Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove combines bayfront living, tree-lined streets, and a mix of luxury condos and historic homes.
Coconut Grove isn’t just Miami’s oldest neighborhood – it’s also one of its most distinct. Set on Biscayne Bay and shaded by dense tree canopies, the Grove has always drawn people who want a slower pace without giving up city access. Writers, artists, and families have all left their mark here, and that layered past is still visible today, shaping the character of real estate in Coconut Grove and making history an inseparable part of the neighborhood’s identity.
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FROM BAHAMIAN SETTLERS TO BOHEMIAN CREATIVES
Coconut Grove’s history goes back to the 1870s, when it became the first established community in Miami. A post office opened in 1873, and soon after, Bahamian immigrants and Northeastern pioneers began building homes along the bay.
That Bahamian influence is still visible in Village West, where landmarks like the Mariah Brown House and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church preserve the neighborhood’s early character. These sites connect today’s Grove to the community that first shaped its streets.
By the mid-20th century, Coconut Grove had established itself as a renowned creative enclave. Writers such as Robert Frost and Tennessee Williams spent time here, while musicians like David Crosby drew inspiration from its bohemian energy.
That mix of history and culture continues to define the neighborhood today, and it shows up vividly in Coconut Grove’s real estate.
WHERE HISTORY MEETS LUXURY LIVING
Coconut Grove’s homes reflect the same mix of tradition and change that shaped the neighborhood. The housing mix here includes:
Historic cottages and Old Florida homes: Found on tree-lined streets west of Bayshore Drive and in Village West, many showcase original details and landscaping.
Waterfront estates: Gated enclaves such as The Moorings and Camp Biscayne offer bay access, private docks, and a sense of seclusion along Biscayne Bay.
Modern condominiums: Towers like the Grove at Grand Bay and Park Grove stand out for their architecture, sweeping bay views, and full-service amenities.
Village-area condos and townhomes: Smaller developments near CocoWalk appeal to buyers who want walkability in the heart of the village.
Across all property types, the focus is the same: space, greenery, and a sense of retreat. Even close to the village core, lush tree canopies and thoughtfully landscaped lots create a natural buffer from the surrounding city. For buyers comparing luxury real estate in Miami, Florida, Coconut Grove offers a real balance – direct bay access with a neighborhood feel.
| Celebrity appeal in Coconut Grove Coconut Grove has long attracted well-known names. Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, and Christian Slater each owned estates here. LeBron James chose a bayfront property, while Derek Jeter lived in a condo at the Grove at Grand Bay. |
LIFE IN COCONUT GROVE, FLORIDA
Boating and bay access are part of everyday life in Coconut Grove.
Education and schools
Families often choose Coconut Grove for its strong lineup of schools:
Public schools: Coconut Grove Elementary is one of the oldest campuses still in use in Miami-Dade. Many Grove addresses are also zoned to George Washington Carver Middle School and Coral Gables Senior High, both established options just west of the neighborhood.
Private schools: Ransom Everglades (grades 6 to 12) combines rigorous academics with bayfront campuses. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart offers an all-girls program from preschool through grade 12 with a strong college-prep focus. Saint Hugh Catholic School provides a PK-8 curriculum in a parish setting.
Nearby universities: University of Miami in Coral Gables is about five miles away, while Florida International University is roughly ten miles west, ensuring convenient access to higher education opportunities.
Green spaces and outdoor living
Life in Coconut Grove unfolds beneath a canopy of banyan, oak, and palm trees. The streets feel more residential than urban, and that greenery extends into the parks and open spaces that anchor the neighborhood.
Peacock Park sits on the bay with open fields, basketball courts, and shaded walking paths. The Kampong, once a private estate and now part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, features rare tropical plants alongside historic architecture. Additionally, smaller parks and playgrounds are scattered throughout residential streets, providing families and dog owners with space close to home.
The bay is part of that daily rhythm too, with Dinner Key Marina – the largest wet-slip marina on the East Coast – keeping sailing and regattas at the center of neighborhood life.
