Village of Pinecrest

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by Hal Feldman — Updated October 14, 2024
Official logo of the Village of Pinecrest, FL

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The Village of Pinecrest was incorporated in 1996 and is recognized as one of the most beautiful residential areas in South Florida. Pinecrest is known for its exceptional schools, large lots (typically an acre) and beautiful homes, trees and lush vegetation.

  • Population: 18,388

  • Median Household Income: $178,095

  • Median Home Price: $1.93M

  • Homes Currently For Sale in Pinecrest: click here

I currently live in Pinecrest with my wife and step-son. We appreciate how close we are to everything, yet how we are tucked away in a lush area with quiet places to walk and well-appointed parks.

WHERE IS PINECREST?

Pinecrest IS ESSENTIALLY defined as THE AREA EAST OF US-1, WEST OF SW 57TH AVENUE, SOUTH OF SW 88TH STREET AND NORTH OF SW 136TH STREET (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

The Village of Pinecrest is nestled in the southeastern corner of Miami-Dade County, Florida. It offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle while still providing convenient access to urban amenities. It's a short 15-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA) and about 25 minutes from the Port of Miami. Downtown Miami is roughly a 30-40-minute drive, depending on traffic. Residents also enjoy proximity to popular destinations like Coral Gables (10 minutes) and Key Biscayne (30 minutes).

Banner showing a baseball diamond and playground equipment

PARKS

Pinecrest has six parks including: Coral Pine Park, Flagler Grove Park, Evelyn Greer Park, Red Road Linear Park, Suniland Park, Veterans Wayside Park and an off-leash dog park called Pawcrest Park. It also has a historically significant attraction, Pinecrest Gardens.

  • Coral Pine Park is an active 9-acre park with mature trees, a pineland preserve, a multipurpose room, five lighted tennis courts, four lighted pickleball courts, a multipurpose field, a shaded playground, and a pro-shop. I have grown to love this park and you may see me on the pickleball court trying to keep my edge.

  • Flagler Grove Park is a 3-acre sports park with lighted synthetic athletic fields (lacrosse and soccer), a shaded tot playground, parking, and restrooms. I live very nearby this park and I enjoy hearing the cheers emanating from all the parents and kids joyously celebrating scored goals.

  • Evelyn Greer Park is an active 10-acre park with multipurpose athletic fields (baseball, softball, and soccer), batting cages, shaded playground, a walking/jogging track, exercise stations, and a gazebo with a Wi-Fi spot. It is also home to Leslie Bowe Hall, a rentable multipurpose room for activities and community events. I look fondly upon this park, as my kids used to come here with their cousins to play on the safe, modern playground. It never gets old here, as it gets updated every few years.

  • Red Road Linear Park is a 2.5-mile lighted walking/bicycle path along the Snapper Creek Canal on Red Road between Kendall Drive and Killian Drive.  Observe birds, wildlife, and aquatic life throughout this beautiful stretch of Snapper Creek.  Red Road Linear Park includes three rest areas accented with coral rock walls and enhanced landscaping along historic Red Road. Along the way, you might want to cross the street to enjoy Wayside Fruit & Vegetable, famous for its fresh milkshakes and smoothies.

  • Suniland Park is the home of Andre Dawson Field and Howard Palmetto Hall of Fame Field.  It is an active 10-acre park with multipurpose athletic fields (baseball and football), batting cages, basketball courts, a multipurpose room, a Wi-Fi Spot in the gazebo, a playground, and Pawcrest Park (the Village's only off-leash dog park). There is always something going on here!

  • Veterans Wayside Park is a quiet, reflective place. It was re-dedicated by the Pinecrest Village Council on November 12, 2007, in recognition of the honorable men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  This 4.5-acre passive park features a Veterans monument, benches overlooking a freshwater pond with a huge spray fountain, picnic tables, and open recreation areas.

  • Pawcrest Park is the Village's only off-leash dog park featuring a separate area for large dogs and small dogs. Each section has play elements for dogs to enjoy with their humans. Benches are located within each off-leash area and a water bottle filler and drinking fountain is located just outside the main entrance to the play areas.

