The Crossings, FL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Points of Interest
- Transport
- Museums and Art Galleries
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
The Crossings is a suburban Miami-Dade County CDP, part of the Miami metropolitan area. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and parks, it was developed in the 1970s and 1980s.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: The Crossings, Florida (United States)
- Administrative Role: The Crossings is a census-designated place (CDP) and suburb of Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida . It is not an incorporated municipality but is a recognized community for statistical purposes.
- Country and Region: Located in the United States, in the state of Florida, within Miami-Dade County. This region is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, a vast and diverse urban region known for its international culture, vibrant economy, and as a gateway to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Historical Names and Nicknames
The CDP is a modern community, and its name comes from its residential developments. It does not have significant historical names or widely recognized nicknames. The area is commonly associated with its larger neighboring communities, such as Kendall and The Hammocks .
Founding Date and Age
The communities that make up The Crossings CDP were developed during the 1970s and 1980s . This makes it a relatively young suburban area, reflecting the expansion of the Miami metropolitan area during that period.
Geographical Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 25°40′10″N 80°24′4″W (25.669425, -80.401108) .
- Position: The Crossings is located approximately 16 miles (26 km) southwest of downtown Miami in the southern part of the Florida peninsula .
- Topography: The area is characterized by flat, low-lying terrain typical of coastal South Florida. The elevation is around 7 feet (2 meters) above sea level .
- Boundaries: The CDP is bordered on the north by Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street), on the south by SW 120th Street, by Florida's Turnpike on the east, and SW 137th Avenue on the west .
City Type and Economic Specialization
The Crossings is primarily a residential suburban community . Its economy is not specialized in the way a central city's might be. Residents typically commute to work in the broader Miami-Dade County economy, which is heavily focused on:
- International Trade and Finance
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Healthcare and Education
- Real Estate and Construction
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, The Crossings had a population of 23,276 .
- City Class: By population, The Crossings is a moderately sized suburban community.
- Demographic Features: The CDP is notably diverse. A significant majority of the population, 76.26% as of the 2020 census, identifies as Hispanic or Latino, with people of Cuban descent being the largest group . A large portion of the population, 44.7%, was born outside of the United States . Spanish is the first language for a majority of residents .
City's "Business Card" (In Short)
The Crossings, Florida, is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community within the bustling Miami metropolitan area. It offers a peaceful residential atmosphere with access to parks and schools, while being just a short drive from the economic and cultural opportunities of Miami and its world-famous beaches.
Geography
Water Bodies (Nearby)
While there are no major rivers or lakes within the CDP itself, The Crossings is located in a region with a high water table and numerous man-made lakes, common in South Florida residential developments for stormwater management. The area is also close to the Biscayne Bay coastline and the Atlantic Ocean, located just a few miles to the east.
National and Nature Parks (Nearby)
While there are no national parks in The Crossings, residents have access to several local and county parks.
- Kendale Lakes Park: This is a notable local park featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation .
- Nearby Natural Areas: The Crossings is located near larger natural preserves that protect the region's unique ecosystems, such as the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is located a short drive to the west.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
The Crossings has a tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification . This is characterized by a long, hot, and very wet summer season and a short, warm, and drier winter season. The area experiences high humidity year-round .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. The average temperatures vary from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (83°F) .
- Hottest Months: July and August are the hottest, with average daily highs around 90°F (32°C) and average lows around 76°F (25°C) .
- Coolest Months: January is the coolest month, with an average high of 76°F (24°C) and an average low of 59°F (15°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: While rare, temperatures can occasionally drop to around 38°F (3°C) in winter or rise above 93°F (34°C) in the summer .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: The Crossings receives significant annual rainfall, averaging about 1513 mm (59.6 inches) per year .
- Wet Season: The wet season lasts from May to October, with June, August, and September being the wettest months, each averaging over 230 mm (9 inches) of rain . August has the most wet days, with an average of 19.3 days of rain .
- Dry Season: The drier season runs from November through April, with December and January typically being the driest months .
- Humidity: Humidity is high year-round but becomes oppressive during the summer months. From June through September, the area experiences near 30 days per month of muggy or oppressive conditions .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunshine: The Crossings enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the drier months, with an average of over 3,600 hours of sunshine annually .
- UV Index: The UV index is high to extreme for most of the year. It can reach a maximum level of 13 (Extreme) during the summer months of June, July, and August, requiring diligent sun protection .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit The Crossings for warm-weather outdoor activities is from early November to late April . During this period, temperatures are most comfortable for walking, picnicking in parks, and enjoying outdoor amenities without the intense heat and high probability of rain.
- Summer (June - September): This period is characterized by very hot temperatures, high humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While indoor activities are plentiful, spending extended time outdoors can be uncomfortable.
- Winter (December - February): Winters are short, warm, and generally pleasant with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor recreation.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
[Kendale Lakes Park]
As a primarily residential community, The Crossings does not have monumental landmarks or major tourist attractions. Its character is defined by its suburban amenities.
- Name: Kendale Lakes Park .
- Location: This park is a central recreational hub for the community.
- Features: It provides residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor leisure, including well-maintained playgrounds for children, sports fields for soccer and other games, and paved walking trails perfect for jogging or a stroll . It's a prime example of the area's focus on family-friendly, tranquil living .
