North Bay Island - North Bay Village, FL

Before 1940, the only visible landmass of what today makes up North Bay Island was a mere 5 acres protruding from the sea. The rest of the land that would constitute the area was still submerged in Biscayne Bay and only surfaced after massive dredging and bulk-heading work in the area. Within a year, a plan for the construction of residences and businesses on the newly formed land was drawn up and built. The area became popular for its lively local nightlife, popular radio stations and beach-side lifestyle.

You'll find Modern North Bay Island located conveniently close to the Miami Beach Convention Center, host to a variety of activities throughout the year, including the Miami International Boat Show and a monthly health and fitness exposition. Also located nearby, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Florida Grand City Opera, Miami Ballet and many other musical events year-round.

Hidden from tourists on the north shore of North Bay Island, Oggi Cafe and Italian Ristorante has some of the freshest Italian food in Miami. Delicately prepared veal saltimboca and thin, lemony carpazzio di manzo are local favorites. Proximity to the ocean gives Miami Beach an abundance of fresh seafood, and you won't find better than the fare at Oggi. Try blackened ahi tuna served with linguini, garlic and olive oil, or yellowtail snapper sauteed with onions, capers, and black olives.

Sitting between Miami and the Florida Keys gives the residents of North Bay Island easy access to innumerable options for food and nightlife. Drinks and live music go hand in hand for most Miami locals, and you should expect an energetic and social crowd at almost any club in the area. Miami nightlife is the storied stuff of legend, and there are countless nocturnal party opportunities available. Popular destinations include the modern and trendy LIV on Collins Avenue and the historic Fontainebleau on coastal Miami Beach.

Residents of North Bay Village typically rely on cars for transport. Despite a multitude of public transportation options in the main hub of Miami, a car is necessary to navigate the area. Car-sharing services such as Car2Go are especially popular among locals because of this reason. Of course, a cab will also be happy to pick you up from North Bay, and a number of cab companies have headquarters around the area. North Bay Village also offers a low-priced minibus service to ferry locals into Miami and the Keys.

In Miami itself, transportation is handled via Miami-Dade Transit's Metrobus, Metrorail or Metromover. Metrorail and Metrobus stations can be found at convenient locations all throughout Miami. Metromover is a free-ride rail system that runs constantly from the Adrienne Arsht Center down to the financial district of Brickell, Florida, with convenient stops all along the way. Metromover gives locals quick and easy access to important local locations, such as the American Airlines Arena, Bayside Market Place, Miami-Dade College and countless Metrorail and Metrobus connections. You can also find the Miami International Airport located conveniently in the middle of town, if your destination is more distant.

As the main artery for drivers, the John F. Kennedy Causeway slices the island directly in half and also provides the only way in or out of North Bay Village. To the West, it runs into the heart of urban Miami, and to the East, it runs into the picturesque islands of Miami Beach. It also connects quickly to north/south interstate Route 1.

Most of the beachfront areas in the region are very bicycle-friendly, encouraging people to ride in the sea breeze with a series of well-maintained bike paths. Cyclists are also welcome in the more commercial downtown areas of Miami and North Bay, although there are seldom specific bike lanes constructed there.

North Bay Island and the surrounding areas don't have parks so much as large expanses of beach. Virginia Key Beach, Pelican Harbor and Crandon Park are popular choices for locals looking for fun in the sun. Relax, surf, swim, tan, kayak or perhaps play volleyball – you can do it all easily on Florida's shore.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, located on the nearby island of Virginia Key, stands as perhaps the ultimate recreation destination for tourists and locals alike. With over 10 miles of dedicated reserve land, miles of coastline, waterfront concessions and hiking trails, this sandy oasis is a hallmark of the area and home to the venerable Miami Sequarium,.

Cyclists would do well to check out the Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park on Arthur Lamb Jr. Road, on the north side of the island. Built by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts, the park features a large number of bike trails of all levels, from novice to extremely difficult, meant to challenge and entertain local riders.

If, however, you're looking for a verdant, woodsy experience complete with walking paths, forests, hiking opportunities and scattered playgrounds, don't think the neighborhood is completely devoid of options. Heading to Pelican Harbor Park is your best bet for the classic park experience.

The cost of living in North Bay Village is much lower than what you would have to pay when living in urban Miami or the Keys. Tourism exists but doesn't invade the island, as it's more of a relaxed working community. Here, a single-bedroom apartment can be rented for an average of $1,092 a month.

You'll find gas prices on the island to be very affordable, only 4 percent higher than the National average. Grabbing a beer somewhere in town costs around $7.

Nearby downtown Miami is home to some of the trendiest boutiques in the United States. You can find unique, handmade items on the cutting edge of fashion, but you can also browse reasonably priced, sporty, everyday wear just as conveniently. With stores everywhere, popular choices include the Miami Design District, specializing in upscale clothes and eyewear, and designer Christian Louboutin's outlet store, specializing in hand-bags, accessories and his signature red-soled shoes. Locals and tourists alike handle their shopping at the Bayside Marketplace, a sprawling outdoor mall that features a staggering variety of restaurants, cafes, live street-side music and dancing, storefronts, and even boat tours. The stores here range from the crafty, handmade and tourist-oriented to convenient locations of larger chain options. People tend to congregate here at night as well as during the day, making it one of the liveliest spots in the area. If you have a dog in need of grooming or some toys, The Pet Mode in mainland Miami comes highly recommended by locals. There you can find everything from new collars to dog clothing to great organic treats. Fly Boutique Vintage is the place to go if you're looking for anything vintage, from accessories to clothing--you'll even find some great antique furniture. There is so much to choose from so come prepared to hunt for all the best pieces. For grocery needs, Presidente Supermarket has a good supply on North Bay Island. North Bay residents know the importance of eating well and head to the Upper Eastside Farmers Market on Biscayne Boulevard in Bayside for their organic grocery needs. Endlessly Organic Food Delivery Services in Miami, also a popular choice for fresh produce among locals, provides home delivery services for people with mobility troubles and busy schedules.