Category Archives: Life in South Florida

Scott’s Top Picks for South Florida Golfing

access_timeApril 3, 2019personScott Patterson

South Florida is all about lifestyle. That’s the number one reason so many buyers from all walks of life choose to call this stunning area home. And if you’re looking for the perfect golf course to practice on in South Florida, well, you’re in luck.

An older man getting ready to swing his golf club on a sunny day.

South Florida is a golfer’s dream. This area is home to some of the country’s best: you’ll find challenging courses that have been expertly designed in an array of different styles.

To help you narrow in on the perfect golf course for you, I’ve chosen three that I’d like to highlight today. And, if you’re in the market for a golf course home for sale in South Florida, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

The Blue Monster at Doral

Known locally (and nationally) as the crème de la crème of golf courses, The Blue Monster is an all-around phenomenal course to spend your weekend.

It’s also one of South Florida’s most challenging courses. With over 7,600 yards complemented by deep bunkers, long fairways, lakes, and a deep Bermuda rough, you’re in for the game of your life at the Blue Monster!

Turnberry Golf Course

Now, we’re talking. Turnberry is an exceptionally luxurious golf course built to impress, and set in an upscale country-club setting in Aventura. Home to two sprawling 18-hole golf courses, this unique setting has actually hosted multiple PGA and LPGA tournaments.

In addition to wonderfully designed courses, Turnberry also offers fantastic amenities and services like a full-pro shop and on-course refreshments.

Miami Beach Golf Club

A mainstay of the Miami Beach golf scene, the Golf Club is the perfect place to spend an afternoon unwinding on 18-holes of classic, competitive, and challenging golf. After golfing, head to the onsite restaurant for some excellent dining.

Not only is the golfing out-of-this-world, the staff is attentive and consistently offers 5-star service. All in all, this is a fantastic course with a lot to offer in Miami Beach.

Ready for the Game of Your Life in South Florida?

Two men walking across a golf course, carrying their clubs.

I would love to help you find the perfect home for your needs in South Florida. Whether you’re hoping to be on the golf course or just a quick drive away, I have all the resources you need to find the home of your dreams in Miami Beach or the greater South Florida area.

Just give me a call today to get started!

Tips for Surviving Spring Breakers in South Florida

access_timeMarch 20, 2019personScott Patterson

Once again, spring break season is upon us.

If you’re a seasoned local, you know the drill. South Florida is about to become a hot spot for college students across the country looking to have the time of their lives! However, this means a few things for us year-round South Florida residents.

New to the area? Here are four tips for surviving the spring breakers that will soon be invading our beloved beaches, brunch spots, and bars in South Florida.

Prepare Yourself for Traffic

Download a few new albums or a podcast to listen to on your commute, because traffic is about to get a little nuts.

If possible, see if there’s another route you can take to get to your favorite destinations! This happens every year, so it’s good to plan ahead as much as you can.

Pick a Less Popular Beach

A deserted Florida beach with footprints in the sand.

If you’re absolutely dying to go to the beach, stay away from the more popular ones. For example, stay far, far away from Ocean Drive because this is one of the most popular spots for spring breakers.

Instead, visit Oleta River State Park. Located in North Miami Beach, this is a great place to sunbathe and get a workout in as you bike, kayak, or fish onsite!

Or, Try Some “Off-Beat” Local Attractions

Every spring break without fail, South Beach is the biggest destination for tourists and college students. That’s why we recommend staying north of all the madness, by spending time in North Miami Beach.

Although a little quieter than its southern counterpart, North Miami Beach is still bursting with fun things to do and eclectic attractions.

Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery for a quiet afternoon marveling at historic wonders in the shade. As one of the oldest buildings in America, it’s a fantastic trip through the past.

Are museums more your thing? Take a quick trip over to Dania Beach to see the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts.

Head Indoors

A woman holding large shopping bags and a cell phone as she browses a store.

After all, the spring breakers are here to hit the beach. You won’t find many of them indoors!

If you’re a big fan of shopping, check out Bal Harbour Shops in nearby Bal Harbour for fantastic upscale shopping and dining! You could also see a hip art film at a theater like O Cinema or the Tower Theater (we guarantee that no spring breakers will be there).

Even With the Tourists, South Florida is Still the Community of Your Dreams

Sure, spring break season can get a little hectic, but that’s just something you go through when you live in an area as amazing as South Florida. If you’re ready to explore the South Florida real estate market, we’re here to help.

If you’re ready to buy your South Florida dream home, please give us a call. We’d love to help you find the home that’s right for you, whether it’s in a destination city like Miami or a calmer seaside community like Sunny Isles.

Fun Things to Do in South Florida: An Insiders Guide

access_timeMarch 10, 2019personScott Patterson

The surf, the sun, the culture, what’s not to love about South Florida? This area is an exciting hub of fun outdoor activities, jaw-dropping beaches, one-of-a-kind culture, and so much more.

