South Miami, FL

The area began with the settlement of a farmer, his wife and their five children. A depot for the Florida East Coast Railway sparked a population boom in 1904. In 1926, residents voted to incorporate the area, and the town saw its first street light.

The South Miami Art festival on Sunset Drive takes place every winter, giving locals an opportunity to see hundreds of artists from around the world, listen to live music and eat international cuisine. The show has been around for 43 years, always providing free admissions to locals.

Nature lovers can experience the tranquil European-inspired gardens at Viscaya Museum and Gardens. You can find plenty of architectural structures, detailed fountains and antique sculptures among the radiant trees and flowers. Step into the villa for a chance to discover exquisite interior design and imported art treasures.

Even the most finicky of eaters find an abundance of restaurant choices in South Miami. Young chefs, funky fusion foods, traditional steaks and cocktails fill the smartly decorated eating establishments lining Sunset Drive.

Romeo's Cafe includes 28 romantically lit seats that deliver an intimate dining experience. Instead of menus, the chef comes to the table, asks you about your likes and dislikes, and then prepares a personalized meal just for you. Dinners strategically composed of six courses include small portions of delightful Italian cuisine.

Sandwich fans absolutely fall in love with Gustos Fino's pork sammie, an incredibly rich double-decker stuffed with pork tenderloin, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and pancetta. Lighter creations include a range of healthy soups, antipasto and carpaccio. For lunch, nothing in town beats this establishment's popular meatball sub, a chunk of fresh beef sprinkled with spicy pecorino cheese.

You can unwind by visiting one of the neighborhood pubs such as the unassuming Local Craft Food and Drink. A chalkboard indicates the 20 domestic and imported beers available on tap, most around $6, and a vast collection of bottled beer and liquor bottles sit available behind the large mahogany bar. The same chalkboard also notes a few of the cheeses and cured meats available as appetizers.

With University of Miami just a few steps away, nightlife in the city ranges from laid back to mild. Residents can keep the night going at The Irish Times Pub and Eatery, a 5 a.m. liquor license establishment with a hearty menu — the kitchen serves up sliders, mac ‘n cheese, burgers and fish and chips. Those looking for a slightly different atmosphere can stop by BrewskiS South Miami beer bar. This place features an international selection of cold beers, live funky music and a young cheerful crowd.

The Metrorail connects South Miami to downtown Miami, Brickell, Hileah, Coral Gables and Dadeland. This is the best method to visit the Bayside area during peak traffic times, as parking can get quite limited and expensive around the American Airlines Arena.

The Metrobus and Metromover are low-cost alternatives to rental cars and taxis. Metrobus operates over 90 routes, making it the go-to option for traveling to South Beach and other popular destinations on Florida's eastern coast. New buses with equipped luggage racks travel to Miami International airport every 30 minutes.

Bike trails make their way through major streets and tend to loop back into the town center. Drivers generally respect bicyclists, though extra precaution should be taken during busy traffic times. The majority of streets have ample walkways and pedestrian traffic lights.

If you plan to travel outside the city, cars are the best way to get around. Three major highways connect to South Miami, including I-95 and 112. Taxis are generally hard to come by and expensive, with a $2.50 surcharge for pickups and an additional $0.40 for each sixth of a mile traveled. Hailing a ride with Uber or Lyft can be a cheaper and sometimes quicker option if you need to travel out of town.

With 33 acres of parkland sporting 14 park facilities, the people of South Miami have plenty of outdoor choices. Stir up an athletic workout at Dante Fascell Park in one of the basketball or tennis courts. If you're not looking to exert yourself quite that much, check out Fuch’s Park, featuring a lovely water fountain, dog-friendly walkways, pavilions and ample grass space for picnics.

Murray Park Aquatic Center, surrounded by soothing palm trees, includes a splash pad and public swimming pool for people of all ages. This is a refreshing and safe place to take the kids on a hot Miami weekend. Kids, teens and seniors pay a $1 entrance fee, while adults can get in for $3.

For a more natural setting and a view of South Florida native trees, visit Van Smith Park. This natural hammock park has picnic tables and several walking trails. It also holds free dance therapy classes every last Sunday of the month.

The cost of living in South Miami is a bit higher than in other areas of Miami. One-bedroom apartments on central Sunset Drive average $1600 a month, while zones further away from the center range from $1300 to $1400 for a one-bedroom apartment.

A pint of beer at a bar will set you back around $5, and a one-way ticket on local transportation comes in at $2.25. Gas prices in the area are approximately 10 percent higher than the national average.

Relaxing open-air shopping and diverse dining options make the Shops at Sunset Place a favorite with local shoppers. You can catch a bargain at American Eagle, buy something for the little ones at Gaps for Kids or browse the impressive high-end jewelry collection at the Z-Gallerie. Boutique lovers should check Montblanc's fashionable selection of clothes just outside the mall on Sunset Drive. You can easily walk out of this place with several trendy items for very little money. A few blocks down, you find Jenna White, a spot that houses a unique collection of lesser-known, yet lovely, designer brands.

Locals shop for their groceries at either the Publix on Monza Avenue or the slightly cheaper Winn Dixie on 76th Street. Southwest Community Farmers Market sells fresh fruits, eggs, vegetables and herbs, and runs every Saturday at Tropical Park.