Guide to Westchester

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Top Guide to Westchester 

History, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate in Westchester 

You may have heard of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and even Kendall, but you probably haven’t heard of Westchester, one of Miami-Dade County’s greatest secrets. 

Westchester isn’t technically an incorporated city. It’s a census-designated place, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to live. In fact, Westchester is well-known across Miami-Dade County as one of the area’s most interesting and culturally diverse places.

With over 80% of Westchester’s population being Hispanic, you can expect that the food scene in Westchester is one of the best. Think, some of the most authentic Cuban, Colombian, Chilean, Salvadoran, and Mexican restaurants that you can find in Miami...oh, but don’t forget dim sum. Surprisingly enough, Westchester is also known for its Chinese food.  

Aside from great food, Westchester is also a cultural hotspot. One of Miami’s greatest singers hails from Westchester. And the area boasts one of Miami’s burgeoning art scenes along with the most popular holiday attraction in Miami. Plus, Westchester also has Florida International University, one of the largest universities in the United States.   

Today, more than 30,000 people live in Westchester’s four square miles. And while Westchester is a laid-back area, it’s sure to never be boring. In fact, the Miami Herald named Westchester as one of Miami’s best neighborhoods for its many things to do—I’m talking beer, bowling, amazing parks, cool shops, and most important of all street pachangas. 

And if that’s not enough consider Westchester’s location. Westchester is close enough to the party scene of Miami and South Beach to make a night out on the town or a trip to the beach easy. However, it’s far enough away to avoid overpriced housing and spring breakers. And, it's only eight miles from the Miami International Airport and 34 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. So, travel is convenient yet you don’t have to deal with hearing airplanes every other hour. 

Overall, Westchester is a great community to live in. With a vibrant culture, fantastic food, plenty of things to do, and affordable housing, it’s surprising that Westchester isn’t overcrowded yet. To find your new home in Westchester before it’s late, contact the best Westchester realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. 


History of Westchester 

How to become Mr.305, move to Westchester

Westchester may not be an incorporated city, but its start is pretty much the same as any other area in the Miami-Dade or Broward counties.  

During the 1800s, Westchester and much of the rest of South Florida were considered uninhabitable under the 1862 Homestead Act due to the area’s high water tables and its propensity to flood. However, all of that changed soon after when Florida’s canals were constructed. The canals diverted water from seasonal rains and floods so that the land was eventually dry enough to start developing. 

By the 1920s, South Florida had its big land boom, and by 1924 the Westchester area had its first development with the Olympic Heights subdivision. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Westchester area remained largely rural. However, it did undergo two important developments— the Tropical Park horse racetrack and the Tamiami airport— that would eventually spur progress in the 1950s. 

Following post-WWII development, Westchester saw the first subdivision with its namesake in 1955. Soon after, more residential developments clustered around the Westchester subdivision. Then came commercial developments like the infamous Bird Bowl, built in 1956, and the Westchester Shopping Center, built in 1959. 

In 1965, Westchester grew even more when Florida Senator Robert M. Haverfield proposed Senate Bill 711. This bill suggested a state university be built, and it was. Today, we now know that university as Florida International University, FIU. From there, Westchester also became a place for students to live, study, and of course party.  

When Westchester experienced its first big boom in the 1950s, it was mainly composed of Jewish families. You can still see their influence on the area from the whale church and the various Kosher food markets in Westchester. But in the 1960s, more Hispanic families started to move to the Westchester area. And today, Westchester is largely a Hispanic community with over 90% of its population identifying as Hispanic or Latinx.  

Westchester is known for its pan-Hispanic fare, and the neighborhood’s popular restaurants feature Cuban, Colombian, Salvadoran, Chilean, and Mexican cuisines. Another one of Westchester’s claims to fame is that Pitbull—Mr. 305, not the dog breed—went to Coral Park Senior High School. 

To hear more about Westchester’s real estate and see where Pitbull grew up, contact the best realtors in Westchester, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. 


Community in Westchester

Get Involved in Westchester 

One of the best ways to get acquainted with a community is to get involved and volunteer. To get more involved with the Westchester community and the Westchester area, check out some local volunteer opportunities.  

To start, go to Miami-Dade County’s website to see how you can help maintain various parks in Westchester. Volunteer with Engage 305 to foster a grandparent, help feed the homeless, or work with Habitat for Humanity. Also, Volunteermatch.org is another great resource to stay updated on new and upcoming volunteer opportunities in Westchester even in the midst of COVID-19.  


Westchester Real Estate

Find the best Westchester Realtor near you 

If you can see yourself at La Carreta celebrating the next soccer game or waiting for Mr.305 to finally come home, then Westchester may be for you. Imagine living somewhere that has some of the most authentic pan-Hispanic cuisines and then running off that cuisine at one of the coolest parks in Miami-Dade County. If you want to know more about the Westchester area, or you've already sold, contact the best realtors in Westchester, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. They’re the foremost experts in the area, and you can reach them at (305)-680-3268.