What are the best gated communities in Miami?

South Florida is home to some of the most exclusive gated communities in all of the United States. One particular gated community in South Florida that has stood the test of time, is the luxury gated community of Cocoplum.

It has solidified itself as one of the top gated communities in the country year after year. Cocoplum, in the city of Coral Gables, continues to attract domestic and international buyers from all walks of life.

The Cocoplum enclave was originally purchased by, George Merrick, the founder of the city of Coral Gables with the idea of adding a beach to the city. Many decades later, after being purchased by developers, it became known as the Islands of Cocoplum and Tahiti Beach.

Cocoplum is comprised of two separate phases, phase 1(map), and phase 2, which includes the islands of Cocoplum(map), and Tahiti beach(map).

The lots in Phase 1 tend to be larger than those in phase 2, however, property owners in phase 1 are not part of the homeowners association, therefore, they cannot enjoy the long list of amenities in phase 2.

Cocoplum Phase 2 includes a mandatory HOA membership of $35,000(one time payment) and a $1200 quarterly payment. Some of the amenities include a social club and events hall, a pool, a beach volleyball court, tennis courts, basketball courts, a fitness center and a private yatch club. The Cocoplum Yatch club has a large number of available boat slips available for rent and for sale that can accommodate Yatchs of 100+ feet. This becomes a great option for property owners on dry lots. The boat slips range from approximately $400,000 to $1 Million+ depending on the size and location.

Tahiti beach is an exclusive gated community within the already gated Cocoplum; adding a second layer of exclusivity. Tahiti beach is comprised of 28 Mega mansions. Access to Tahiti beach is only granted to its residents and those invited. The community’s private beach, tennis courts and serene streets, afford the exclusive residents a great way to socialize in a private and discreet setting. The properties in Tahiti beach have attracted the ultra wealthy and celebrities like singer Marc Anthony.  The highest price ever paid for a property in Tahiti beach was $23.5 Million for “9 Tahiti beach,” the previous owner paid $2.3 Million for the property in 1997. Since then, other mansions have become available for sale, including, 4 Tahiti Beach Island Rd, asking $34 Million, 23 Tahiti beach Island Rd, asking $22 Million, and currently the only available lot for development with approved plans, 29 Tahiti Beach Island Rd, To view available properties in Tahiti beach click here.

Incredibly, Cocoplum’s residents are within minutes of some the finest shopping and restaurants in South Florida, such as the shops at Merrick Park and Cocowalk in neighboring Coconut Grove. If you love Italian food, don’t miss a chance eat at one of my favorite restaurants Sappori de Mare.

It is no surprise that some of the best schools in South Florida and the Miami area or within minutes of Cocoplum, including Carrollton (all girls school), Ransom Everglades, and Gulliver.

As a native of Miami, I take great pride in the city’s tremendous growth. Most people from different states and abroad think of Miami as Miami Beach and often miss out on the vast and unique enclaves that the entire Miami region has to offer. I always tell my clients that “everything in Miami is maximum a 30 minute drive.” One of the things that makes the Miami area so unique is that, whether you live in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South  Miami, key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Brickell, Sunny Isles and Aventura, you can find your place in the world and still enjoy the most special aspects that each area has to offer.

I’m strong believer in exploring different neighborhoods, street by street, and house by house to develop a sense for the unique qualities of each area.