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Goulds, FL

Goulds is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with a population of 11,446 as of 2020.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Goulds is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States . As an unincorporated area, it is governed directly by Miami-Dade County rather than having its own municipal government. It is part of the larger Miami metropolitan area in South Florida .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area that became Goulds was first settled by homesteaders in 1900 . The community received its name in 1903 when the Florida East Coast Railway built a siding operated by a railroad employee named Lyman Gould . Originally known as "Gould's Siding," the name was later shortened to "Goulds" . As of the current year, the community is 123 years old (from its 1903 naming).

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Goulds is located in southeastern Florida at coordinates 25°33′39″N 80°23′0″W . It is situated approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Miami and 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Homestead . The elevation is very low, at approximately 10 feet (3 m) above sea level . The community's boundaries are roughly S.W. 200th Street to the north, S.W. 248th Street to the south, S.W. 127th Avenue to the west, and S.W. 87th Avenue to the east .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Historically a railroad town centered on agriculture, Goulds' economy today is notably specialized in agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, administration, support, and waste management services . A unique point of economic interest is that Costa Farms of Goulds was among the first five nurseries approved by the Florida Department of Health to grow medical marijuana .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Goulds was 11,446 . By population, it is classified as a small town or community. Demographically, it is diverse and has seen significant shifts. In the 2020 census, the population was approximately 54.05% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) and 38.84% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) . The community has a high percentage of residents who speak a language other than English at home, with 48.4% speaking a non-English language, primarily Spanish and French Creole .

"City's Business Card" (In Brief)

Goulds offers a glimpse of "Old South Florida," rooted in its history as a stop on Henry Flagler's railroad. Today, it is known as the home of the Cauley Square Historic Village, a ten-acre oasis of tropical gardens, historic cottages, and unique shops that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling nearby cities .

Geography

National and Nature Parks Nearby

While Goulds itself does not contain a national park, it is uniquely positioned between two of South Florida's most significant natural treasures. It is located between the unique ecosystems of Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park .

Local Parks

Goulds Wayside Park is a notable local park in the area, offering a serene natural environment with a variety of flora and fauna . The park features several hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier. A key historical point of interest within the park is an 1860s Pioneer Home, offering insight into the area's early history . The land has historical significance, having once been home to the Tequesta Native American tribe and serving as a stopover for soldiers during the Second Seminole War .

Islands and Archipelagos

The Florida Keys are located to the south and east of Goulds. Specifically, the islands from Key Largo to Bahia Honda were historically part of Dade County before being returned to Monroe County in 1866 .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Goulds has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by long, hot, humid, and mostly cloudy summers and short, comfortable, humid, and partly cloudy winters . It features a distinct wet season and dry season.

Average Temperatures by Month

The climate is warm year-round. The temperatures listed are average daily highs and lows .

The warmest period is from July to September, with average high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) . The coolest month is January, with average highs around 23°C (73°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Goulds receives significant rainfall, with a very wet season from late spring through early fall. The average annual precipitation is around 1149 mm (45.2 inches) .

Sun and Daylight

The area enjoys a good amount of sunshine, especially during the drier months. The clearest and sunniest part of the year is from October to May . February is typically the sunniest month. The longest day of the year is around June 17th, with about 13 hours and 42 minutes of daylight .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Goulds for warm-weather activities is from early November to late April . This period avoids the peak heat, humidity, and rain of the summer.

Specific Weather Phenomena

The area is subject to Atlantic hurricanes. Historically, major hurricanes like the 1926 Miami Hurricane devastated early structures in Goulds . More recently, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was one of the costliest natural disasters to hit the United States and caused widespread destruction in southern Miami-Dade County .

Landmarks

[Cauley Square Historic Village]

The most notable landmark in Goulds is the Cauley Square Historic Village. Located at 22400 Old Dixie Hwy, Goulds, FL 33170 . This is a restored former railway town situated within ten acres of lush tropical gardens . The village features over 25 restored structures dating back to the early 1900s, including antique shops, a tea room, the Village Chalet Restaurant, and a small chapel for quiet reflection . It is known for its shaded garden paths, fountains, and sculptures, offering a peaceful step back into Old Florida. It was restored starting in 1949 by Mary Ann Ballard and later by Frances Varela starting in 2001 .

[1860s Pioneer Home at Goulds Wayside Park]

Located within Goulds Wayside Park, this historic home is one of the area's points of interest. It provides a tangible link to the earliest days of pioneer settlement in South Florida, predating the official founding of Goulds by several decades .

Transport

Main Highways and Roads

Goulds is well-connected by several major roadways . The primary thoroughfare is U.S. Route 1 (Dixie Highway). The community is also served by the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike (State Road 821) at its eastern border. Other major streets include West Old Cutler Road, SW 112th and 134th Avenues, SW 216th Street, and Silver Palm Drive .

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Goulds is provided by Miami-Dade Transit. The area is served by several bus routes that connect Goulds to major destinations such as downtown Miami and the University of Miami . A notable feature is the South Dade Busway, a dedicated bus corridor that runs along the old Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way, providing efficient transit through southern Miami-Dade County . For broader access, residents and visitors can connect to the Metrorail and Metromover systems .

