Most people love the sunshine and tropical feeling they discover in Miami-Dade County's Westwood Lakes. That was also true 12,000 years ago before the Europeans discovered it. The native Americans - called Tequesta- were there first, as usual, and may have been responsible for creating the archaeological entity known as Miami Circle, possibly 2,000-years-old. This ancient site is believed to be the only prehistoric example of a permanent structure cut into bedrock in North America.
Westwood Lakes has changed a little since then and the area surrounding it would probably be unrecognizable to those early inhabitants. Bustling, busy and vibrantly alive with high rise apartments and buildings, great shopping and eateries of many different cultures are the hallmark of Westwood Lakes today.
Moving to Westwood Lakes
The Cost
Expect to pay apartment rental rates in Westwood Lakes that are 41.2% greater than the Florida average and 71% greater than the National average. You can find fully serviced apartments, but you'll pay a premium for them. Most are not apartments with paid utilities.
Housing here goes up, vertically -- the majority of places to live are high rise with one bedroom apartments. You can find two and three bedroom apartments, too.
When to Start
If you want to live here, start your apartment search now. It may take a while because apartments are in demand. Your best bet may be to use the services of an apartments locator for the most up-to-date info about what's available. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find a place to hang your hat.
What You Need
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure your dream place in Westwood Lakes. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or Bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? Bring more money for a deposit.
Neighborhoods in Westwood Lake
High-rises hug the coastline and the city enjoys an aura of enthusiasm and diversity. The Liveability score of 73 is very comfortable for the Miami-Dade area.
Westwood Lakes: On the southeastern side of Florida, the center of town is in highly urbanized Miami-Dade County, just 15 miles from central downtown Miami. Florida University is in the area and Tamiami Park is to the east.
South Westwood Lakes: Bounded by 40th Street, this area is teeming with most of the services and eateries for Westwood Lakes. Shorty's Bar-be-cue is a great place to sample some southern cooking.
Life in Westwood Lake
Culture
Artifacts recovered from the Miami Circle site are stored and on display at HistoryMiami. All the archaeological materials recovered in the Miami-Dade County area end up here sooner or later and are on view to the public.
Shopping
The Book Barn Exchange has hundreds of used and new books. Spend an hour or a rainy day looking at every genre that can be found here. Get store credit by trading in your old books.
Restaurants
Los Arrios Restaurant serves delicious Colombian dishes. Try bandeja paisa. The beans are original "cargamanto" beans and the steak is tender carne asada, the chicharron long and crispy.
The Fish House Restaurant is very cozy and the decor yells authentic seafood. Be sure to arrive in time for lunch specials which ends at 4:00 pm. Try their fresh fish croquettes. Follow up with blackened Mahimahi with parsley potatoes.
Get Outdoors
Women's Park is great for walking, and running -- the park has a sidewalk which surrounds a beautiful lake. Keep in mind that there are no lights and the park closes at sunset.
Matheson Park is not far from Westwood Lakes. Favorite activities to do include kayaking, cycling, and walking. You can launch from the parking lot across Red Fish Grill. Stroll by the different canals to enjoy the houses and gorgeous views of downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Key Biscayne.
Getting Around
Westwood Lakes WalkScore varies from area to area. Near 107th and Miller Drive, it's 52, which is somewhat walkable, meaning you can get to restaurants and services without a car or using public transportation. There are two and three bedroom apartments and single family homes for rent in this area. It's a little pricier than other places, but worth the convenience. You can always rent a car or take a bus into the transit center to get to the other areas of Miami.
Most Westwood Lakes commuters have a 32-minute trip, which is 14.3% greater than the average Floridian and about 23.1 % greater than the national average. Most people drive their own cars or carpool with colleagues.
The closest Amtrak Stations is 6.8 miles from Westwood Lakes' town center and is the transit center for Miami International Airport. It is actually served by a through-way bus, not a train. The airport itself is 10.6 miles from Westwood Lakes.
