Three Lakes - Miami, FL

The Florida Land and Mortgage Company purchased the regions of Kendall and Three Lakes in 1883. The place got its name from Henry John Kendall, the owner and director of the company, who settled there in the early 1900s and began developing the land.

In 1992, the community witnessed a critical shift with the impact of Hurricane Andrew. The majority of homes and businesses were destroyed, and a significant number of residents moved north. In the years that followed, the neighborhood went through a slow renovation phase. Over the past decade, a wave of Colombian, Venezuelan and Brazilian immigrants have settled in the neighborhood.

The Gold Coast Museum, a nonprofit organization, features over 40 pieces of historic railroad equipment. It includes items like California Zephyr cars, diesel locomotives and Silver Crescents. The establishment holds annual events such as the Polar Express Train Ride, a Christmas show for kids.

From Colombian barbecues to spicy Asian cuisine, Three Lakes serves a wide variety of culinary tastes. You can find open-air cafes preparing hot Cuban coffee or old-fashioned dining shacks with traditional menus.

For the best sushi in town, stop by Shibui Restaurant. This establishment contains tasty food, a homey atmosphere and excellent service. California rolls, unagi, tuna and salmon come beautifully prepared. Guests have the option between conventional American seating downstairs and Japanese floor tables upstairs. Make sure to end your meal with the azuki homemade bean ice cream, or the creamy key lime pie.

Hungry Bear Sub Shop, a hole-in-the-wall across from Miami Dade College, cooks up tasty, hot and gigantic subs that can tame the hungriest of appetites. If you come during lunch, then be prepared for the long lines. All foot-long grilled subs sell for under $10 and are made to order. A local favorite is the chicken honey mustard topped with meat and vegetables over sweet sauce.

Jamaican Kitchen, a joint that has been simmering in the area for over 25 years, serves affordable lunch and dinner all day. Opt in for the popular jerk chicken or the Chinese chicken roast with five flavor spices. The Jamaican patties are also delicious. Lunches and dinners cost about $10, and delivery is available by the quart.

Locals get together at the Palms at Town and Country when the sun goes down. Enjoy a luxury nightlife experience with live entertainment, tapas and ladies night at the upscale Blue Martini Bar. Cadillac Ranch provides a great mix of amazing food, solid service and nightly entertainment. The establishment has several bars, mechanical bulls, pool tables and a rock n' roll-inspired décor that keeps the party going until late.

The majority of locals in Three Lakes travel by car, as street parking is plentiful and affordable. There are several public transportation options as well, such as the Metrorail, which has two stops connecting to Downtown Miami. Kendall Tamiami Executive Airport provides general aviation services.

Hailing a cab in this area can be difficult, but arranging a pickup with a local company is simple. Fans of ride-sharing apps can take advantage of either Uber or Lyft. Inside the community, residents have access to wide sidewalks and marked bike lanes.

The South Florida Freeway 864 intersects through town and provides easy access to surrounding cities, although it gets a bit congested during peak traffic hours.

The Indian Hammocks Sports Plaza houses a 14,000 square foot concrete plaza, skateboarding rink, soccer field, basketball courts and jogging trails. This is the perfect place to work up a sweat. The park also welcomes dogs of all sizes and has a small tot lot for the kids.

Kendall Soccer Park, located a few minutes to the west, features green soccer fields where local leagues play during the evenings. This is a great spot to sit down, take a break and people watch. The facilities host community events on the weekends such as yoga and Zumba classes.

The cost of living in Three Lakes is slightly higher than the South Florida average, making dining out, gas and groceries more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,060 per month.

Gas runs about 8 percent lower than the national average, and you can expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer at a local bar. A one-way fare on public transportation costs $2.25.

Until a few years ago, Three Lakes residents had to venture far to take care of their shopping needs. These days, however, they have plenty of shopping options close by, including one of the nation’s busiest suburban malls.

Dadeland Mall, South Florida’s most iconic shopping destination, features giant retailers like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Home Gallery & Kids and more. High-end stores include Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Lacoste and Tesla.

Alma Boutique specializes in dresses, stocking well-known designer brands like Voom, Tibi and La Rok. This is a great spot for ladies on a budget. If you’re looking for an easy way to get the latest Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Lopez derriere, then Angel Boutique is the place for you. Jeans come in high and low-rise versions and run about $50. This place also stocks dresses, accessories and a variety of lovely sandals.

When it comes to groceries, residents can shop at the Publix Supermarkets across the street. The Kendall Village Farmers Market opens every Sunday and sells fruits, vegetables, pottery and ceramics and much more.