From the area’s most gorgeous beaches and oceanfront destinations to the hottest night clubs and art districts, there’s something here for everyone. Allow me to guide you through this area’s can’t-miss attractions. It’s so easy to have fun in South Florida, I’ve broken it up into categories.

The Culture

Searching for cultural bliss in South Florida? Nothing comes close to the famed Miami Design District. This neighborhood is one-of-a-kind, and it’s packed with over 130 galleries, showrooms, stores, eateries, and more. Venues in this district host special seasonal events, so depending on when you visit you may be in for a show-stopping treat!

Popular events include film festivals, fashion exhibits, and musical performances featuring world-class artists. Not only is it a haven for art lovers, it also features amazing restaurants, bars, and other fun things to do!

I highly recommend siting down at the Mandolin Aegean Bistro for an unforgettable meal or Boombox on Wynwood for a night of dancing and drinking gourmet cocktails!

The Art

Head to Wynwood Walls. This urban graffiti art museum is a mainstay of Miami culture—and for good reason. I’m not kidding when I say that this location is dripping with art, it’s on every single wall! It’s the perfect addition to any trip to Miami, and when you live here you’ll want to visit again and again.

The art changes out regularly and this is the perfect place to discover new and exciting artists. I recommend grabbing an iced coffee or some ice cream and taking your time perusing the different works of art. It’s unlike any other museum you’ve visited, I promise!

Craving something indoors? Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, which regularly features carefully curated exhibitions of modern artists and a permanent collection that never gets old.

The Beach

Ok, so now it’s time to talk about the real reason you want to move to South Florida. I don’t blame you—the beaches here are magnificent. There are so many to choose from but I’m going to focus on my top three.

If you’re in Miami, South Beach is iconic. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the world because it’s gorgeous and perfectly accented by all the fun things to do in Miami.

Looking for something a little more tranquil? Go to Sunny Isles Beach, famous for its soft white sand and unbelievably clear waters. This is a wonderful location for snorkeling and other aquatic recreation!

Want to go for a run along the shoreline? Then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Siesta Beach, which boasts an eight-mile shoreline and beautiful sparkling sand.

Ready to Dive Into South Florida Real Estate?

Make your dreams come true by buying a stunning South Florida home today. When it comes to the ultimate oceanfront lifestyle, nothing else compares.

Give me a call today to discuss your options for finding the perfect South Florida home. In the meantime, feel free to use my complimentary home-buying resources to explore the local area!

Dive into Local History with These Top Historical Sites in South Florida

access_timeMarch 4, 2019personScott Patterson

Although the Miami area wasn’t officially established as a city until 1896, the history of the area dates back to 1566. First inhabited by the Tequesta Indians before being claimed by the Spanish, the city was known as one of the best building sites in the state.

From its discovery until present day, Miami has gone through a number of historical events and major happenings. Looking to learn a little more about local history? Check out a few of the landmarks leftover from Miami’s rich past.

The Kampong

The only part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens that isn’t located in Miami, the Kampong is a small, 9-acre botanical garden. The grounds were owned by Dr. David Fairchild, a renowned botanist and plant explorer, who was responsible for introducing over 200,000 plants and crops to the United States.

The gardens are located in Coconut Grove, the oldest neighborhood in the city, and house some of the plants that Fairchild introduced. Today, it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Constructed in the late 19th century, the Barnacle Historic State Park is another historic stop located in Coconut Grove. Previously the home of local pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe, the grounds have been kept largely the same as they were when Munroe inhabited them.

When you visit the park today, you’ll find towering trees, Munroe’s old home, and beautiful natural beauty. The state park has also been outfitted with replicas of Munroe’s boats, the Egret and the Flying Proa.

Bill Baggs Cape

Just a short distance away from Downtown Miami sits the Bill Baggs Cape State Park. Home to the oldest standing structure in the Miami area—the Cape Florida Lighthouse—the park is perfect for a little history and natural beauty.

In the 19th century, the cape was a landmark for Seminole Indians and runaway slaves looking for freedom and safe passage. The park offers guided tours on foot, bike, or kayak for visitors to take in all of the historic landmarks.

Ancient Spanish Monastery

Originally built in 1133 AD in Spain, the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was sold to newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1925, broken down brick by brick, and moved to Brooklyn. After sitting in storage for years, the remnants of the building were bought Colonel Robert Pentland, Jr and gifted to the Bishop of Florida.

Today, the Ancient Spanish Monastery offers guided tours, weddings, photo shoots, and church services. With one of the most interesting histories of any building in the country, it’s worth visiting in person.

Venetian Pool

The only pool on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool dates back to the 1920s. Formed from a coral rock quarry, architects used the natural features of the pool to accentuate its beauty.

With spring water sourced from an underground aquifer, two waterfalls, a grotto, and stunning accents, the Venetian Pool is one of the most popular stops in the city—and totally open to the public.