Pinecrest also has Pinecrest Gardens, which is the former grounds of Parrot Jungle, and now serves as a 14-acre cultural arts park with something always going on inside. Events ranging from art installations to music performances under its bandshell, known as the Banyan Bowl, make this a wonderful family destination almost every day of the year. A petting zoo offers an opportunity for children and families to interact with various domestic animals. The garden also features playgrounds, a splash zone play area, picnic areas, and open spaces for leisure activities and gatherings. On Sundays, the Pinecrest Farmers Market is set up in the parking lot area adjacent to Pinecrest Gardens.

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SCHOOLS & LIBRARY

One of the reasons Pinecrest is known as one of the best bedroom communities in South Florida is because of its educational resources and focus.

Public Schools

  • Pinecrest Elementary 10250 SW 57th Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-667-5579 — Established in 1954, Pinecrest Elementary continues to offer quality public education which fosters intellectual growth and creative thinking to create model citizens of tomorrow. The school has remained an “A” school since the inception of school grading, this makes more than 20 consecutive years at the highest rating!

  • Palmetto Elementary 12401 SW 74th Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-238-4306 — Palmetto Elementary School is named one of the Best Public Elementary Schools in all of Florida by several ranking systems including Niche, which has it at #48 of 2,263 (Top 0.2%). It has nearly 700 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 19-to-1. According to state test scores, 89% of students are at least proficient in math and 88% in reading.

  • Palmetto Middle School 7351 SW 128th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-238-3911 — Home of the Lancers! The student population of Palmetto Middle School is 819 and the school ranks with US News and World Report at #271 of 3,076 schools (Top 1%). At Palmetto Middle School, 65% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 66% scored at or above that level for reading. The school’s minority student enrollment is 67%. The student-teacher ratio is 20:1

  • Palmetto Senior High School 7460 SW 118th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-235-1360 — The school’s mission statement is: We demonstrate academic excellence, personal integrity, civic responsibility, and global awareness. The student-teacher ratio at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest, Florida is 25:1 with 2719 students enrolled. The school ranks with US News and World Report at #118 of 1,800 schools (Top 0.6%). Jeff Bezos attended Palmetto Senior High School, as did U.S. Supreme Court associate justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

PRIVATE Schools

LIBRARY

Pinecrest boasts a fabulous Community Center Building. It includes a branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library. In 2018, the Community Center opened a healthy-choice restaurant called Elia Pinecrest.

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MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY

Should your child need emergency medical care, Palmetto Bay has a branch of the Miami’s (Nicklaus) Children’s Hospital to provide outpatient services. There are also many highly respected pediatricians throughout Pinecrest. The original offices of Kings Bay Pediatrics has moved to Pinecrest and is where my kids went and got great care.

For nearby hospitals, you can race over to Jackson South Community Hospital just outside Palmetto Bay at 9300 SW 152nd Street or head to Baptist Hospital Of Miami at 8900 SW 88th Street in Kendall.

Many doctors are located in the Baptist Health Medical Building located at 13101 S Dixie Hwy Suite 400, Pinecrest, FL 33156. There are a four urgent care facilities along US-1 for emergency issues. Starting at the north end, there is Concentra Urgent Care at 103rd Street, Nicklaus Children's Pinecrest Urgent Care Center in Suniland North Shopping Center, Baptist Urgent Care in the Suniland South Shopping Center and MD Now Urgent Care at 123rd Street.

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TRANSPORTATION

Pinecrest has a free mini-bus service called the Pinecrest People Mover. It has several stops throughout the Village and runs during the weekdays only. Launched in 2019 is another mini-bus service called Freebee. Thanks to a partnership between the Village of Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County's TPO and Freebee, a new green transportation service now offers free on-demand rides around your favorite destinations in the Village and also connects to the South Dade Transitway and Metrorail station. It is a fun and convenient way to get around − fast and stress-free.

Pinecrest has made extensive efforts to make significant portions of the Village accessible by bicycle. In conjunction with several other municipalities. You can read about lots of area bike paths here.

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SHOPPING

For grocery shopping, it’s hard to beat Publix. Thankfully, Pinecrest has a huge Publix located at US-1 and SW 134th Street. Trader Joe’s is always a favorite at US-1 and SW 92nd Street. There is also a Milam's Market in the Suniland South Shopping Center.

Just outside of Pinecrest at US-1 and SW 104th Street, you’ll find Whole Foods.

