Ives Estates, FL

• About Ives Estates
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks and Points of Interest
• Transportation
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Sport and Local Athletics
• Universities and Educational Institutions
• Healthcare Facilities and Services

Ives Estates is a suburban community in Miami-Dade County, Florida, known for its diversity and family-friendly atmosphere, with a rich Caribbean influence reflected in its local dining scene.

About Ives Estates

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

• Official Name: Ives Estates, Florida
• Administrative Division: It is a census-designated place (CDP) in Miami-Dade County, Florida . As a CDP, it is an unincorporated area defined for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau and does not have its own municipal government .
• Country and Region: Ives Estates is located in the state of Florida in the United States of America. It is an integral part of the Miami metropolitan area, also known as South Florida, a vast and populous region centered around Miami .

Historical Names and Nicknames

• There are no widely documented historical names or nicknames for Ives Estates itself. It is primarily known as a residential suburb within the North Miami Beach area. The community is informally recognized for its significant Caribbean and Haitian heritage, which is reflected in its local businesses and culture .

Date of Foundation and Age

• The community of Ives Estates developed in the mid-to-late 1900s . Data from the U.S. Census Bureau first includes Ives Estates in the 1980 census, recording a population of 12,623 .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: 25°57′47″N 80°10′55″W (25.9632, -80.183)
• Location: Ives Estates is situated in the northeastern part of Miami-Dade County, directly south of the Broward County line . It is bordered by Ojus to the east, North Miami Beach to the south, and Miami Gardens to the west . Downtown Miami is about 16 miles (26 km) to the south, and Fort Lauderdale is 11 miles (18 km) to the north .
• Elevation: The average elevation is just 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level .
• Type of Settlement: It is a residential suburb and a census-designated place .

City Type and Economic Specialization

• Primary Function: Ives Estates is primarily a residential community and a suburb, serving as a bedroom community for the larger Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas .
• Economic Activity: The local economy is centered around small businesses, particularly restaurants and bakeries reflecting the community's Caribbean heritage, and services for residents. Major employment and commercial activities are found in neighboring cities like Aventura, which is home to the upscale Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in South Florida .

Population and Demographics

• Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 25,005 .
• Population Class: Based on its population, Ives Estates falls into the category of a small town or large census-designated place, but it is part of the greater Miami metropolitan area, a vast urban region .
• Demographic Features: Ives Estates is known for its remarkable diversity. In 2020, the population was 42.9% Black or African American (non-Hispanic) and 35.1% Hispanic or Latino . It is home to a large Haitian community, and French Creole is spoken by 11.65% of the population .

"City's Business Card" (Briefly)

Ives Estates is a quiet, family-oriented suburb nestled in northern Miami-Dade County, celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and strong Caribbean, particularly Haitian, heritage. Its tree-lined streets lead to local parks and authentic eateries, offering a tranquil residential base with easy access to the bustling attractions of South Florida, from the beaches of Sunny Isles to the shops of Aventura .

Geography

Water Bodies

Ives Estates is characterized by numerous man-made lakes and waterfront properties, typical of residential developments in South Florida . The area is not directly on the ocean, but it's located just a few miles west of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

Islands and Natural Preserves

While there are no islands within the CDP, the nearby Oleta River State Park offers a glimpse of the coastal estuary and mangrove forests that are part of the Biscayne Bay ecosystem, located on the mainland but providing access to the water .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Ives Estates has a tropical monsoon climate, characteristic of South Florida, with two main seasons: a long, hot, and humid wet season and a short, warm, and drier winter season .

Average Temperatures by Month

The area is warm year-round. The hottest months are July, August, and September, with average highs around 30°C (86°F). The coolest month is January, with average lows of 17.5°C (63.5°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

• Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,174 mm (46 inches) .
• Wettest Period: The wet season runs from May through October, with June typically seeing the most rainfall (over 160mm) . August has an average of 18.8 days with rain .
• Driest Period: The winter months from November through March are significantly drier, with December being the driest month .
• Humidity: Humidity levels are high year-round, especially during the wet season. The perceived humidity is oppressive for most of the year, with August having 31.0 muggy days on average .

Sunshine and UV Index

• The sunniest and clearest skies occur during the winter and spring months, from November through April. February is typically the clearest month .
• The UV index in South Florida is high year-round, often reaching extreme levels during the summer, requiring consistent sun protection.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

• Best Time to Visit: The most pleasant time for outdoor activities is from early November to late April, when temperatures are milder (highs from 75°F to 82°F), humidity is lower, and the chance of rain is minimal .
• Summer (June-September): This period is hot, humid, and rainy, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It is the off-season for tourism, but a good time for deals on accommodations .
• Winter (December-February): This is the peak tourist season for South Florida, with comfortably warm days and cooler nights. It is the driest and sunniest part of the year, with average highs around 75-77°F .

