Pembroke Lakes South - Pembroke Pines, FL

The Pembroke Pines area, which includes Pembroke Lakes South, was first incorporated in 1960, but the name Pembroke may trace back to an early British landowner known as the Earl of Pembroke. The neighborhood area was first inhabited by the Lamchins tribe. The name they called their village seems to translate into the word vermin, which the Spanish translated to Las Plugas, or The Fleas. One main thoroughfare which connects the cities along the peninsula still bears the name Alameda de Las Plugas.

The Pembroke Lakes South area does not include any museums or contain much of an arts scene. Residents travel 15 miles southeast for venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection. Events such as the Annual Miami Beer Festival and Seminole Hard Rock Wine and Food Festival take place in nearby Miami Gardens and Davie.

Locals head towards Pines Boulevard to find a great selection of restaurants. Most establishments feature full bars with happy-hour specials. Patrons looking to meet friends for an after-work cocktail or grab a beer while watching a game congregate at eateries such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Miller’s Ale House.

When night calls for a big Italian-style meal, head towards Sosta Caffe on Pines Boulevard. This popular restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Start the meal off with a generous helping of Italian nachos, consisting of a bruschetta cube tower topped with fresh mozzarella and basil. Move on to a signature pasta dish, such as the three-layer lasagna or ravioli with cheese sauce. Round out your meal with a bottle of wine from the bar.

Local burger fans love the Burger and Beer Joint. Known for its rock-n-roll vibe and gourmet burgers, this restaurant makes most of its burgers with Black Angus beef. However, unique options, such as lobster, tuna and bison, often tempt diners in a different direction. Try the Paradise City Burger, made with Black Angus beef and topped with poached and seared Cajun-spiced shrimp, watercress and tarragon remoulade. Pair it with one of five different types of fries and one of 75 beers offered at bar.

Dragon Gate has been serving the Pembroke Lake community since 1992. Try the pan-fried dumplings as an appetizer to the fried tofu with red pepper sauce. When you feel like eating at home, place your order by phone for delivery or take-out.

The streets in the neighborhood are lined with green lawns, and many stores and restaurants sit within walking distance of homes. However, many of the residential streets do not feature sidewalks or bike lanes. Larger thoroughfares, such as Pembroke Road and Palm Avenue, do contain sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes, making them safe for pedestrians and bicyclers. Homes, apartments and condominiums in the neighborhood provide private parking, and on-street parking is also available. Business complexes in Pembroke Lakes South provide ample free parking, as do park and recreation areas.

Pembroke Lakes South residents enjoy commutes with ample access to major interstates and highways. Interstates 595 and 75 sit to the north and west of the neighborhood, while the Florida Turnpike and its Homestead Extension sit to the east and south. Many of the highways in Florida are toll roads, which can be conveniently paid by purchasing a SunPass.

Broward County Transit and Miami-Dade Transit provide bus stops along major streets in Pembroke Lakes South, which connect to express buses, the Tri-rail system, and the Metrorail in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Consider calling one of the local cab companies in advance, or use your smartphone to request an Uber or Lyft ride when you don’t want to drive.

To the west of the neighborhood, CB Smith Park is a popular haunt of residents of Pembroke Lakes South. This 299-acre park features a water park, a tennis center with tennis and racquetball courts, a full basketball court, a golf course, batting cages, and a walking and jogging trail. A lakeside RV park provides 83 camping sites with electricity, water, picnic tables and grills. The park’s special-event field hosts the annual 99.9 KISS Country Chili Cookoff.

The cost of living in Pembroke Pines is only 1 percent higher than living in Miami. Housing and transportation costs account for the increase; still residents trade the high cost of living for a low crime rates and easy commutes between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. A one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood averages $1,220 a month.

If traveling to Miami via public transportation, expect the one-way fare to cost around $2.85, including the bus-to-rail transfer fee. A monthly pass that includes unlimited transfers costs $145. Gas prices in the Miami area normally run about 6 percent higher than the national average. Depending on the venue, expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer.

A Publix supermarket on Pembroke Road and a Target on Pines Boulevard meet the regular grocery needs of local residents. Avid bikers in the neighborhood shop at Alligator’s Cycling. The shop offers bicycles, accessories and gear for serious road and track cyclists. Those looking to increase their skills take advantage of Herrera’s unique training programs.

When looking for an exclusive handbag from Michael Kors or a new watch from Cartier, locals head 16 miles east to Aventura Mall. In addition to small designer shops, the mall contains department stores such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.