Located in Southern Florida, Hialeah is the state’s fifth-largest city, and one with one of the largest, and most vibrant Cuban populations in the state. Hialeah truly reflects the diversity of the greater Miami area, it is a diverse and thriving multicultural community. Hialeah is proud of its strong and steadily-growing business sector, its wide variety of beautiful and unique neighborhoods, parks and recreational facilities, and all that it offers to see and do. Truly, Hialeah has it all!
A Look at Hialeah’s History
Hialeah is a Native American name meaning “High Prairie”. The Native Americans loved this area for its grassy plains and its proximity to the water sources and wildlife in the Everglades. Subsequently, the area was discovered by pioneer aviator Glenn Curtis Missouri cattleman James Bright, who believed it had great potential in the early 1920s. During that time, Hialeah was a very popular place to be. Whether enjoying the sport of jai alai or greyhound racing, there was always much entertainment and plenty to see and do here. In the mid-1920s Hialeah Park was also opened up as a horse-racing track and has played an important role in horseracing history since that time. Since 1925 Hialeah has grown steadily – at that time it had a population of only 1500, but today it is the fifth-largest city in Florida with more than 230,000 residents. It has a strong Cuban heritage and is well-known for its diverse, hard-working and multicultural community where all can feel welcome and accepted.
A Few Fun Facts About Hialeah
Read more fun facts about Hialeah here.
Hialeah’s LGBTQ Community
Hialeah has an LGBTQ community that is smaller than those of larger cities, but one that is fortunate to be growing and thriving with the help of many community resources. Some of those resources include:
Pridelines is a community center serving the South Florida and greater Miami area which is specifically focused on helping LGBTQ youth. The group states that its mission is, “To support, educate and empower South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and community in safe and diverse spaces to promote dialogue, wellness, and to foster social change.”
Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Though technically based in Miami, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce serves the greater South Florida LGBTQ community by providing helpful information about LGBTQ-owned and friendly businesses in the area.
PFLAG South Miami is the area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country, and plays a critical role in providing advocacy, networking opportunities, connections and resources to the LGBTQ community. It also offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy and support for the LGBTQ community, and its friends and allies.
What’s the Weather Like in Hialeah?
Hialeah’s weather is consistent with what many people typically associate with Florida – plenty of sunshine, but also plenty of rain. During an average year, Hialeah receives about 65 inches of rain, which is almost twice the national average. The good news though, is that the rain comes in short bursts, and typically doesn’t last all day. Otherwise, there is plenty of sunshine and warmth around. For those who like cold snowy winters, Hialeah probably isn’t the place for you - but if you like plenty of sunshine and an abundance of warm days, you will probably find the weather here very much to your liking.
Can’t-Miss Events in Hialeah
Hialeah Pride is the city’s largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you definitely won’t want to miss. The yearly pride festivities are certainly plenty of fun, and they also serve an important purpose – to build an inclusive and safe space for self-expression, acceptance, and celebration of the beauty of diversity and all that it adds to the community.
Just a short drive away, the trip to Miami Beach for the yearly pride celebration is well worth it. For over a decade, Miami Beach has celebrated pride with a week-long festival of dancing, food, parades, parties, and fun of all kinds. What started with a crowd of 15,000 years ago has now grown to a celebration that usually includes more than 140,000 people from all over the world. It’s truly a can’t-miss experience each year!
The Best Neighborhoods in Hialeah
Though Hialeah is very close to Miami and Miami Beach, which are areas large enough to have what some traditionally think of as “gayborhoods,” because of its smaller size, Hialeah does not have one community that is specifically an LGBTQ community. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of wonderful neighborhoods here, though – in fact, all it means is that there are a variety of great areas to choose from, simply depending upon your lifestyle needs and personal preferences. There are a wide variety of housing options available – from condos, to bungalows, to uniquely Spanish-style homes, and everything in between. The median list price of homes in Hialeah is currently $258,000.
Arts and Entertainment
One of the things for which Hialeah is perhaps best-known is its historic Hialeah Park Racetrack, which covers 40 square blocks of the city. In addition to being a great place to watch horse races and enjoy casino games, the track also holds the distinction of being named an Audubon Bird Sanctuary, as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You won’t want to miss your chance to experience this unique piece of Hialeah history for yourself!
The annual Art on Palm Festival, held on Palm Avenue in the heart of Hialeah each year is an excellent way to enjoy good food, the talent of many local and national artists, and plenty of fun. In addition, there are live musical performances and other festivities that visitors can enjoy. Be sure to try it out for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
The Garden of the Arts is a beautiful outdoor space in Hialeah includes an amphitheater, many historic murals, lush gardens and landscape features, many monuments, and lots of paved trails for walking, cycling, and more. It’s a great space to enjoy a warm, sunny Hialeah afternoon.
The Tamiami Trail is a unique way to experience the essence of the beauty of South Florida’s unique environment. The Trail consists of the southernmost 275 miles of U.S. Highway 41 from Florida State Road 60 all the way to U.S. 1 in Miami. The trail crosses through the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, and is a perfect way to see all that South Florida has to offer.
Hialeah Nightlife
Located only a short drive away in Miami Beach, Bar Gaythering is a can’t-miss nightspot for a fun night out. The bar offers creatively-themed drinks in a hotel-like space as well as games, theme-nights, a spacious lounge area and an eclectic atmosphere.
The Floppy Rooster, also a few minutes away in the Miami area, is well worth the quick drive. It’s known for having some of the best dancing of any LGBTQ bar in the area, and for always having a welcoming, fun crowd, strong drinks, friendly bar-tenders, and excellent shows.
Contact a Hialeah Realtor Today
Many people are happy to call Hialeah home – and it might be the perfect place for you, too. If you’re ready to start your next chapter here, the first step is finding a realtor who knows the community, and who can help you to find a home and neighborhood that you’ll love. We’d love to help you get started. Contact a Hialeah gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
