Upper Eastside
A charming main street, proactive municipal services, and design features such as rear alleys and sidewalks provide a quality of life that leads many to liken the community to Coral Gables at a smaller scale.
The City of Miami’s northeast, commonly referred to as The Upper Eastside, has a convenient central location, close to the many points of interest in Miami-Dade County. With a population of 15,322, it is one of Miami’s most diverse neighborhoods; it has a multi-ethnic and racial mix that includes high, middle and low income residents.
Stretching north from downtown Miami along Biscayne Bay, the beautiful and historic communities of the “Upper Eastside” are a case study in the restorative powers of gay gentrification. Fabled Biscayne Boulevard, a true Miami landmark, this beautiful and nationally famous highway is a grand avenue of stately royal palms is the main thoroughfare for this area, and is undergoing a renaissance as upscale shops, restaurants, galleries and clubs open where low rent motels once proliferated.
East of Biscayne Boulevard, there are several neighborhoods that share convenient proximity to the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay: Bay Point, Morningside, Belle Meade, Davis Harbor, Bayside, and Shorecrest are either on or within walking distance to the Bay. Bay Point and Palm Bay are exclusive residential communities by the water. Morningside and Bayside are designated historical districts. And Belle Meade, like her sister communities, features elegant homes in the Mediterranean style that complement the lush tropical climate and aquatic setting of the area.
Morningside features a stunning collection of historic art deco and Mediterranean revival homes on wide avenues leading to the bay. Belle Meade is a primarily gay residential community located on an island off of 76th Street. Belle Meade is renowned for its beautiful homes and community spirit, and hosts an annual Halloween party. Shorecrest and Davis Harbour are beautiful bay front residential neighborhoods with many waterfront homes and distinctive architecture.
Crowning the Upper Eastside is the Village of Miami Shores, a charming community of approximately 10, 000 residents. Like its neighbors to the south, Miami Shores boasts beautifully maintained and historic homes. A charming main street, proactive municipal services, and design features such as rear alleys and sidewalks provide a quality of life that leads many to liken the community to Coral Gables at a smaller scale. Miami Shores Country Club offers golf, tennis and a new water park.
The community is also notable as the home to Barry University and the Archdiocese of Miami.
The majority of the residential population west of the Boulevard which is rapidly gentrifying Palm Grove are African-Americans and Haitian immigrants. Struggling new arrivals absorbed in the hustle and bustle of daily life while becoming American citizens and young singles from South Beach give this neighborhood a spirit all its own.
The Upper Eastside NET, together with the Upper Eastside community, is working actively to address issues of concern. Biscayne Boulevard was enhanced with the completion of a beautification and landscape project coordinated by Upper Eastside NET. Much attention has been given by Upper Eastside NET to the maintenance and renovation of area parks. Legion Park and Eaton Park were improved with new playground equipment, fences and building restoration. The construction of a new Little River Canal Bridge will enhance the architectural integrity of this neighborhood. Diligent crime fighting is a primary concern. In association with the Police Department, a strategic plan to fight crime has been developed with additional police officers and special units assigned to this area.
Miami’s Upper Eastside is an attractively eclectic community in a traditional neighborhood environment that imparts a feeling of permanence, growing wealth and hope.