popular produce venue — the Upper Eastside Farmers Market — sets up shop on Biscayne Boulevard on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.