Cutler Bay, Florida
Cutler Bay, Florida encompasses ten square miles along the edge of beautiful Biscayne Bay in eastern Miami-Dade County. Founded in the 1870’s by Massachusetts doctor William Cutler, Seminole Indians had called the area “Big Hunting Grounds”. Dr. Cutler discovered the land while it was part of the Perrine Grant, land given to Dr. Henry Perrine for a tropical plant study center. Cutler fell in love with the property and purchased a 600-acre tract for $1.25 per acre. This was the simple beginning of what today is the charming community of Cutler Bay, FL.
The boundary lines of Cutler Bay are U.S. Highway 1 to the west and Black Point Marina to the south, a popular embarkation point for diving and deep-sea fishing expeditions.
At the time of the 2000 Census, the area was a census-designated place, unincorporated, and known as Cutler Ridge. It held a population of 24,781. In November 2005, residents chose to incorporate, changing the name to Cutler Bay, making it Florida’s youngest incorporated town, (November 2006 data). The current estimate of Cutler Bay’s population is almost 31,000.
The median household income for Cutler Bay, FL residents was almost $42,000, compared to $46,000 nationally. The per capita income showed as almost $19,000, with 11.5% of the population living below the poverty level. Median rents during the 2000 census were $551, while homeowner costs reported $1,173 monthly.
Cutler Bay, Florida provides five public elementary schools and two public middle schools for the younger residents. Twenty percent of citizens over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s or advanced college degree. As part of the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale Metropolitan Area, Cutler Bay students have a fine array of higher-learning institutes nearby, including Florida National College and the University of Miami.
Cutler Bay, FL houses the South Dade Government Center, the South Dade Library, and will soon be home to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center. This exciting $44-million dollar project, located on six acres of waterfront property, shall include a visionary main theater building with seating for 1000, an activities building for classes, and a stunning outdoor performance plaza for festivals and outdoor concerts overlooking the Black Creek Waterway.
Five charming parks grace the town of Cutler Bay, Florida, while the exotic Biscayne National Park is just across the water, where coral reefs shelter intriguing sea life, glimpsed by snorkelers and divers. Adventurous visitors can seek pirate treasure in the aquamarine waters here. Within 30 miles are two other excellent Florida parks. The Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park holds the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, a towering lighthouse built in 1825. The Oleta River State Park, found within sight-distance from the boisterous city of Miami, offers a natural haven for outdoors men. Kayaking and canoeing bring visitors close to manatees and porpoises. Miles of off-road bike trails provide exercise, and the Butterfly Garden lends itself to peaceful strolling.
Cutler Bay, Florida gives its residents small-town waterfront living, while surrounded by theGold Coast’s most prosperous cities.