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation in Ives Estates

• Ives Estates Park: This is the neighborhood's largest park and a central hub for recreation. It features multiple sports fields, a children's playground, and fitness zones. A major highlight is the Orange Bowl Field, a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, donated in 2015, which is used for football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby .
• Ives Estates Tennis Center: Open to the public, this facility offers eight lighted outdoor tennis courts, perfect for day or evening matches .
• Aventura Isles Park: A smaller neighborhood park providing a playground and grassy area for residents .

Nearby Attractions and Landmarks

Due to its location, many major attractions are a short drive from Ives Estates.

• Aventura Mall: Located just east in Aventura, this is one of the largest and most upscale shopping malls in the United States, with over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues .
• Oleta River State Park: A vast urban park to the southeast offering outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and picnicking in a mangrove forest setting .
• Hard Rock Stadium: Located in nearby Miami Gardens, this is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the Miami Hurricanes (NCAA) football teams, and it also hosts major concerts and the Miami Open tennis tournament .
• Arch Creek Park & Nature Center: A small park and environmental preserve in North Miami featuring a natural limestone bridge and museum .
• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk: A scenic, 2.5-mile pedestrian promenade along the Atlantic Ocean in Hollywood, Florida, lined with cafes, shops, and parks .
• Haulover Beach Park: A popular county park just to the southeast known for its wide beach, dog park, and the Baker's Haulover Inlet .
• Hallandale Beach: A nearby city beach offering a less crowded alternative to Miami Beach, with a beautiful shoreline and a laid-back atmosphere .

Transportation

Major Highways

• Interstate 95 (I-95): This is the most critical transportation artery, forming the eastern border of Ives Estates and providing direct access north to Fort Lauderdale and south to Downtown Miami. Access is available from Exit 16 at Ives Dairy Road .
• County Road 854 (Ives Dairy Road / NE 203rd Street / NE 199th Street): The main thoroughfare running east-west through the center of Ives Estates, connecting to Aventura and Miami Gardens .

Public Transportation

• Bus System: Public transportation is available via the Miami-Dade County bus system, with multiple stops along NE 205th Street and other major roads .
• Nearby Rail: The Aventura station, providing Brightline higher-speed rail service to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, is located about 3 km east of Ives Estates in Ojus .
• Transit Score: The area has a Transit Score of 33, indicating that some transit options are available, but a car is necessary for most errands .

Major Airports

Ives Estates is conveniently located between two of South Florida's major international airports .

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Approximately 11 miles (18 km) north .
• Miami International Airport (MIA): Approximately 16 miles (26 km) south .

Walkability and Bikeability

• Ives Estates has a Walk Score of 61, meaning it is "Somewhat Walkable," with some errands being possible on foot .
• The Bike Score is 46, indicating minimal bike infrastructure, so a car is still the most convenient mode of transport .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

While Ives Estates itself is a primarily residential community, its dining scene reflects the rich multicultural fabric of the Miami metropolitan area. Given its location in northeastern Miami-Dade County, residents and visitors have easy access to a diverse array of culinary options in the surrounding neighborhoods . The area is particularly known for its variety of international cuisines, a testament to the community's demographics where Spanish and French Creole are widely spoken alongside English .

Nearby Culinary Scene

The immediate vicinity offers a range of dining experiences. A short drive will lead you to Aventura, known for its upcale restaurants, or to smaller local spots in North Miami Beach. According to local reviews, the area around Ives Estates has a notable selection of seafood restaurants where you can choose your fish directly from a display, offering a fresh and interactive dining experience . Other popular options in the vicinity include American-style eateries featuring dishes like American wagyu sliders and hamachi taquitos, as well as establishments serving flavorful shrimp in a red curry sauce .

A Taste of the Caribbean and Latin America

Given the significant Hispanic and Latino population, which makes up over 35% of Ives Estates, the culinary landscape is heavily influenced by Latin American and Caribbean flavors . While specific restaurants come and go, the broader area is renowned for its authentic Cuban, Colombian, and Haitian cuisine. You can expect to find traditional dishes such as:

• Cuban sandwiches (Cubano) : A pressed sandwich with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
• Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, a staple of Cuban cuisine.
• Arepas: Grilled cornmeal cakes split and filled with various ingredients like cheese, shredded beef, or black beans, common in Colombian and Venezuelan cooking.
• Griot: A popular Haitian dish of fried pork shoulder marinated in citrus and Scotch bonnet peppers, often served with pikliz (a spicy pickled vegetable slaw).

