Pinecrest

Pinecrest FL Community Overview

Pinecrest, Florida – Community Overview & Real Estate Guide

Pinecrest is an affluent suburban village in Miami-Dade County, celebrated for its large estate lots, lush tree-lined streets, and exceptional quality of life. Anchored by top-tier public and private schools, beautiful parks like Pinecrest Gardens, and a strong sense of community, the local real estate market features luxury single-family homes, expansive estates, and modern new-builds—many offering long-term value in a tranquil, family-friendly setting.

Overview of Pinecrest, FL

Incorporated in 1996, Pinecrest sits just southwest of Miami, blending suburban serenity with quick access to city amenities. Entirely built-out and rich in mature landscaping, it’s known for estate-style residences and scenic village streets. While the population has seen minor declines in recent years, the community remains highly desirable among families, professionals, and luxury home buyers.

Key Facts about Pinecrest, FL
Area Approx. 7.54 sq miles
Incorporated March 12, 1996
Population (2023–2025) ~18,100–18,400 (slightly declining)
Median Household Income $192K; avg. income ~$312K
Median Home Value $1.18M – $1.9M (2023 estimates)
Main Roads US-1 (west border), close to Palmetto Expressway, near MetroRail Dadeland stations

Whether drawn by large estate charm, top-rated schools, or lush neighborhood ambiance, Pinecrest delivers a lifestyle defined by privacy, prestige, and permanence. It remains one of the most elite and stable residential markets in South Florida.

 

Living in Pinecrest, FL

Pinecrest offers serene, upscale suburban living with lush, tree-lined streets, sprawling estate lots, and a strong sense of privacy. Just minutes from downtown Miami, it combines peaceful neighborhood charm with easy access to urban amenities, including fine dining, boutique shopping, and top-tier schools.

Known for generous lot sizes, mature landscaping, and thoughtful zoning, Pinecrest emphasizes family-friendly design and long-term preservation of neighborhood character. With community parks, cultural programming, and responsive local governance, it’s equally ideal for families, retirees, and professionals seeking tranquility without losing touch with the city.

Feature Details
Community Type Quiet, upscale suburb with estate and ranch-style homes on large, shaded lots
Popular For Families, retirees, professionals, second-home buyers seeking privacy and prestige
Main Housing Types Luxury single-family estates, gated enclaves, new custom-built homes, generous bungalows
Parks & Outdoor Areas Pinecrest Gardens cultural park, Coral Pine, Flagler Grove, Suniland and Evelyn Greer parks; community trails
Shopping & Dining Suniland Shopping Center, local cafés and bakeries, nearby The Falls open-air mall
Health & Wellness Access to top health providers like Baptist Health & Nicklaus Children’s, plus local wellness classes
Schools & Education Excellent schools: Pinecrest Elementary, Miami Palmetto High, plus private options like Gulliver Prep
Transportation Easy access to US-1, Palmetto Expressway, close to Metrorail, with a free village shuttle (People Mover)

What Makes Pinecrest Special

  • Lush Green Canopy & Tranquility: Over 10,000 street trees, meticulous landscaping, and a calm atmosphere.
  • Strong Sense of Community: Civic-centered events and engaged local government foster tight neighborhood bonds.
  • Unmatched Parks & Culture: Pinecrest Gardens is a vibrant hub for nature walks, arts, markets, and community gatherings.
  • Top-Rated Schools: Schools like Miami Palmetto High (a former Blue Ribbon school) and respected private institutions draw families to the area.
  • Strategic Location: A peaceful enclave with close access to Miami lifestyle, cultural attractions, and coastal amenities.

With its serene environment, exceptional schools, ample green space, and proximity to Miami, Pinecrest offers a premium suburban lifestyle rooted in comfort, community, and long-term value.

 

Pinecrest Real Estate Market Trends (2025)

Pinecrest’s market is defined by luxury single-family homes on large, tree-canopied lots, with limited multifamily inventory. Demand focuses on renovated and new-build estates near top schools and parks; well-located homes with modern finishes continue to command premium pricing. Figures below reflect typical asking/sale ranges for representative property types in 2025 and will vary by street, lot size, and renovation quality.

Property Type Median Price (USD) Price per Sq.Ft (USD) Average Rent (USD/year) Rental Yield
2BR Condo/Townhome (limited inventory) $650,000 $520 $54,000 ~8.3%
3BR Single-Family Home (non-waterfront) $2,350,000 $780 $96,000 ~4.1%
4BR Luxury Estate (updated/renovated) $3,800,000 $890 $168,000 ~4.4%
New-Build Modern Estate (5BR+) $5,500,000 $1,050 $210,000 ~3.8%

Market estimates for Pinecrest, 2025. Values vary by micro-location, lot size, condition, and school zone. Rental yields shown are gross and exclude taxes/HOA/insurance/maintenance.

