Miami’s first planned community, this charming village founded in the 1920s was the brainchild of famed designer George Edgar Merrick. Here, Spanish Revival, Old Floridian and sleek modern homes line the wide-open streets with swooping banyan trees creating a warm inviting place [where] to live a full life. Homes for sale in Coral Gables, FL are perfect for families seeking a sophisticated small community close to cosmopolitan downtown. Coral Gables real estate is one of the most desirable markets in South Florida. Here families enjoy great schools, clubs, activities, and arts in a pedestrian friendly town. For those making South Florida their full time residency, it’s one of the area’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Coral Gables is an active, vibrant part of the Miami scene. On Saturdays the town hosts a local Farmer’s Market. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh produce, catch up with friends and local news. Along Miracle Mile, there are sidewalk cafes to enjoy brunch or an early evening cocktail. French fusion, sushi, and Florida Caribbean are among the flavors and styles you will discover in the selection of fine local restaurants. For a power breakfast or lunch, the Two Sisters Restaurant in the Hyatt is the spot. There are also a number of festivals throughout the year as well as plenty of boutiques and galleries for shopping. In general, Coral Gables tends to be more settled, older and stable than Coconut Grove. It also has it’s own city and police department independent of Miami.

Coral Gables has some of the finest schools in Miami-Dade, especially for international families that want to keep open the option of being educated in Europe open for their children. With a wide selection of excellent private and award-winning top rated public schools, including gifted and internationally-recognized programs, it’s really just a matter of finding the right fit for your child. Preschool options include: Gables Montessori School, The Growing Place, Banyard Day School and Granada Day School. Coral Gables is home to the highly prestigious, excellent college preparatory schools Gulliver Academy and Gulliver Preparatory School serving grades K-12. Other great private school options include Riviera Day School and Riviera Preparatory School, Saint Philip’s Episcopal Academy, Saint Theresa Catholic School, Saint Thomas Episcopal Parish School and The French-American School of Miami.

There are also excellent public school choices for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The A-rated magnet International Studies Preparatory Academy is the only school in the U.S. to offer an international studies program based on an agreement with the governments of France, Italy and Spain. There is also the George W. Carver Middle School, which is recognized by the French, German, Spanish, and Italian governments, and is accredited by France and Spain. It’s also a Blue Ribbon A-rated magnet school. Ponce de Leon, serving grades 6-8, is dedicated to producing global citizens, offers a gifted program and has a fully authorized Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Coral Gables Preparatory Academy is another Blue Ribbon School that offers a gifted program. Additional excellent choices include: David Fairchild Elementary School, George W. Carver Elementary School, Henry S. West Laboratory School and Sunset Academy. In sum, when it comes to education Coral Gables offers families top notch local options.