Hialeah, Florida

What It Is Like to Retire in Hialeah

Hialeah is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with a population of 224,669 (2010 census). It is a major municipality within Greater Miami and has the highest percentage of Cuban and Cuban American residents of any city in theUnited States, allowing the Cuban culture to be a distinctive feature of this city.  Hialeah is remembered for its entertainment contributions during the “Roaring ‘20s” with the opening of the Hialeah Race Track, nicknamed the “Grand Dame”.  The park attracted millions of visitor including the rich and famous and was a playground for the elite.  It is also the site of an Audubon Bird Sanctuary famous for its pink flamingos. Since 2009, the park has been going through a major restoration and is now home to Hialeah Park Racing and Casino.

During the late 1950’s, city planners, World War II veterans, and Cuban exiles transformed the city into a diverse working-class community proud of its culture and family-oriented neighborhoods. Because of its location,Hialeah is an important link in the transportation chain and is served by the Miami Metrorail, Tri-rail and Amtrak, along with having access to major thoroughfares. Hialeah is also the city from which Amelia Earhart left on her ill-fated flight around the world in 1937. Photo of Trojans courtesy of Alaen Miranda and Wikipedia in the public domain.

Where to Retire in Hialeah and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value to be $297,907 in mid-2020.

What Is Special about Hialeah

Hialeah is full of ethnic neighborhoods and “mom and pop” stores still thrive, although it is also home to the “big boxes” and the many chains; Hialeah has a good transit system through which many commute to Miami and to the airports each day ;  Hialeah has access to every major thoroughfare including I-75, Palmetto Expressway, and the Florida Turnpike; Hialeah Race Track and Casino.

What Is Not Special about Hialeah

Oceanside has a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Day of the Dead celebration. The Surf Museum and the beach soccer tournaments give one the idea that outdoor recreation is part of the local culture. Mira Costa College and nearby San Diego offer additional cultural opportunities.

Who Will Like Retirement in Hialeah

Those who want a city filled ethnic neighborhoods and local markets, yet close to Miami and all its glitz.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Construction

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is 69 degrees and the average July temperature is 83 degrees.  June is the rainiest month.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Hialeahis a vibrant community that continues to grow.  The rich Hispanic heritage is celebrated with festivals through out the years as well as many other events; many local restaurants offer Cuban cuisine, among other specialties;  AmeliaEarhart Park is popular for picnics, bike trails, paddle boats, petting zoo and more, and there are big plans to expand Hialeah Park Race Track and Casino with hotels, restaurants and shops.

Crime

Hialeah's crime rate has shown steady decline over the past several years, but it is still slightly above average with most  of the crimes commited against property and are non-violent.

Medical facilities

Hialeah Hospital

Palm Springs General Hospital

Palmetto General Hospital

Transportation

“All Ways Lead to Hialeah" was one of the city’s first slogans and it appears to be appropriate as the city has access to several major thoroughfares such as I-75, Palmetto Expressway, Florida Turnpike, and Okeechobee Road.  The city also  provides direct access to both Opa-Locka Airport and Miami International Airport, and is served by the Miami Metrorail, Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer stations, and Amtrak, along with its own city-wide bus service.   

Valuable Links

City of Hialeah