Pinecrest FL Luxury Home Streetscape


Accommodations Near Pinecrest, FL

Pinecrest itself is a residential village with no hotels; however several quality lodging options are located nearby. Whether you’re visiting for family, school tours, or property scouting, these hotels provide a comfortable home base within minutes of Pinecrest.

  • Courtyard by Marriott Miami Dadeland

    Upscale, modern hotel within walking distance to Dadeland Mall and dining. Spacious rooms, outdoor pool, business amenities.
    • 🏬 Near Dadeland Mall
    • 🏊 Outdoor Pool
    • 💼 Business Center
    From ~$180/night • Ideal for shopping & transit access
  • Hilton Miami Dadeland

    Full-service hotel adjacent to Metrorail and shopping centers. Features pool, fitness center, lounge, and easy airport/Downtown access.
    • 🚆 Steps from Metrorail
    • 🏊 Pool & Lounge
    • 🅿 Valet Parking
    From ~$190/night • Great for convenience & access
  • Best Western Plus Kendall

    Comfortable mid-century style suites with breakfast. Quiet Kendall location, garden area, and easy drive to Pinecrest.
    • 🥐 Free Breakfast
    • 🌳 Garden
    • 🚗 Free Parking
    From ~$105/night • Good value for family stays
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Miami Dadeland

    Sleek, modern hotel with rooftop pool and bar, fitness facilities, walkable to dining and shopping in Dadeland.
    • 🍸 Rooftop Bar
    • 💪 Fitness Center
    • 📍 Walk to Restaurants
    From ~$155/night • Stylish option for leisure travel

Activities and Entertainment / Things to Do

Pinecrest offers a peaceful yet culturally rich lifestyle thanks to botanical parks, community events, farmers’ markets, and beautiful green spaces. Whether you're exploring the village, dining locally, or attending cultural performances, there's something for every interest and age.

  • Botanical Beauty & Events

    Pinecrest Gardens
    A 20-acre botanical and cultural park merged from the historic Parrot Jungle site, featuring themed gardens, splash-play for kids, petting zoo, butterfly exhibits, and live performances.
    • Weekly Farmers Market
    • Annual Fine Arts Festival & MagiCamp
    • Plant displays, historic pathways & events in the Hammock Pavilion
    Great for families • Year-round programming
  • Open-Air Shopping & Dining

    Dadeland & The Falls
    Upscale lifestyle centers just minutes away offering high-end brands, casual eateries, entertainment and scenic outdoor corridors.
    • The Falls: pondside strolling & dining
    • Dadeland Mall: luxury stores and food court variety
    Great for weekend outings • Family-friendly
  • Outdoor Recreation & Trails

    Village Parks
    Enjoy local green space in well-kept parks hosting tennis, pickleball, jogging paths, playgrounds, and athletic fields—perfect for wellness and socializing.
    • Coral Pine Park: tennis & pickleball courts
    • Flagler Grove & Suniland Parks: playgrounds & sports fields
    • Evelyn Greer Park: athletic courts and jogging track
    Active lifestyle • Free to use
  • Community Events & Culture

    Village Gatherings & Sustainability Programs
    Pinecrest hosts a range of recreational programs, cultural events, and a progressive composting initiative to support environmental sustainability.
    • Weekly Farmers Market at Pinecrest Gardens
    • Summer camps, workshops & theater events
    • Everglades Earth Cycle composting project
    Engaging for all ages • Eco-friendly
  • Educational & Family Fun

    Petting Zoo & Splash Play
    The Gardens' splash pad and petting zoo offer interactive experiences for children, complemented by butterfly exhibits and nature exploration zones.
    • Splash-n-Play water area
    • Petting zoo with miniature animals
    • Butterfly exhibit and scenic trails
    Perfect for families • Educational outings

Whether you're enjoying a calm walk in the gardens, shopping with friends, staying active in the parks, or attending local cultural gatherings, Pinecrest blends nature, community, and convenience in every activity.

Schools, Nurseries, and Demographics

Pinecrest delivers a highly desirable environment for families, with access to top-rated public and private schools, nurturing early childhood programs, and a strong, well-educated community. Its blend of excellent resources, lush surroundings, and cultural engagement make it one of South Florida’s most sought-after villages.

Explore Pinecrest’s exceptional academic institutions and demographic profile to see why it stands out among Miami’s upscale residential communities.

