Introduction to Homestead, Florida
Homestead, Florida, in Miami Dade county, is 17 miles SW of Kendall, Florida (center to center) and 27 miles SW of Miami, Florida. It's situated in the southern tip of Florida between Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park. It features a tropical climate. The city is not situated along the coastline, but it has been affected by hurricanes.
It's bordered by the Homestead Joint Air Reserve Base. The downtown area features numerous restored Mediterranean revival structures. Homestead has an ethnically diverse population. The region includes a flourishing agricultural industry.
Homestead History
The city was incorporated in 1913. The name was given during the time the Florida East Coast Railway was being extended to Key West. The railroad tracks were being constructed in an area that allowed homesteading. Since the area did not have a name, the construction materials and supplies for the railroad workers were delivered to "Homestead Country." In the early 1900's, agriculture, including winter vegetables and tropical fruits were transported all over the nation and were significant factors for the local economy. In 1992, Homestead was severely damaged by the powerful Hurricane Andrew. A housing boom began in 2002 primarily due to a lack of available land in Miami-Dade County.
Homestead Attractions
- Fruit and Spice Park includes a wide variety of fruit, spice and nut trees.
- Coral Castle is an unusual structure comprised mostly of coral.
- Homestead-Miami Speedway.
- Monkey Jungle is a well known wildlife park which features endangered monkeys in semi-natural environments. It includes an Amazonian style rainforest.
- Homestead Sports Complex.
- Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo.
Homestead Activities
The Homestead Bayfront Park features a natural pool and beach and includes an area for fishing. Grossman Hammock, John Pennekamp Coral Reef, Key Largo Hammocks Botanical and the Barnical Historic are some of the popular state parks. The Keys Gate Golf & Tennis Club and Readland Country Club are popular with golfers. The Florida Keys are nearby.
Biscayne National Park is regarded as one of the best scuba diving locations in the nation. It's also popular for snorkeling, boating, fishing and glass bottom boat tours. The vast majority of the park is water. Everglades National Park attracts more than one million visitors annually. It's been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. It features the biggest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere and is home to a large number of species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals.
Homestead Higher Education
The city is home to a campus of Miami-Dade College.
Homestead Transportation
Air travel is provided at the nearby Miami International Airport.