All along the US-1 corridor you will find a myriad of great stores to shop. There are many small shopping plazas with wonderful boutiques like Heritage House (a place for boys’ suits and clothing for more than 50 years)

On SW 136th Street is a Home Depot. Like me, I am sure you’ll be spending plenty of time there to fix up your home just right.

The Falls Shopping Center is an open-air strolling mall with about 100 stores. Located just west of US-1 at 136th Street, you can’t miss the large monument sign. Outparcel The Fresh Market allows for alternative grocery shopping to Publix. The mall itself is host to anchors Macy*s and Bloomingdales. Lifetime Gym is a recent addition to the mall. There is also a Regal multiplex movie theater.

The Falls Industrial area consists of warehouses, shops and restaurants and is located between 136th Street and 128th Street just west of US-1. It is best to take the 132nd Street turn off of US-1 to reach this location. Among the offerings is South Dade Electric, several plumbing supply shops, tile and carpet stores and vendors who can provide parts for just about anything. In short, if you are looking for specialty items, you should check here first. You’ll probably find it! I also go to Body Code Gym to keep myself in shape. There are a few other individually-owned gyms operating in the area.

Dadeland Mall is a larger, more mainstream shopping mall located moments from North Pinecrest. Best way there is US-1 to the Palmetto Expressway northbound. Exit at 88th Street and you will see the mall to your right.

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DINING

Pinecrest certainly has its share of your typical chain restaurants and fast-food spots. As a Pinecrest Realtor® I take pride in supporting locally-owned restaurants and supporting those eateries that have added to the fabric of this community. For this reason, below I present my favorites and the contained links are to stories I have done about their contributions to our wonderful Village.

  • Anacapri 12669 S Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest, FL 33156 — Owner Giuseppe Zuozo brought his Italian roots to Pinecrest in 1990 and it is a favorite of so many. Enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant or explore their wine bar/cellar, or shop at our Italian Market for exclusive ingredients. The walls are filled with personalities and politicians for a reason. This is where to be seen!

  • The Captain’s Tavern 7495 SW 98th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 — a favorite of many native Miamians. Since 1976 and more than 200 tons of fresh seafood later, The Captain’s Tavern looks about the same and is still packing them in. The Captain jokingly describes the decor as "early depression," yet the dining room and bar area buzz with energy. On any given night, you’ll find families, business people, seniors and young couples all enjoying fresh seafood and sushi, exceptional wine, classic cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

  • La Boulangerie Boul'Mich 8283 SW 124th St, Pinecrest, FL 33156 — A breakfast (and lunch) place to be seen in. La Boulangerie Boul’Mich is a French artisanal bakery with a latin twist concept that has been in existence for over 20 years in Miami. I have regular meetings here with friends and customers.

  • Pinecrest Bakery 12101 S Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest, FL 33156 (Dixie Belle Shoppes) — The original (there are additional locations now. Traditional bakery with a Cuban twist. It has an actual glass chandelier, a giant mural of coffee beans, and so many dark brown tones, that you’ll feel like you’re inside a Cuban colada. As busy as this place gets, it’s pretty relaxed. You can sit at a table and eat solid pastelitos and really good (and crunchy) croquetas. The coffee is as strong as Cuban coffee should be.

  • Platea Miami 12175 South Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest, FL 33156 (Dixie Belle Shoppes) — I did my own full review of the restaurant right here right after they opened. This is a special place with owners looking for Michelin Stars, which means this place is world-class. If you are up for an exceptional dining experience, make sure this is on your list!

  • Samurai: Sushi & Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse 8717 SW 136th St. (just outside Pinecrest) — Although owned by Benihana, this restaurant is even better. It is a favorite spot for those celebrating events, as everyone sits around the hibachi table to watch the chefs perform as they cook. Almost all my kids’ birthday celebrations include a dinner here! Get the ‘Rocky’s Choice’ menu item!

  • Shorty’s BBQ 8100 SW 81st Drive, Miami, FL 33143 — Opened in 1951, this place has survived fires and staved off developers to serve up some good old Southern BBQ. Many believe this is the epicenter of BBQ in Miami. Who am I to disagree?! You’ll see me here a few times a month eating their pulled pork or ribs.