Institution Type Distance Highlights
Miami Palmetto High School Public High School In-Village
A Blue Ribbon school serving the community for over 65 years; strong academics and engaged PTSA-supported programming.
Pinecrest Elementary School Public Elementary School In-Village
One of Miami-Dade’s top-rated elementary schools, offering strong community engagement and a nurturing environment.
Gulliver Preparatory School Private PK–12 In-Pinecrest
A prestigious independent school with both PK–8 and Upper School campuses in Pinecrest—known for rigorous academics and high college placement.
Pinecrest Presbyterian Day School Private Preschool–Lower In-Pinecrest
Highly regarded early childhood program noted for its nurturing teachers and strong foundational curriculum.
  • Population (2023–2025): ~18,100–18,400; slight decline from previous years.
  • Median Age: ~41.9–42.1 years.
  • Median Household Income: ~$192K, growing from ~$178K in 2022.
  • Home Value & Cost of Living: Median home values exceed $1.9M; overall cost of living index ~186—well above national average.
  • Ethnic Composition: Near even split—~50% Hispanic/Latino, ~39% White (non-Hispanic), ~5% Asian, remainder multiracial or other.
  • Foreign-Born Residents: Approx. 30–34% of the population.

Pinecrest’s combination of elite schools, affluent demographics, family-oriented culture, and global diversity make it one of the most powerful draws for long-term homebuyers and residential investors in South Florida.

 

Transportation & Accessibility in Pinecrest, FL

Though designed as a serene, car-centric village, Pinecrest is well-connected via key expressways and public transit. Homebuyers and residents benefit from quick access to Miami-area amenities along with local intra-village transport.

Residents can also rely on convenient local shuttle services and ride-sharing to supplement their mobility—making Pinecrest both peaceful and accessible.

Major Highways

Easy access to Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), Florida Turnpike, and US-1 (Pinecrest Parkway) connects the village directly to central Miami and surrounding suburbs.

Rail & Bus Transit

Served by Metrobus and nearby Metrorail stations at Dadeland North and Dadeland South. These offer fast access to Downtown Miami, the airport, and regional hubs. A local free shuttle, the Pinecrest People Mover, connects key village points and schools.

Local Shuttle Service

The Pinecrest People Mover and on-demand electric Freebee service offer free intra-village rides, ideal for accessing schools, parks, and transit connections around town.

Walking & Driving

Pinecrest’s calm, residential streets are ideal for walking, biking, or jogging. Sidewalk improvements and traffic-calming features (roundabouts, speed tables) enhance safety and neighborhood walkability.

Ride Sharing

Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Pinecrest, enabling flexible rides to nearby destinations and transit connections.

Pinecrest combines serene residential living with thoughtful transportation options—whether you're commuting to Miami, getting around town, or simply taking a stroll, it strikes the right balance of accessibility and tranquility.

 

Investment Potential in Pinecrest, FL

Pinecrest is one of Miami-Dade’s most desirable luxury enclaves, anchored by large-lot single-family estates, elite schools, and a calm, leafy suburban setting near major employment centers. Inventory is primarily high-end single-family homes (with limited condo/townhome options along Kendall Drive), so pricing is driven by lot size, modern upgrades, and proximity to top schools and parks. As of 2025, typical listing benchmarks include ~$3.4M median list price and ~$800+/sq.ft., with market time lengthening at the very top of the price range—creating selective opportunities for buyers and investors.

Why Pinecrest? Large estate parcels, tight new-build supply, and excellent public/private schools sustain long-term demand. Florida’s favorable tax environment (no state income tax), plus homestead benefits like the “Save Our Homes” assessment cap (primary residences) and a separate non-homestead cap, support ownership stability. For income strategies, note that vacation rentals require local registration; longer leases remain the most common approach for luxury properties.

Luxury Estates
~4.5% Gross Yield
Condo/Townhome*
~5.6% Gross Yield
New-Build Modern
~3.8% Yield; Spec ROI
Capital Growth
~4–7% p.a. Long-Run
  • Large-Lot Scarcity: Predominantly single-family zoning with many 0.5–1.0+ acre parcels limits supply and supports pricing.
  • School-Driven Demand: Proximity to top public (e.g., Miami Palmetto) and prestigious private (e.g., Gulliver Prep) schools sustains buyer interest.
  • Tax Advantages: No state income tax; homestead exemptions and assessment caps can reduce long-term tax burden for primary residences.
  • Rental Strategy: Vacation rentals require village registration; most investors favor annual/seasonal leases for luxury homes.
  • Build & Rebuild: High ROI potential in quality renovations or custom new-builds on premium lots meeting modern codes and buyer tastes.

For buyers and investors, Pinecrest offers stability and prestige: blue-chip single-family assets, limited multifamily competition, and enduring demand from families seeking space, privacy, and elite schools. *Condo/townhome inventory is limited within Pinecrest proper; yields shown reflect typical nearby options along Kendall/Dadeland.

