Your Guide to Buying a Home in Coral Gables, FL

Buying a Home in Coral Gables, Florida

Matheson Hammock Park showcases some of Southern Florida's unique flora and fauna

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Coral Gables is located in Miami-Dade County

The city of Coral Gables is situated about 10 miles south of Miami along US 1. The city is an architectural jewel, with strong Mediterranean Revival influence that blends well with the natural beauty of the local terrain. Founded by George Merrick in the early 1900's, Coral Gables began as a family plantation that produced avocados, oranges and grapefruit. Merrick envisioned a tropical town that would preserve the area's Spanish history. With several architects and artists overseeing the town's beginnings, great care was taken to incorporate colors and materials that would stay true to the original Mediterranean style. Since its incorporation in 1925, Coral Gables has remained a city where time never advances. One of the town's most visible structures, the Biltmore Hotel, stands almost exactly as it did on opening day, right down to its rich terra cotta color scheme.

While George Merrick's dream was not completely fulfilled (only 80 of the planned 1,000 residences were built), today's Coral Gables is a delightful piece of history and fascination. Companies relocating to the area are given incentive to conform to the Mediterranean Revival, using terra cotta colors and barrel tile roofs for new buildings. There are a few contemporary structures in the area, but new businesses are fitting in for the most part.

Several industries are represented in the Coral Gables area, mainly as a result of the city's close proximity to Miami. However, there are more than 150 multinational corporations positioning Coral Gables as their Latin American headquarters. Currently, the area's top three employers are the University of Miami, HealthSouth Doctors' Hospital, and the City of Coral Gables.

There is a large array of activities in Coral Gables, both recreational and cultural. The Pacific Ocean coastline is only a few miles away, providing plenty of swimming and boating opportunities. Within city limits there are many interesting historical and cultural sites, including the Venetian Pool. This popular attraction, built in 1923 from a coral rock quarry and fed with pure spring water, is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Other area attractions include the Biltmore and Granada golf courses (the latter of which in on the site of George Merrick's first land purchase), and for nature lovers the Matheson Hammock is a must-see. This natural area showcases hardwood hammock and mangrove wilderness along with a unique blend of wildlife.

It may come as no surprise that Coral Gables' cultural richness has transformed this area into an art lover's paradise. Literally dozens of art galleries, photography studios, and theatres dot the cityscape. It is often said artistic expression comes from one's own experiences. A visit to Coral Gables will soon reveal the likely source of the town's passion for the arts.

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