Hello From

Homestead!

 

 

“Gateway to the Glades and the Keys”

Anna Maria Island

Homestead

A City in Miami-Dade County, Florida

 

Homestead, Florida is a vibrant city at the southern tip of Miami-Dade County, Known as the gateway to both Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys.  Homestead is the last major urban area before the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.

Blending agricultural heritage with suburban growth, Homestead offers lush farmlands, tropical fruit orchards, and a welcoming small-town feel while still being close to Miami’s urban amenities.

Its location makes it a popular home base for exploring the Everglades, Biscayne National Park, and the Keys while still providing convenient access to Miami.

Aerial View of Downtown Homestead.

Coral Castle, Homestead Florida

 

Location & Size

 Homestead is located about 35 miles southwest of downtown Miami and covers roughly 15.1 square miles.

Founded

Homestead, Florida traces its origins to the early 1900s, when the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway opened the remote, fertile lands of southern Miami-Dade County to settlers. Before then, the area was largely inaccessible, with no roads connecting it to Miami. Many of the first residents arrived to claim land under the Homestead Act, and when the railway established a stop in 1904, the name “Homestead” naturally stuck. The settlement grew quickly, fueled by agriculture, as farmers took advantage of the rich soil to grow winter vegetables and tropical fruits. Homestead was officially incorporated as a city in 1913, laying the foundation for its role as a vital farming hub and gateway to South Florida’s natural wonders.

HOMESTEAD WEATHER

Population

 As of 2024, Homestead’s population is estimated at around 83,000 residents.

Known For

  • Gateway to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park

  • Rich agricultural production, especially tropical fruits and winter vegetables

  • Annual events like the Homestead Rodeo and Redland International Orchid Festival

  • Historic landmarks such as Coral Castle

Cost of living

Homestead’s cost of living is more affordable compared to much of Miami-Dade County.

  • Median Household Income: $61,000

  • Median Home Price: $400,000

  • Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1,800/month

Things to do

  • Visit Everglades National Park for hiking, birdwatching, and airboat tours

  • Explore Biscayne National Park’s coral reefs and islands

  • Tour the mysterious Coral Castle

  • Shop for fresh produce at Robert Is Here fruit stand

  • Attend local festivals and farmers’ markets in the Redland agricultural district

Fun Facts

  • Homestead got its name because early settlers were working “homestead claims” when the railroad arrived.

  • The area is one of the top producers of tropical fruit in the U.S., including avocados, mangos, and lychees.

  • The city was heavily damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, an event that reshaped its development.

Nearby Cities

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