 

Pinecrest Compared to Other Miami Suburbs

Choosing where to invest in South Miami-Dade depends on your priorities—estate-size living, school zones, rental yield, or long-term growth. Pinecrest stands out for its luxury estates and top schools, but nearby areas like Coral Gables, South Miami, and Palmetto Bay also provide strong lifestyle and investment options. The table below compares key metrics across these popular communities.

Community Median Home Price Avg. Annual Appreciation Main Appeal
Pinecrest $3.4M 4–7% Large estates, top schools, family-friendly prestige
Coral Gables $1.6M 4–6% Historic charm, walkable luxury, golf courses
South Miami $1.2M 5–6% Trendy urban vibe, shops, smaller lots
Palmetto Bay $1.1M 5–7% Waterfront options, suburban family appeal
Kendall $620K 3–5% More affordable entry, condos & townhomes
Coconut Grove $2.2M 5–7% Bohemian luxury, marinas, walkability
Pinecrest
4–7% $3.4M
Coral Gables
4–6% $1.6M
South Miami
5–6% $1.2M
Palmetto Bay
5–7% $1.1M

Key Takeaways: Pinecrest remains the benchmark for large-lot luxury in South Miami-Dade, appealing to families and long-term buyers. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove compete on historic charm and lifestyle, while South Miami and Palmetto Bay offer strong growth with more accessible price points. Kendall provides entry-level affordability, especially in condos and townhomes, making it an investor-friendly option.

Data: Zillow, Redfin, Miami Realtors MLS, 2025

 

Future Developments and Trends in Pinecrest

  • Ongoing rebuild trend of older ranch homes into modern estates with 6,000–10,000 sq.ft. layouts.
  • Growing demand for sustainable builds (solar-ready, EV chargers, smart-home features).
  • Continued premium pricing near top-rated schools (e.g., Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Senior High).
  • Luxury townhome and condo developments limited, but demand spills into nearby South Miami and Dadeland.
  • Infrastructure enhancements in nearby US-1 and transit corridors improving accessibility.

 

Considering a Move to Pinecrest?

Pinecrest, FL is one of Miami’s most desirable suburban enclaves—offering spacious estate-style living, top-rated schools, and a tranquil lifestyle just minutes from Downtown Miami and Coral Gables. Known for its lush tree canopy, family-friendly vibe, and large lots, Pinecrest is a premier choice for those seeking luxury and convenience.

Whether you’re relocating for family, lifestyle, or investment, Pinecrest provides a variety of housing options—from gated luxury estates and Mediterranean-style homes to modern new builds and exclusive townhomes nearby. The community also offers outstanding parks, boutique shopping, and access to some of the best private and public schools in South Florida.

Ready to plan your move? Explore tips, neighborhoods, and market insights in our full Pinecrest relocation guide.

Read the Complete Pinecrest Relocation Guide →


Frequently Asked Questions about Pinecrest

How much does it cost to live in Pinecrest, FL?
  • Luxury condos (nearby Coral Gables/Dadeland): from $600K–$1M+
  • Townhomes (limited supply): $700K–$1.2M
  • Single-family homes: median around $2.2M
  • Luxury estates: $3M–$8M+, depending on lot size and features
Updated Q1 2025, source: Miami MLS & Redfin
Is Pinecrest a walkable community?
Pinecrest is primarily suburban with spacious lots and tree-lined streets. While some areas near schools and Pinecrest Gardens are walkable, most residents rely on cars for daily errands.
Is Pinecrest good for investment properties?
Yes. Pinecrest is one of Miami-Dade’s most stable luxury markets, with strong long-term appreciation, high demand from families, and limited new construction preserving exclusivity.
How is the rental market in Pinecrest?
Strong but competitive. Luxury single-family homes rent between $6,000–$15,000/month. Upscale condos and townhomes nearby range from $3,500–$6,000/month, attracting executives and families relocating to Miami.
What makes Pinecrest different from other Miami suburbs?
Pinecrest offers large estate lots, top-ranked public and private schools, and a quiet, green lifestyle just 20 minutes from Downtown Miami. Its combination of suburban tranquility and luxury living sets it apart from denser urban neighborhoods.

Overview for Pinecrest, FL

18,138 people live in Pinecrest, where the median age is 41.9 and the average individual income is $103,702. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

18,138

Total Population

41.9 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$103,702

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Pinecrest, FL

Pinecrest has 5,999 households, with an average household size of 3.02. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Pinecrest do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 18,138 people call Pinecrest home. The population density is 2,434.39 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

18,138

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

41.9

Median Age

51 / 49%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
5,999

Total Households

3.02

Average Household Size

$103,702

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Pinecrest, FL

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Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Pinecrest. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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