Lush greenery awaits at Pinecrest Gardens.
The Village of Pinecrest, one of Southeast Florida’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods, lies close to Biscayne Bay. Its namesake refers to pines that are native to the area and the fact that the land slopes upward from sea level — the Atlantic ridge is an outcropping of limestone, which is still visible on some properties in Pinecrest.
But it’s what’s above ground that makes the municipality boast spectacular greenery. With 10,000 trees planted since 1997, Pinecrest has earned the status of Tree City USA from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Private residences also add to the Village’s curb appeal with lushly landscape yards. High-rise development is the exception, not the rule, in this neighborhood of single-family homes, where the minimum lot averages at 15,000 square feet. Only the trees and beautiful homes dominate the scenery and with many winding, quiet streets, the Village is ideal for those who desire to live safely and luxuriously among nature.
Pinecrest’s reputation as a tropical haven began in the 1930s, when one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractions, Parrot Jungle and Gardens, opened to visitors from around the world. Founders Franz and Louise Scherr planted tropical trees on the 20-acre property, which today forms Pinecrest Gardens and the Pinecrest Community Center.
The parrots are long gone, but the flora remains with breathtaking botanical specimens. The shaded grounds offer plentiful strolling along a brook, play areas and a water park for small children, camp activities, an organic farmer’s market and more – not to mention one of the largest Banyan trees in all of Miami-Dade County, which spans nearly an acre.
The famous Pinecrest banyan is too big to be photographed fully from any one angle.
The Pinecrest Community Center features a state-of-the-art fitness center and a diverse curriculum of enrichment programs for children, adults and senior citizens. Nearby, a jogging path along Red Road flanks Snapper Creek and passes by a Pinecrest mainstay – Wayside Market Place – a gathering place for locals who enjoy the fresh-pressed juices, homemade baked goods, organic produce, gourmet deli salads and the famous strawberry shake.
It's not uncommon to find peacocks and wild macaws in this tropical haven.
In 1996, local citizens moved to incorporate the Village of Pinecrest. Today, the municipality is self-contained and offers residents many perks. While secluded from the hustle and bustle of U.S. 1, Pinecrest has great location appeal. Residents are just a stone’s throw away from major retail, hospitals, restaurants, yoga studios, a Whole Foods and every imaginable convenience. It’s no wonder Pinecrest ranked second as the best place to live for quality of life all of Florida by The Business Journals.
Six parks and top-rated schools also make Pinecrest an appealing choice for families who also benefit from the free Pinecrest People Mover, a bus that connects neighborhoods and schools.
To learn more about the Village of Pinecrest, visit the official website.
– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.
