Wynwood / Edgewater

Today’s Wynwood, with all its art galleries, expensive and shiny condominiums, and chic retail spaces; is a far cry from the “Little San Juan” community of about 10-15 years ago. Gentrification has definitely taken its toll in our little community, and while many residents of this Miami neighborhood praise the radical change in the area, I miss the old Wynwood. Some things never change: the Edgewater portion of Wynwood is still the safest and most chic place to live; while the vicinities surrounding Roberto Clemente Park, I-95 and parts of Biscayne Blvd are still considered somewhat sketchy (but fun).

Wynwood is the heart of the visual arts and fashion of the Miami Design District. If you enjoy living surrounded by forward-thinking art galleries, this is the place for you. The new bars and restaurants are of the more upscale, chic, and bohemian variety; though you can still find some venerable Puerto Rican flavor in the neighborhood in the form of cafeterias, bodegas, and shady bars that blare salsa and reggaeton. Visitors are encouraged to eat at the family owned cafeterias to taste delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the brand new retail spaces such as Target and Marshall’s and gaze at the amazingly beautiful women that frequent those stores.

Traffic is mostly hit-and-miss in the area. There are plenty of side streets for those wishing to avoid Biscayne Blvd and Miami Ave. Escaping to Miami Beach is easily accomplished by 195 to the north and the Venetian Causeway to the south. Access to downtown Miami is also a breeze, and I-95 can be avoided.

While Wynwood has experienced a shift in its population demographics and socioeconomics, it is still a decent place to raise a family. There are many community resources such as low cost health care (Clinica Borinquen) and child care (Kidco). Summer days can be a blast at the water playground of Roberto Clemente Park; and the waterfront Pace Park is also a good bet for picnics and festivals.

The art gallery revival effort in Wynwood and Midtown Miami has brought about some new clean architecture and has revitalized sections of the neighborhood. Economic development is in full swing, and the art gallery owners and patrons have shown interest in community involvement. All in all, Wynwood looks toward the future and is intent in becoming one of Miami’s most exciting communities.