  • Two Chefs 8287 S Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest, FL 33156 — Two Chefs widely celebrated cuisine is unique-embodying and elegant restraint and a purity of ingredients seasoned with years of “Know How” that charm the palate. Chef Jan Jorgensen and his team innovate weekly menus featuring local and seasonal creations, complemented with legendary signature dishes and famous towering soufflés. Our dishes are ALL in FLAVOR and ALL MEMORABLE. All culinary guides and critics have acknowledged Two Chefs achievements since our beginning in 1994

There are more places than I can possibly mention here. Try this Eater Miami link for their picks.

Starbucks has two locations in Pinecrest. One is at US-1 and 90th Street and the other at US-1 and SW 122nd Street. Both locations feature a drive-thru to get you on your way. But you should check out the fabulous Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse at 8219 SW 124th St, Pinecrest, FL 33156. I did a story about their opening. Cool place!!

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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

You don’t need a roller coaster to have fun in the great outdoors here. As a Pinecrest real estate agent, I like to go to authentic places to see beautiful things and learn about our local history. Here are some places easy to reach near Pinecrest.

  • Black Point Marina 24775 SW 87th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032 — If you have a boat and want to launch to Biscayne Bay, this Cutler Bay spot is a great place to do so. Black Point Marina also has a great Ocean Grill restaurant/bar for a relaxing meal. Sightings of the Florida manatee are common at Black Point Marina. Many manatees are brought to this "Manatee Sanctuary" for release and study. The marina is also very close to Biscayne National Park. Black Point is a starting point for fishing and diving expeditions, especially among locals. The park consists of large picnic pavilions, grills, bikeways, jogging trails and a jetty, which extends 1.5 miles into Biscayne Bay.

  • Deering Estate 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 — If you are interested in the early history of Miami, Cutler and the Palmetto Bay area, look no further than the Deering Estate. Charles Deering Estate (also known as Deering Estate at Cutler) was the Florida home of Charles Deering until 1927 when he died at the estate. Deering lived on the 444-acre property for five years, from 1922 to 1927. The property consists of a three-story wooden house built in 1900, known as the Richmond Cottage and a three-story stone mansion. Other buildings were also built on the property to serve as auxiliary buildings to the estate. The grounds include what is thought to be the largest virgin coastal tropical hardwood hammock in the continental United States. Besides hosting events like the annual Seafood Festival, this is a great place to get some culture and stroll the grounds of a unique part of South Florida.

  • Fairchild Tropical Gardens 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 — This is a treasure of South Florida. Fairchild Tropical Gardens is an 83-acre botanic garden with extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. Fairchild Tropical Gardens has a lot more than just tropical gardens. It is a great social and cultural center as well. Dale Chihuli’s hand-blown glass art graces many areas of the grounds. Don’t miss the butterfly exhibit!

  • Matheson Hammock 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 — A park, beach and marina. The park includes vast stretches of Florida mangroves and hardwood forests, as well as planned green spaces designed by landscape architect William Lyman Phillips. Along with Matheson Hammock Park, Phillips designed Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in 1938. This public park gets you close to the water activities you want. Matheson Hammock has many boat slips, launches, a restaurant (NOMA Beach at Redfish) and a man made beach (really a lagoon-like lake).

  • Monkey Jungle 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170 — This is one of the most interesting ‘zoos’ I have ever been to, where essentially you are in the cage and the monkeys roam free! Established in 1933 by Joseph DuMond for the exhibition and study of endangered monkeys in semi-natural habitats after releasing 6 Java Macaques into a subtropical forest, the park is now home to over 300 primates, this attraction is one of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the United States and the only one that the general public can explore.

  • Pinecrest Gardens 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156 — Pinecrest Gardens is a lush, botanical garden located in and managed by the Village of Pinecrest dating back to 1936. It is a 14-acre, historic property that originally housed Parrot Jungle, one of the Miami area’s earliest tourist attractions. Pinecrest Gardens is home to numerous cultural events, concerts, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. Seasonal celebrations, holiday festivals, and outdoor evenings add to the charm and appeal for locals and tourists alike. A petting zoo offers an opportunity for children and families to interact with various domestic animals. The garden also features playgrounds, a splash zone play area, picnic areas, and open spaces for leisure activities and gatherings.