[Schools as Community Focal Points]
In suburban communities like The Crossings, local schools often serve as key points of interest and community identity.
- Local Schools: The community is served by several Miami-Dade County Public Schools, including Calusa Elementary School and Devon Aire K-8 Center . These schools are central to family life and often host community events.
Transport
Main Airports (Nearby)
The Crossings is well-served by the major airports of the Miami metropolitan area.
- Miami International Airport (MIA) (IATA: MIA) is the primary airport for the region, located approximately 16 miles northeast of The Crossings . It is a major international hub with flights to destinations across the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) (IATA: FLL) is another major international airport located about 30-40 miles north, offering an alternative with many domestic and international flights, often serving low-cost carriers .
Public Transportation System
- Bus Service: The Crossings has access to public transportation via Miami-Dade Transit buses. Key routes serving the area include the 137 FIU-CUTLER BAY VIA 137 AVE and the 204 HAMMOCKS-DADELAND NORTH VIA 104 ST . These routes connect residents to nearby commercial areas and other parts of the county.
- Walkability and Transit Score: The area has a "Somewhat Walkable" Walk Score of 51, meaning some errands can be accomplished on foot, and "Some Transit," indicating a few nearby public transportation options .
Major Highways and Roads
The Crossings is strategically located for easy access to major regional thoroughfares.
- Florida's Turnpike: The eastern boundary of the CDP is formed by Florida's Turnpike, a major limited-access toll road that provides a direct route north to Orlando and south to Florida City .
- Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street): This major east-west thoroughfare forms the northern boundary of The Crossings and is a key commercial artery for the area, providing access to shopping, dining, and services .
- Other Highways: The area is also within a short drive of other major roads like SW 120th Street and SW 137th Avenue, and is connected to the broader region via US-1 and the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) .
Museums and Art Galleries
While The Crossings itself is a primarily residential community, it is surrounded by a vibrant arts scene, with notable museums and galleries located nearby in Sarasota and Pembroke Pines. The most direct cultural touchpoint is the Arts Advocates Gallery, which is located at The Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) . This gallery is a significant local resource featuring a permanent collection that highlights Florida's unique artistic heritage.
The gallery's collection focuses on two important movements. First, it showcases works from the Sarasota Art Colony, a thriving artists' community from the 1930s through the 1970s that put the region on the national art map. Second, it houses an important collection of paintings by the Florida Highwaymen . The Highwaymen were a group of 26 African-American landscape artists who, during the racially charged era from the mid-1950s to the 1980s, sold their vibrant paintings of Florida's landscapes directly to the public from the trunks of their cars . The gallery displays works by famous Highwaymen artists, and pieces by figures like Curtis Arnett (an original Highwayman) and Roy McLendon, Jr. (son of an original Highwayman) are sometimes featured in special sales and exhibitions . The gallery is open to the public for free every Saturday, offering a self-guided tour of this quintessentially Floridian art form .
Further enriching the cultural landscape tied to The Crossings name is The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibit Hall in Pembroke Pines. In late 2024, this gallery hosted a major exhibition titled “The Crossings: A Global Movement Experience” . Conceived by choreographer Damaris Ferrer, this was not a traditional art exhibition but a dynamic, community-focused project. It used a monumental 20-foot-long skirt as a symbol and tool for collective movement and storytelling, involving participants from various global locations . The exhibition included multimedia elements like photographs and videos documenting these "crossings," transforming the gallery into a living map of shared human experience . While the exhibition has concluded, it highlights the nearby cultural institutions that serve the broader region.
For those willing to travel a bit further (approximately 20-25 km), the city of Miami offers world-class museums such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, making The Crossings a conveniently located base for exploring South Florida's diverse cultural offerings .
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
The Crossings is exceptionally well-served by healthcare facilities, being in close proximity to several nationally recognized hospitals and medical centers. The area is part of the renowned Baptist Health South Florida network, ensuring access to high-quality medical care .
Here are the major hospitals serving the community:
- Baptist Hospital of Miami: Located nearby at 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, this is a flagship facility of the Baptist Health network. It is a full-service hospital offering a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, and is highly rated by patients for its attentive staff and top-notch facilities .
- West Kendall Baptist Hospital: Situated conveniently in The Crossings area at 9555 SW 162nd Ave, Miami, this hospital is known for its state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered approach. It provides comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and imaging, and is part of the same esteemed Baptist Health network .
- Kendall Regional Medical Center: Another major full-service facility at 11750 SW 40th St, Miami, offering advanced medical technology and services such as emergency care, surgery, and maternity care .
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital: For specialized pediatric care, this renowned hospital at 3100 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, is a top choice. Formerly known as Miami Children's Hospital, it is highly respected for its compassionate and skilled doctors and nurses, specializing in everything from cardiology to oncology for children .
- Palmetto General Hospital: Located at 2001 W 68th St, Hialeah, this well-established medical center provides a comprehensive range of services and is known for its commitment to patient satisfaction .
In addition to these major hospitals, the community has a high number of physicians per capita—228 physicians per 100,000 population, which is above the US average of 210 . Numerous specialized medical facilities, including family clinics, urgent care centers, and physical therapy clinics, are also readily available to meet the diverse health needs of residents . A long-term care facility, Heartland Health Care Center-Kendall, is also located in the area . The health cost index for the area is 99.2, which is on par with the national average .