Commuter Statistics

According to recent data, the vast majority of Goulds residents commute by car, with 75.8% driving alone and another 14.3% carpooling . Only about 2.9% use public transportation for their commute. The average one-way commute time is 36.0 minutes, which is longer than the U.S. average .

Major Airports Nearby

As part of the Miami metropolitan area, Goulds is located approximately 20 miles from the region's primary airports.

Sea Ports

The Port of Miami, located on Biscayne Bay, is the world's largest passenger port, handling a record 5.5 million passengers in 2018 . It is a major hub for cruise ships traveling to the Caribbean and beyond.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Goulds offers a vibrant and unpretentious food scene that reflects its deep Southern roots and the rich multicultural fabric of South Florida. Meals here are often made with pride, passed down through generations, and served in family-run spots where the flavors are as authentic as the warm hospitality .

Southern-Style Street Barbecue

Goulds is renowned for its authentic Southern barbecue culture, a tradition so significant it has been the subject of a dedicated photo exhibit, "The Unvoiced Community: Barbecue Men and Women of Goulds" . This isn't formal restaurant dining; it's a late-night culinary adventure where local entrepreneurs, known as barbecue vendors, set up grills in parking lots and on street corners, filling the air with the irresistible scent of smoked meats . These vendors, including inspiring figures like "Mama Dukes" who started grilling to fund her daughter's wedding, are community pillars serving up tender ribs, juicy chicken, and classic sides like collard greens, all infused with love and tradition . It's a must-try experience for anyone seeking the genuine, soulful taste of Goulds.

Flavas Miami

A cornerstone of the Goulds breakfast scene, Flavas Miami is a no-fuss spot celebrated for its hearty portions and deep-rooted soul food favorites . Locals line up early for classics done right. The standout dish is the fan-favorite Shrimp & Grits Meal—a satisfying plate of seasoned shrimp served over buttery grits, complete with toast and eggs cooked to order . The menu also features other comforting options like snapper meals, salmon croquettes, and smothered meats, making it the perfect place for a real-deal Southern breakfast .

Puro Sazón Latino Cubano

For authentic Cuban comfort food, Puro Sazón Latino Cubano is the go-to spot in Goulds . The restaurant serves unapologetically hearty portions of home-style favorites that taste like they came straight from "Abuela's kitchen" . The menu is packed with beloved staples such as ropa vieja, vaca frita, and churrasco de pollo. Locals swear by the chimichurri-marinated Churrasco de Pollo and the crispy-edged Vaca Frita. Be sure to save room for classic sides like yuca con mojo and silky flan for dessert .

The Tea Room at Cauley Square

Tucked within the lush, historic Cauley Square Village, The Tea Room offers a completely different but equally cherished experience . Housed in a charming vintage cottage, this tearoom feels like a garden fairytale with its antique china and sparkling chandeliers. It's the place for a refined afternoon, offering traditional Afternoon Tea and High Tea service complete with dainty finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and an array of delicate pastries and macarons, all beautifully arranged on tiered trays .

Other Notable Eats

Museums and Cultural Centers

While Goulds itself is primarily a residential community, its prime location in South Miami-Dade places it within easy reach of a world-class array of museums. The nearby Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center (10950 SW 211 St, Cutler Bay) is a hub for the performing arts, hosting Broadway tours, Latin concerts, ballet, and comedy shows just a short drive from Goulds .

For visual arts, residents and visitors have access to the prestigious institutions of Coral Gables and Miami. Notable museums within a 30-minute drive include :

Sport and Sporting Legends

Goulds does not have its own major professional sports teams or stadiums. However, its location in the Miami metropolitan area means that all of Miami-Dade County's major sporting attractions are readily accessible. Residents and visitors are a short drive away from:

The area is also a hub for major sporting events, including the Miami Grand Prix (Formula 1) and the Miami Open (tennis), both held at the Hard Rock Stadium complex, as well as the prestigious Sony Open golf tournament.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Goulds is strategically located near several of Florida's most prominent institutions of higher education. There are over 37 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius .

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

While specific details for healthcare facilities within Goulds are limited in the search results, the community is served by a network of hospitals and medical centers in the surrounding South Dade area. It's important to note that one source provides potentially fictitious information (with generic addresses like "123 Main Street"), which should be disregarded in favor of established, verifiable institutions .

Residents of Goulds have access to a wide range of reputable healthcare options in nearby cities such as Homestead and Cutler Bay, as well as the world-renowned medical centers in downtown Miami and Coral Gables. Major hospital systems serving the region include Baptist Health South Florida, which operates several hospitals in the area (including Homestead Hospital and South Miami Hospital), and Jackson Health System, which includes Jackson South Medical Center. These facilities provide comprehensive services, from emergency and trauma care to specialized treatment in cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics. The concentration of medical expertise is further enhanced by the presence of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, a leading institution for medical research and education.

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