  • Zoo Miami 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 — Quite simply, this is a tremendous zoo. Zoo Miami offers discounts to families, a monorail option for getting around and hosts 40 endangered species. Since 1948, the zoo has opened its doors to kids and adults from around the world. It is the fifth-largest zoo in the country. It's home to more than 2,500 animals, including koalas, tigers, and elephants, and over 1,000 species of trees, palms, and other plants. Zoo spokesperson and ambassador Ronald Magill is a friend and a great personality. He makes regular television appearances across local South Florida networks and has won five Emmy Awards for his work on the nature documentary programs.

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GOVERNMENT & SERVICES

VILLAGE HALL

Incorporated in 1996, the Village of Pinecrest has their Village Hall located at 12645 Pinecrest Pkwy, Pinecrest, FL 33156. You can reach them at 305-234-2121. You can catch up with Pinecrest’s latest information via their official Village website and their official Facebook and X (Twitter) feeds.

VILLAGE COUNCIL

The Village of Pinecrest is governed by a five member Village Council. Three council members are elected to represent specific residential areas (Seats 1, 2 & 3) and must reside in their respective area. A fourth council member (At-Large Seat) and the mayor may reside anywhere in the Village. Village Council elections are non-partisan.

VILLAGE POLICE

On June 15, 1997, the Pinecrest Police Department began full-time operations as a standalone force. In 2004, the Police Department was awarded international accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In 2016, the Pinecrest Police Department received the Gold Standard Advanced Re-accreditation Certificate.

You can call their administrative office during business hours at 305-234-2100. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency police matters dial 305-4-POLICE.

VILLAGE PERMITTING

You may work with the Village of Pinecrest though their permit portal to make sure your home projects stay on track and lawful.

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HISTORY

I've always been fascinated by the history of Pinecrest and how it's shaped the unique community we have today. Let me share some of that history with you, and perhaps you'll understand why I'm so passionate about this village.

Pinecrest's story begins long before the 20th century, with the Tequesta people who inhabited this land for thousands of years. They thrived in the lush environment, living off the bounty of the land and waterways. While their physical presence may be gone, their legacy remains a part of Pinecrest's foundation.

By the early 1900s, the area was a tranquil expanse of pine rockland forest, largely untouched by modern development. Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad project brought some attention to the region, but it was the opening of Parrot Jungle in 1936 that truly put Pinecrest on the map. This world-renowned attraction, with its exotic birds and lush gardens, became synonymous with the village, even attracting notable visitors like Winston Churchill.

But Parrot Jungle wasn't the only unique attraction. The Miami Serpentarium, with its fascinating collection of snakes and reptiles, also drew crowds and added to Pinecrest's early identity. Located on US 1, it captivated audiences for decades before closing in the mid-1980s. Besides being a tourist destination, owner Bill Haast used it as a research center towards his life's pursuit of venom medical research.

Drawn by the area's natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, families began settling in Pinecrest. They built homes on spacious lots, often around an acre in size, establishing a pattern of low-density living that continues to this day. These large lots allowed residents to create their own private retreats, surrounded by greenery and with plenty of space for families to grow.

Over time, Pinecrest evolved, embracing architectural diversity while maintaining its commitment to spaciousness and a connection to nature. In the 1990s, residents like Evelyn Langlieb Greer and Gary Matzner spearheaded the movement for incorporation. Their efforts culminated in the official incorporation of the Village of Pinecrest in 1996, allowing the community to take greater control of its destiny and further invest in its future.

The transformation of Parrot Jungle into Pinecrest Gardens stands as a testament to the village's dedication to preserving its history and natural heritage.

Today, Pinecrest offers a unique blend of tranquility and community spirit. Its large lots, diverse homes, and lush vegetation create an environment that is both inviting and inspiring. If you're looking for a place to call home that values its history and natural beauty, Pinecrest is certainly worth considering.

As a Pinecrest real estate agent, I'm always happy to share my knowledge of the village and help you find the perfect home to match your needs and lifestyle. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about Pinecrest and the wonderful homes it has to offer.

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MOVE TO PINECREST

This custom link will show you currently available properties for sale in Pinecrest, FL.

My online resources for getting started in South Florida are unequalled. Working directly with me brings my knowledge impact directly to you. I look forward to talking to you soon and sharing more about everything Pinecrest has to offer!

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