Miami Lakes is a master-planned town in northwest Miami-Dade County, built around a network of lakes, a walkable Main Street and neighborhoods with their own parks. It was designed decades before "walkable" became a selling point, and it remains one of the most cohesive communities in the county.
This guide covers how Miami Lakes came to be, its neighborhoods and home types, the current market and the questions buyers ask most. It also lists homes Leslie has sold in Miami Lakes.
Miami Lakes at a glance
Miami Lakes was developed starting in 1962 by the Graham family on land that had been their dairy farm. The family's company, now The Graham Companies, hired landscape architect Lester Collins to create a master plan that mixed homes, shops, offices and parks, with services within walking distance of residences. The community was incorporated as a town in December 2000, becoming Miami-Dade's 31st municipality.
The Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826) and I-75 meet at the edge of town, and Florida's Turnpike is close by, so Miami Lakes connects easily to Broward County to the north and to Doral, the airport area and central Miami to the south.
Neighborhoods and home types
Most of Miami Lakes is made up of single-family neighborhoods, many of them arranged around lakes or green space, with homes built from the 1960s onward. Lakefront and lake-view homes are a distinctive part of the inventory. Townhomes and condominiums are concentrated closer to Main Street and the commercial areas, offering a lower-maintenance option within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Because the town was planned as a whole, many neighborhoods share consistent landscaping, sidewalks and parks. Some communities have homeowners associations, so review the HOA documents and fees for any home you are considering.
Main Street and things to do
Main Street is the town's center, with restaurants, shops and community events through the year. The lakes, neighborhood parks and walking paths are used every day by residents, and the town runs recreation programs and seasonal events.
Schools
Public schools in Miami Lakes are part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Barbara Goleman Senior High School, which offers magnet programs, and Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College are located in the town. Attendance boundaries can change, so confirm the zoned schools for a specific address with the district.
Look up schools by address with Miami-Dade County Public Schools