Sport and Local Athletics

Sports and recreation are a vital part of life in Ives Estates, anchored by a major community park and local youth sports teams. The community provides ample opportunities for residents to engage in physical activities, from organized sports to casual fitness.

Ives Estates Park: The Heart of Community Recreation

The premier sports and recreation destination in the area is Ives Estates Park, a well-maintained facility managed by Miami-Dade County . This park serves as a central hub for athletes, families, and fitness enthusiasts. Its extensive amenities include :

• Synthetic Turf Field: A lighted field designed for soccer and football.
• Youth Baseball Fields: Two lighted fields for youth baseball leagues.
• Tennis Center: With courts available for public use (contact number: 305-816-6692) .
• Basketball Courts: Four courts for pick-up games and practice .
• Racquetball Courts: Six courts available for play .
• Track and Walking Trail: A six-mile walking path along Snake Creek, which also features exercise machines for a full outdoor workout .

The park is described as a clean, safe, and inclusive space for people of all ages, often hosting community events like car shows to support local causes . Its dog park (Bark Park) for small and large dogs also makes it a popular spot for pet owners .

Local Youth Sports: Ives Estates Thunder

Ives Estates is home to competitive youth sports teams. One notable example is the ASIVE Ives Estate Ives Estates Thunder Premier BLA, a boys' youth soccer team . The team competes in high-level events such as the IMCF Youth International Cup, the Weston Cup & Showcase, and the Miami Rush Cup, where they have achieved finalist status . The team's success in leagues like the EDP Florida League and the US Youth Soccer Sunshine Conference highlights the strong youth sports culture present in the community . The presence of such a competitive program points to a robust infrastructure for youth athletic development in Ives Estates.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Ives Estates does not host any universities within its own census-designated place, but it is strategically located near a high concentration of higher education institutions. Residents have access to dozens of colleges and universities within a short driving distance, making the area a convenient base for students and academics .

Nearby Colleges and Universities

There are over 40 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Ives Estates, enrolling hundreds of thousands of students . The closest institutions are just a few miles away, all within a short commute:

• Barry University (6 miles): A private, Catholic university in Miami Shores offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs .
• St. Thomas University (5 miles): A private, Archdiocesan university in Miami Gardens, ranked among the best private colleges in Florida .
• Florida Memorial University (6 miles): A private, historically Black university in Miami Gardens .
• Nova Southeastern University (9 miles): A large, private university in Fort Lauderdale, also ranked as a top private college in Florida, with a significant enrollment .

Access to Public and Community Colleges

For those seeking more affordable options or two-year degrees, the area is well-served by public colleges:

• Broward College (9 miles): A public college in Fort Lauderdale with an open admission policy and the lowest tuition in the area .
• Miami Dade College (13 miles): One of the largest institutions in the country, with multiple campuses and a vast array of programs .

Local K-12 Education

Public education for school-aged children in Ives Estates is provided by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the nation. Key schools serving the community include Madie Ives K-8 Preparatory Academy and Dr. Michael M. Krop High School .

Healthcare Facilities and Services

While Ives Estates is a residential area, it is surrounded by a ring of major hospitals and medical centers, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services. The area is well-served by several full-service hospitals located in neighboring cities .

Major Hospitals Near Ives Estates

Several top-rated hospitals are located within a few miles of Ives Estates, providing a range of services from emergency care to specialized treatments.

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center

• Location: 20900 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 .
• Overview: This is a full-service, acute care facility located in the adjacent city of Aventura. It is a comprehensive medical center offering emergency care, surgical procedures, and various specialized treatments .

Jackson North Medical Center

• Location: 160 NW 170th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33169 .
• Overview: Part of the renowned Jackson Health System, this is a general medical and surgical hospital in nearby North Miami Beach. It provides comprehensive services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and specialized treatments .

Memorial Hospital Miramar

• Location: 1901 SW 172nd Ave, Miramar, FL 33029 .
• Overview: A state-of-the-art medical facility located a short drive north in Miramar. It offers a wide range of healthcare services and is noted for its modern facilities and compassionate staff .

Additional Healthcare Access

Other hospitals in the broader area, such as Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah and North Shore Medical Center in Miami, further extend the network of medical care available to Ives Estates residents . The area also has a favorable physician-to-population ratio, with 228 physicians per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the national average . This network is supplemented by specialty clinics, dental offices, and local pharmacies to meet the day-to-day health maintenance needs of the community . The area also hosts several highly-rated senior living and memory care communities, reflecting the needs of its diverse population .

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