Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Homestead

The Quirky Story Behind the Name

Homestead-- not really the most common name for a city, but as you've read, Miami-Dade County's second oldest municipality's got a fun history behind it.

I wish I could tell you that the name "Homestead" came from a heroine who saved the city or a genius developer who helped flourish the farmland (although the city's developments did help in naming the area).

The name originates from when the Florida East Coast Railway extension to Key West was being built. 

The rail line was passing through an area opened up for homesteading. 

As the construction camp at the end of the line did not have a particular name, construction materials and supplies for the workers were consigned to "Homestead Country," shortened to "Homestead" by the engineers who mapped the area. 

The name stuck, and there you have it, folks, the short-but-sweet history surrounding "Homestead!"

Tested by Tough Times

A city tested by tough times-- Homestead. 

I bet no one would've guessed just by the city's exterior that this serene, emerging neighborhood has gone through a whole lot these past few decades. 

Impacted by the crash of the Florida land boom in the 1920s, affected by two major hurricanes in 1926 and 1935, suffered hurricane damage in 1945, and a direct hit from the massive Hurricane Andrew in '92-- these unfortunate events have molded and changed Homestead forever, with each incident causing several devastations across the city. 

Nevertheless, with the help of the entire Miami-Dade community, Homestead was rebuilt for the BETTER. 

It may have taken many years, but clearly, all their efforts paid off.

A humbling and amazing history, agree?

A Rich Agricultural Scene Uncovered

Redland, known as the Redlands, is a historic unincorporated community and agricultural area in Miami-Dade County and just northwest of--you guessed it-- Homestead!

The rich agricultural community boasts a large farming belt directly adjoining the seventh most populous major metropolitan area in the country, which proudly produces a variety of tropical fruits, many of which do not grow elsewhere in the continental United States.

Major crops in the Homestead area include citrus, sugarcane, tomatoes, peppers, cotton, watermelons, peanuts, snap beans, and potatoes. 

Oh, and don't forget Knaus Berry Farm, which offers the sweetest, most succulent strawberries in the county!

A Large Bedroom Community

Because of its ideal location, it's not surprising that Homestead has become a large bedroom community for its huger neighbor to the north, Miami.

I mean, it's been a steady trend since 2002-- yes, the same year as Hurricane Andrew-- and from 30,000, the population has shot up to more than 70,000, a miraculous recovery. 

The nearby Villages of Homestead is also a vast residential development that has seen tremendous growth since 1992. 

Not to mention the many other developments that have sprouted up in the area because of the scarcity of affordable land nearer to Miami.

The Fast but NOT Furious

If you didn't already know, the Homestead Miami Speedway is Florida's most popular racing track-- and well, what did you know? 

It's in Homestead!

Having hosted numerous Indy and NASCAR races, the Homestead Miami Speedway attracts spectators from different parts of the world. 

During racing season, a cool and festive vibe descends over the town, and the speedway’s grandstands get downright raucous with the sounds of roaring engines, squealing tires, and screaming fans.

Many visitors find it exhilarating, but if you're more into quiet time with a good book, then it would be wise to steer clear of the speedway at such times.