Coral Gables, Florida

Coral Gables, Florida
Averette · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Coral Gables, Florida
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	25.7217°N 80.2684°W
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Florida
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Miami-Dade County
Area total km2	96.65
Area total sq mi	37.32
Elevation m	28
Population total	49631
Population as of	2020

Coral Gables, Florida is a city located in Miami-Dade County, known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture style, which was influenced by Addison Mizner and George Merrick. The city is home to the University of Miami, a private research university founded in 1925 by George E. Merrick, William H. Butler, and James M. Cox. Coral Gables is also the headquarters of Bacardi, a multinational spirits company founded by Facundo Bacardi in 1862. The city's Downtown Coral Gables area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the Coral Gables Museum, which showcases the city's history and Merrick House, the childhood home of George Merrick.

Geography

Coral Gables is situated near the Everglades National Park, a unique ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Florida panther, American alligator, and West Indian manatee. The city's geography is also characterized by its proximity to the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, which provide opportunities for boating and fishing. Coral Gables is bordered by the cities of Miami and South Miami, and is located near the Miami International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The city's Coral Gables Waterway is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, and offers stunning views of the surrounding Miami-Dade County landscape.

History

The area now known as Coral Gables was first settled by Tequesta Native American tribes, who were later displaced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. The city was founded in 1925 by George Merrick, who envisioned a planned community with a unique Mediterranean Revival architecture style. Coral Gables was officially incorporated as a city in 1925, and has since grown into a thriving community with a rich history and culture. The city is home to the Coral Gables Historic District, which features a collection of historic buildings, including the Coral Gables City Hall, designed by Phineas Paist, and the Coral Gables Congregational Church, designed by Richard Kiehnel. The city's history is also closely tied to the University of Miami, which was founded in 1925 by George E. Merrick, William H. Butler, and James M. Cox.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Coral Gables was approximately 49,631 people, with a diverse range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The city is home to a large Cuban-American community, as well as significant populations of Spanish-American, Italian-American, and German-American residents. Coral Gables is also a popular destination for international students, who come to study at the University of Miami and other local institutions, including the Florida International University and the Miami Dade College. The city's demographics are also influenced by its proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which are major hubs for international trade and commerce.

Economy

The economy of Coral Gables is driven by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and tourism. The city is home to a number of major employers, including the University of Miami, Bacardi, and the Coral Gables Hospital. Coral Gables is also a popular destination for shopping and dining, with a variety of upscale boutiques and restaurants, including the Miracle Mile, a famous shopping district that features stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to the Port of Miami, a major hub for international trade and commerce.

Education

Coral Gables is served by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, which operates a number of schools in the area, including the Coral Gables Senior High School and the Ponce de Leon Middle School. The city is also home to the University of Miami, a private research university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the University of Miami School of Law and the University of Miami School of Medicine. Coral Gables is also close to other institutions of higher education, including the Florida International University and the Miami Dade College.

Culture

Coral Gables is known for its rich cultural scene, which includes a variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Coral Gables Museum, which showcases the city's history and art, as well as the Merrick House, the childhood home of George Merrick. Coral Gables is also a popular destination for festivals and events, including the Coral Gables Festival of the Arts and the Coral Gables Food and Wine Festival. The city's culture is also influenced by its proximity to Miami and Little Havana, which are known for their vibrant Latin American culture and Cuban cuisine. The city is also home to the Coral Gables Art Cinema, which shows a variety of independent and foreign films, and the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, a professional theater company that produces a range of plays and musicals.