Dining scene
Coconut Grove’s restaurants cover the full range, from laid-back waterfront hangouts to refined dining rooms in the village core. A few local favorites include:
Monty’s Raw Bar on South Bayshore Drive is a Grove landmark with a marina-side tiki setting. Conch fritters, fried calamari, and Baja fish tacos are menu staples.
Bayshore Club, set on the historic Dinner Key site, blends open-air dining with coastal design. Lobster rolls, ahi tuna mini tacos, and island conch fritters highlight the menu.
CRAFT Miami on Virginia Street is an all-day bistro that brings favorite dishes like pulled pork salad, roasted cauliflower, and a crispy chicken sandwich.
Ossobuco on Florida Avenue is known for its wood-fired plates with a steakhouse influence. Picanha, Prime New York Strip, and the meatball with burrata are signatures.
Bartaco on Commodore Plaza is a fast-casual favorite that serves signatures like mojo pork carnitas and churros in a relaxed, coastal setting.
Shopping and entertainment
CocoWalkanchors the area with a mix of retailers, restaurants, and a central plaza that often hosts events. The nearby Commodore Plaza adds boutique shops, galleries, and specialty stores that keep the scale neighborhood-focused.
For entertainment, Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas at CocoWalk offers first-run films, while live music fills the evenings at spots like The Commodore at the Ritz-Carlton and Barracuda Taphouse & Grill. Wine bars, taverns, and lounges round out the options, giving residents plenty of choices within walking distance of home.
Arts, music, and events
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival brings artists, food, and live performances to the bayfront every February.
Coconut Grove Arts Festival has been a neighborhood tradition since 1963. Each February, the bayfront turns into an outdoor gallery, with artists, food stalls, and performances drawing visitors from across Florida.
Miami Sailing Week adds to the calendar each spring, bringing international teams to Regatta Park. Smaller regattas keep Biscayne Bay active year-round, providing community races with plenty of spectators.
The historic Coconut Grove Playhouse stands as a cultural landmark. with a legacy of world-class performances that continues to shape the Grove’s identity as an artistic hub. Local venues continue that tradition with year-round concerts, community theater programs, and outdoor film nights, keeping the arts active and accessible in the Grove.
FAQs
What types of homes are available in Coconut Grove?
Options range from Old Florida cottages shaded by tree canopies to gated estates in enclaves like The Moorings and Camp Biscayne. Modern towers such as the Grove at Grand Bay and Park Grove add luxury condos with bay views and full-service amenities, giving buyers plenty of real estate options in Coconut Grove.
Is Coconut Grove walkable?
Yes, especially around CocoWalk and Commodore Plaza. This compact core puts cafes, shops, and restaurants within easy reach. More secluded waterfronts trade walkability for privacy.
How does Coconut Grove compare to Coral Gables or Brickell?
Brickell offers high-rise city living with a fast pace, while Coral Gables is a bit more formal with Mediterranean-style homes and a planned layout. Coconut Grove sits in between: greener, more relaxed, and centered on bay access and neighborhood-scale living.
What’s the price range for a condo for sale in Coconut Grove?
Condo pricing depends on building, size, and view. Village-area condos tend to be more accessible, while bayfront towers reach into the luxury market. For up-to-date numbers, it’s best to work with an experienced Coconut Grove Realtor who tracks listings in detail.
Is Coconut Grove family-friendly?
Yes. Families are drawn to strong school options like Coconut Grove Elementary and Ransom Everglades, along with neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and shaded residential streets. The balance of greenery and central location makes it a practical choice for long-term living.
YOUR NEXT STEP IN COCONUT GROVE
Work with Miami’s top-ranked team to find your home in Coconut Grove.
Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods, blending historic streets, shaded parks, and direct bay access with a housing market that spans everything from gated waterfront estates to modern condos near CocoWalk.
The Jills Zeder Group is the #1 Coldwell Banker team worldwide, with over $9 billion in career sales and decades of experience in the Miami, Florida luxury real estate. As a family-led team, they bring an unmatched market knowledge and a proven record of guiding clients through every corner of South Florida’s luxury market.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with the Jills Zeder Group and put Miami’s top-ranked real estate team to work for you.