Top 5 Things You May Not Know About West Kendall

West Kendall's "Juicy" Transformation

Are you ready to hear another fairy-tale transformation?

Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but West Kendall did evolve.

It's not as shocking as we'd like, but no doubt, newsworthy!

Before it became the suburban community we'd come to know and love, West Kendall was primarily an agricultural land dominated by farms and nurseries.

In fact, in the early 1900s, West Kendall was known as a significant contributor to Miami-Dade's agricultural sector, producing crops like tomatoes, beans, and squash alongside ornamental plants and tropical foliage.

However, World War II happened, and it was from the 1940s to the 1950s when Miami had a significant population, spurred by returning veterans and the country's economic expansion, which, in turn, created a demand for new housing and suburban development.

So, between the 1960s and 1970s, West Kendall's transformation from farmland to suburban community took effect, leading developers to purchase large agricultural land tracts to build residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools. 

By the 1980s to 1990s, West Kendall became a full-blown (and thriving) suburban haven, boasting all the daily amenities you need!

To Gator Neighbors and Feathered Friends

In West Kendall, seeing a gator roaming the streets is nothing out of the ordinary!

Just kidding — or are we?

On a serious note, since West Kendall is near the Everglades, residents often encounter wildlife typical to South Florida here and there, including alligators in canals and lakes traversing the area.

Other wildlife you may spot around West Kendall are herons, egrets, and smaller mammals and reptiles, like raccoons, marsh rabbits (aww!), green iguanas, armadillos, snakes, turtles, etc.

See? Even our furry, feathered, and scaly friends love hanging out in West Kendall!

TERRA-fic Learning: Sprouting Eco-Warriors

We already know that West Kendall has a premium selection of schools.

But did you know that it has a few unique ones, too?

TERRA Environmental Research Institute, or TERRA, which stands for "The Environmental Research Institute," is a magnet high school dedicated to environmental studies and sustainability.

It provides students with a curriculum integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with environmental education, preparing them for careers in environmental science, conservation, and related fields. 

In fact, TERRA even has a specialized curriculum that offers courses in ecology, renewable energy, environmental policy, and conservation biology!

Aside from this, TERRA also offers students an opportunity to do independent research projects on environmental topics of their choice, allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while contributing to the field of environmental science.

So, apart from producing scholars, West Kendall is sprouting eco-warriors, which is not a bad idea, especially in the state our Mother Earth is in!

West Kendall's Bearded Beer Revolution 

Love yourself a big, ice-cold mug of suds?

No need to go elsewhere — thanks to West Kendall's burgeoning microbrewery scene, finding your next favorite brew is as casual as receiving your monthly utility bill, but this one won't put you in tears!

IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal specialties, you name it, West Kendall has it (or will!) — notable microbreweries like Lincoln's Beard Brewing Co. promise the perfect place to unwind with friends and family with a beer in hand!

That, plus trivia nights, live music, a rotating selection of food trucks, and regular themed parties and festivals!

Are you ready to say "Cheers!" to the weekends?

Stealthy Sanctuaries Unveiled

As a "thank you" for reading our blog, we'll let you in on a secret...

Okay, it's not exactly a secret now since a thousand other blog enthusiasts are reading it now, but you get the idea!

If you're tired of pushing people "off the grass" for some alone time outdoors, we'll tell you where those in the know hang out!

You see, apart from well-known parks like West Kendall District Park and Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, West Kendall boasts several smaller, lesser-known green spaces, perfect for peaceful retreats, relaxation, and recreation — sans the crowd!

Take Wild Lime Park, for example!

Though not as famous as the rest (which we love!), Wild Lime Park boasts serene and picturesque green spaces perfect for nature lovers!

We're talking walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more!

There's also Kings Meadow Park, Winston Park, Rock Ridge Park, Snapper Creek Park — yes, the list goes on!

Now, aren't you glad you clicked on our link?