We all know and love our beautiful, tight-knit community. It’s an oasis of small-town charm right in the middle of the Miami-Dade concrete jungle. But whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer looking to plant roots, our city has a fascinating, layered history that often surprises people.
To celebrate what makes our hometown the best place to live in South Florida, here are 20 things you probably didn’t know about Miami Springs.
1. We Have Aviation Royalty in Our DNA
Miami Springs was founded in 1926 by Glenn H. Curtiss, a legendary inventor and aviation pioneer known globally as the “Father of Naval Aviation,” alongside James Bright.
2. It Wasn’t Always Called Miami Springs
When the city was first founded, it was officially named “Country Club Estates.”
3. We Actually Supplied Miami’s Water
People started referring to the area as “Miami‘s Springs” because our natural underground springs provided the rapidly expanding City of Miami with plentiful access to clean, fresh water. The nickname stuck, and the city officially changed its name.
4. There are No Springs
There are no springs in Miami Springs. Massive canal projects and the expansion of the Miami canal dramatically changed the landscape, reducing the water pressure that used to force water up from the Biscayne Aquifer. As the Everglades were drained via the canal systems, the balance of water shifted to the ocean. Today, the ocean puts pressure into the mainland causing saltwater intrusion as far west as Le Jeune Road.
5. One of Miami’s “OG” Cities
We were one of Florida’s very first planned communities, and the 5th municipality to incorporate in Miami-Dade County (following Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Hialeah).
6. The Pueblo Revival Look is Intentional
Unlike the Mediterranean Revival style of Coral Gables, Glenn Curtiss wanted a distinct look for Miami Springs. He chose the Pueblo Revival architectural style, which is why you still see historic homes and buildings with flat roofs, earth tones, and exposed wood beams.
7. A Perfect Triangle
If you look at the city’s core on a map, Miami Springs is shaped almost like a perfect triangle with three definable sides, spanning exactly 2.9 square miles of land.
8. A Built-in Airline Community
Because of our proximity to the airport and Glenn Curtiss’s aviation background, the city was rapidly developed and heavily marketed to become the preferred community for airline employees.
9. We Are a Tree City USA
Miami Springs has been officially recognized as a “Tree City USA” since 1993, which explains our gorgeous, lush tree canopy that keeps the neighborhood shaded and cool.
10. A “Preserve America” Designation
The city was recently designated a “Preserve America City” by the federal government in honor of our intense commitment to preserving our local environment, history, and incredible quality of life.
11. The Oldest Golf Course in South Florida
The Miami Springs Golf Course wasn’t just an afterthought—it was built before the city even incorporated and holds the title of the oldest municipal golf course in South Florida.
12. Home to 30 Miami Opens
Our historic 18-hole golf course was a massive hit on the PGA tour, hosting 30 Miami Opens between 1925 and 1955.
13. Legends Walked Our Fairways
The list of legendary figures who have played our course is staggering. It includes golf icons like Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, and Walter Hagen, as well as celebrities like Nat “King” Cole, Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson.
14. We Have Our Own Police Force
Unlike many surrounding areas, Miami Springs maintains its own independent Police Department. Many of our officers live right here in the community, leading to incredibly low crime rates. (And a friendly reminder: never speed through Miami Springs—they will pull you over!)
15. It’s an Official Bird Sanctuary
If you love nature, you’re in the right place. Miami Springs is a designated bird sanctuary, providing a safe haven for parrots, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, ibis, and ducks.
16. The Curtiss Mansion Was a Real Home
The gorgeous Curtiss Mansion and Gardens isn’t just a historic venue; it was actually Glenn Curtiss’s personal residence, built in his beloved Pueblo Revival style.
17. A True Multigenerational City
Miami Springs is famous for being a non-transient community. People move here and never want to leave. In fact, many of our city employees and local business owners grew up here, attended school here, and chose to stay to raise their own families.
18. Wildlife Thrives Here
Beyond the birds, our city is teeming with wildlife. It is incredibly common to spot foxes, raccoons, opossums, and yes, the occasional alligator enjoying our canals and green spaces.
19. A Highly Exclusive Population
Despite being bordered by massive growth in Miami-Dade, our population has remained stable, hovering right around 14,000 residents. We’re a true “bedroom community.”
20. All Roads Lead to The Circle
City Hall, the Police Department, and our historic downtown are all clustered around “The Circle.” This historic hub has functioned as the beating heart of Miami Springs since the very day the city was founded.
What do you think? What surprising fact do you have about Miami Springs? Share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom or via social media.