Find Your Home in Miami

Not only does Miami have a rich history, but it also boasts a bright future. Come discover all that the city has to offer, and find your new home here today.

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to give the Scott Patterson Group a call today.

Arts, Culture, & More: Your Guide to the Wynwood Art District’s Highlights

access_timeFebruary 28, 2019personScott Patterson

The Miami area is full of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and influences, making it one of the most vibrant cities in the whole world. Within the city, the Wynwood Arts District is known as one of the premier creative neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why.

With art galleries, local eateries, unique shopping, and creativity galore, don’t miss out on the highlights of Wynwood—check out our guide to all of the must-see stops.

Street Art

You don’t even have to head to an art gallery or museums to see the best art that Wynwood has to offer. When you walk through the streets of the neighborhood, almost every building is decked out with dazzling murals and unique designs, transforming a regular stroll into an artistic journey.

Did you know that Wynwood is home to the highest concentration of street art in the country? There are literally hundreds of murals from artists all over the world to check out as you stroll the streets, and the Wynwood neighborhood page offers a helpful guide to all of the current creations.

Galleries + Museums

In addition to all of the street art, Wynwood is also filled with a wide variety of art galleries and museums. It can be a little overwhelming to take it all in, which is why we’ve got the lowdown on what you can’t miss.

First, be sure to stop by the Oliver Cole Gallery. With over 50 artists from all over the world featured, the Oliver Cole Gallery is home to the latest in modern, cutting-edge trends.

Next, the Rubell Family Collection and its 7,300 privately owned works bring in over 40,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most popular museums in the area.

For something a little different, finish up your rounds with a visit to the automobile collection Miami Supercar Rooms.

Food + Shops

Wynwood residents’ passion for the community doesn’t just stop with arts—the neighborhood also boasts a wide variety of locally owned and operated restaurants and shops. Here are the best local flavors and retailers to check out around the area!

One of the hottest new restaurants in the city, head to Alter for locally sourced and seasonal dishes including tzatziki ice cream, beef tartare, and stuffed quail. For an experience as unique as the neighborhood, check out 1-800 Lucky, an Asian-market style food hall that covers 10,000-square-feet of space—and a karaoke lounge. Other local favorites include Kyu, R House, and Joey’s.

With Wynwood’s strong roots in art and design, it should come as no surprise that the shops also reflect those values. Head to Frangipani for handmade and sustainable art pieces, Antidote for eco-conscious clothing, or Ligne Atelier for all of your contemporary interior design needs.

Explore Wynwood & Find Your Home in Miami

While we hit the highlights of Wynwood, there’s still so much more to discover. The neighborhood is packed with hidden gems on every block, so don’t miss the chance to explore it all for yourself, and find your new home here today.

If you have any questions about the area, would like more information, or are ready to get started on your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to contact the Scott Patterson Group today.

Time to Invest in Hallandale Real Estate Before It’s Too Late!

access_timeFebruary 27, 2019personScott Patterson

Millions of people flock to Miami every year for the beaches, the culture, and the nightlife. But, what if I told you there was an even better place to buy a home in South Florida?

The thing is, Hallandale is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about communities in the South Florida real estate scene. It’s also one of the best places to buy a house or a condo, which I’ll get into in a second.

First, Let’s Explore a Little

Located in the middle of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Hallandale is a waterside community with a bit of a history. While in the past, it’s been viewed as a little “rough around the edges” by local Miami residents, it’s quickly transforming into a must-see community.

This has a lot to do with its easy waterside access, relatively low price tags, and wide array of fantastic amenities. Buyers are beginning to realize this is a much more affordable real estate alternative to Miami. According to experts, homes for sale in Hallandale usually end up selling for a third less than similar properties in Miami Proper.

Why Invest in Hallandale?

Recently, I talked with the Wall Street Journal about Hallandale’s stunning (and ongoing) transformation. Although the median sales price for homes in this area is definitely increasing, it’s still far more affordable to buy a luxury property in Hallandale than Miami!

Plus, living in Hallandale comes with a lot of perks. Residents have easy access to both Miami International Airport and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. There’s more waterside properties available here as well, making it ideal for buyers who want to keep their boats handy.

Plus, this community is constantly expanding! There are a lot of new plans and developments in the works.

New Developments Coming to the Area

Next door in Aventura, City Officials are building a new charter school. Plus, the Turnberry Isle Resort has transformed into a new JW a Marriott (with a new water park coming soon!)

A golf course designed by Greg Norman is set to be added to the brand new SLS Resort Residence and Marina. In short, there’s a lot to look forward to in Hallandale!

Ready to Buy a Home in Hallandale?

There’s no time like the present! If you’ve been looking for a luxury, waterside community that’s still just a quick drive away from Miami Beach, Hallandale is the place for you. Let’s set up a time to chat about your options in this great community.

Still deciding on the right community for you? Feel free to use my local area guides, home search tool, and free buying resources to make it a little easier!