Biscayne Park is still considered by many a “hidden gem” – the type of Miami neighborhood that is overlooked and underrated, oftentimes overlooked for its bigger, more popular sister-neighborhood Miami Shores. The once-secret desirability of Biscayne Park, however, is quickly starting to spread… as is evident from the growing prices on homes in this small triangle-shaped neighborhood. (Scroll down to read about today’s average price per SqFt in Biscayne Park)
For me, this is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Miami. Many of the houses date back to the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s…which of course I’m fascinated by. But it’s not just the beautiful homes that make this neighborhood… it was designed and planned to be aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. Many of the streets have gorgeous tree-lined medians that offer natural shade and encourage drivers to slow down. A lot of streets also end in cul-de-sacs, a decision made by early planners to encourage safe outdoor playing for children and families.
Biscayne Park is its own municipality with its own police force, city hall, commission, and so on. It was officially incorporated in 1931 on land that was owned by Arthur Mertlow Griffing. Mr. Griffing was a horticulturist and landscaper - the area on the north border of Biscayne Park was originally his Griffing Tropical Nurseries and Groves. This 7-acre area, and the land surrounding it, was subdivided and named Griffing Biscayne Park Estates in the 1920’s. Mr. Griffing wanted the new subdivided land to look much like a botanical garden, placing strong emphasis on the gorgeous landscape architecture that is still symbolic of Biscayne Park today.
Located at 640 NE 114th Street, the Biscayne Park log cabin is a symbol of the neighborhood’s appreciation of community engagement
The Biscayne Park Log Cabin
Many consider the heart of Biscayne Park to be this historic log cabin and neighboring median/park where residents gather for a relaxing afternoon stroll, farmers markets, city meetings, movie screenings, and even the annual Biscayne Park Art festival.
The structure was built in 1933, in the middle of the Great Depression, as a way to provide work to local workers. In fact, much of the funds to build the log cabin (which back then cost a whopping $247 to build) were provided by individual donations from Biscayne Park residents. The resident that is most credited with the creation of the cabin is William Green, who was not only a Councilman for Biscayne Park but worked as a regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Relief Program.
The building of the log cabin represented back then, as it does now, a community of residents who care deeply about their neighborhood and their fellow residents. In the 1930’s the log cabin was used much like it is today – as a meeting spot for the residents and guests of the village of Biscayne Park.
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A typical Biscayne Park home from the 1920’s - predating the town’s incorporation and the log cabin
Buying and Selling in Biscayne Park
When it comes to buying, Biscayne Park is still more affordable than neighboring Miami Shores, though everything that makes Miami Shores such a desirable location is available to residents of Biscayne Park – and even more!
The prices in Biscayne Park have been steadily rising in the past few years. In fact, the price per Square Foot for all non-waterfront homes in Biscayne Park in 2018 was $261.76.
In 2017, that average was $237.05.
In 2016, it was $239.64.
In 2015, it was $223.20.
And in 2014, that average price per Sq Ft was $177.20.
Therefore, from 2014 to 2018, the average price per square foot went up by almost $85! That is extremely impressive and great news for potential sellers…but also good news for buyers. This is still a lower price per SqFt than many other desirable neighborhoods!
There are currently 17 non-waterfront homes for sale in Biscayne Park and 1 waterfront home. The non-waterfront homes range in asking price from $375,000 to $1,200,000 with an average asking price of $629,750. If you want to learn more about Biscayne Park real estate, or want to see what is available and what has sold in Biscayne Park, email me at rob@robertocachinero.com