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Moving to Miami Lakes: What You Need to Know
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Location Guide

Moving to Miami Lakes: What You Need to Know

February 5, 2026
5 min read

Everything you need to know about moving to Miami Lakes, from planned community features to HOAs.

Thinking about moving to Miami Lakes? You're considering one of Miami-Dade's premier planned communities, known for its lakes, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly atmosphere. This guide provides essential information to help you plan your relocation.

About Miami Lakes

Miami Lakes is a master-planned community of approximately 33,250 residents, developed by the Graham family starting in 1962. The town exemplifies thoughtful suburban planning with its winding streets, interconnected lakes, and balanced mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Aerial Daytime View Of Miami Florida Cap 4

Demographics at a Glance

  • 1Population: 33,247 (2024)
  • 2Median Age: 43.3 years
  • 3Median Household Income: $102,376
  • 4Hispanic Population: 88.6%
  • 5Foreign-Born Residents: 50.5%
  • 6Land Area: 5.96 square miles

The Graham Legacy

Miami Lakes was created by the Graham Companies, founded by Ernest "Cap" Graham in 1932. His sons, including former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, developed Miami Lakes as a model planned community.

Real Estate Market

Miami Lakes offers diverse housing options in a well-planned environment.

Current Market

  • 1Median Home Value: $663,067
  • 2Median Rent: $2,179/month
  • 3Housing Mix: Single-family, townhouses, apartments

Neighborhoods

  • 1Lake Patricia: Original 1962 neighborhood
  • 2Royal Oaks: Established single-family homes
  • 3Miami Lakes East: Newer development
  • 4Town Center: Mixed-use area

Property Management

Graham Residential operates 1,800 apartment units within 8 communities, providing quality rental options.

Planned Community Features

Design Philosophy

Miami Lakes was designed with:

  • 1Winding, tree-lined streets
  • 2Creatively shaped lakes throughout
  • 3Integrated parks and green spaces
  • 4Balanced commercial/residential zones

Main Street Miami Lakes

The town center features:

  • 1Dining and shopping
  • 2Community events
  • 3Walkable atmosphere
  • 4Lake views and gathering spaces

Employment and Commerce

Graham Companies Holdings

The Graham family remains the largest landowner, operating:

  • 1Over 4 million square feet of commercial space
  • 2Office, industrial, and retail properties
  • 3Trump National Doral nearby
  • 4Don Shula's Hotel and Golf Club
Elevated Road Sign For Downtown Miami Av 1

Business Environment

  • 1Corporate headquarters presence
  • 2Medical facilities
  • 3Professional services
  • 4Retail centers

Recreation and Amenities

Parks and Lakes

  • 1Multiple interconnected lakes
  • 2Town parks and green spaces
  • 3Miami Lakes Optimist Park
  • 4Community events throughout the year

Golf and Athletics

  • 1Don Shula's Golf Club
  • 2Miami Lakes Athletic Club
  • 3Shula's Spa and wellness facilities
  • 4Tennis courts

Community Events

  • 1Concerts and festivals
  • 2Farmers markets
  • 3Holiday celebrations
  • 4Family programming

Schools and Education

Miami Lakes is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

School Options

  • 1Multiple elementary schools
  • 2Bob Graham Education Center
  • 3Miami Lakes Middle School
  • 4Barbara Goleman Senior High School

Educational Quality

The area's family focus means strong school involvement and educational programming.

Transportation

Major Roads

  • 1Palmetto Expressway (SR 826)
  • 2I-75 access
  • 3NW 67th Avenue
  • 4Miami Lakes Drive

Commuting

  • 125-30 minutes to Downtown Miami and Brickell
  • 215 minutes to Miami International Airport
  • 310 minutes to Hialeah
  • 4Easy access to Doral and Kendall
  • 530-40 minutes to Coral Gables or Coconut Grove

Local Transportation

  • 1Miami-Dade Transit bus service
  • 2Town shuttle options
  • 3Bike-friendly streets
  • 4Walkable town center

How Miami Lakes Compares to Other Miami Areas

Miami Lakes offers a different lifestyle than other popular Miami neighborhoods:

Stunning View Of Miami S Modern Skyscrap 2
  • 1vs. Brickell/Downtown: Miami Lakes provides suburban family living with yards and lakes, while Brickell offers high-rise urban living and walkable nightlife
  • 2vs. Coral Gables: Both are planned communities, but Miami Lakes has a more relaxed feel with lower density and better highway access
  • 3vs. Kendall: Similar suburban vibe, but Miami Lakes has more lakes, parks, and a cohesive town center
  • 4vs. Doral: Miami Lakes is more established with mature trees and developed amenities; Doral continues growing rapidly
  • 5vs. Aventura: Miami Lakes offers more single-family homes while Aventura focuses on condos and shopping

Moving Tips for Miami Lakes

HOA Considerations

Many Miami Lakes neighborhoods have HOAs with:

  • 1Architectural guidelines
  • 2Moving notification requirements
  • 3Approved contractor lists
  • 4Landscaping standards

Gated Communities

Some areas have gate access:

  • 1Coordinate access codes with management
  • 2Schedule moving times in advance
  • 3Provide vehicle information

Best Moving Times

  • 1Weekday mornings for lighter traffic
  • 2Avoid rush hour on Palmetto Expressway
  • 3School hours for quieter residential streets

Street Navigation

  • 1Winding streets can confuse GPS
  • 2Some streets dead-end at lakes
  • 3Large trucks may have turning challenges
  • 4Allow extra time for navigation

Our Miami Lakes Moving Services

Our team has extensive experience in Miami Lakes' planned environment. We provide:

  • 1HOA coordination and compliance
  • 2Gate access coordination
  • 3Lake-adjacent property expertise
  • 4Careful navigation of winding streets

What We Offer

Ready to Make Miami Lakes Home?

Get your free quote for moving to Miami Lakes. Our team is ready to make your move to this exceptional planned community as smooth as possible.

Questions? Contact us or read what other families say about our service in our reviews.

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Moving to Miami Lakes: What You Need to Know | Rapid Panda Movers