Unwind amidst days framed by glistening lakes and the gentle rustle of palm fronds as your life finds a slower, sunnier rhythm in The Hammocks, a serene suburban pocket of West Kendall.
Prepare for mornings that begin with mirror-still lakes reflecting cotton-candy skies and evenings of palm silhouettes dancing under a coral sunset in The Hammocks, a leafy, tranquil retreat nestled between Kendall's western edges and the natural allure of the Everglades.
Offering effortless access to Miami's lively core via Kendall Drive and the Florida Turnpike, The Hammocks, often overlooked in favor of the flashier neighborhoods that surround it, is one of those well-kept secrets longtime locals treasure, knowing full well that beneath its mellow surface lies a lifestyle brimming with warmth, recreation, and connection.
Picture leafy avenues that spill into waterfront parks, weekend paddleboard sessions across calm lakes, and neighbors who treat small talk as an art form — here, friendly nods and block parties are as common as backyard mango trees.
The Hammocks also shines when it comes to everyday conveniences, with plazas, cozy eateries, and schools just around the corner, not to mention its proximity to major business hubs that make commuting a breeze (or skipping it for a remote day lakeside even easier!).
Finding a home in The Hammocks? It's a walk in the sun.
This sun-drenched corner boasts an appealing mix of spacious townhouses, single-family homes, and condos with lakeside views, all at prices that still feel attainable in Miami's fast-moving market.
Is it any wonder families and professionals alike are setting down roots in this slice of paradise? We think not.
So, if you're gearing up to call The Hammocks home, we're helping you slip right into local life sans the awkward trial runs!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to The Hammocks.
1) Light It Up, Heat It Up, Drink It Up — The Hammocks Way
Welcome to The Hammocks — where peaceful lakes, shady streets, and a steady chorus of swaying palms promise you've left Miami's chaos in the rearview.
But before lounging on the patio with cafecito in hand or waving to neighbors from your driveway, there's one decidedly un-glamorous task to check off: getting the utilities squared away.
First up is electricity, courtesy of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).
It's a pretty painless process — pop online, toss in your Social Security or Tax ID, driver's license, new Hammocks address, and the date you want your lights to flicker on.
If you're already an FPL regular, it's easier as you only have to update your move details.
And yes, set aside at least $25 for the deposit and minor fees that come with firing up your fresh start.
If you've picked a place that cooks with natural gas or keeps showers extra toasty, check if Florida City Gas (FCG) covers your slice of paradise.
If so, newbies submit IDs and start dates, while veteran customers can breeze through a transfer.
Be prepared for deposits based on home size or average use, plus a connection fee.
Finally, to ensure your first Hammocks morning starts with running water (and not a mad dash to buy jugs), you must set up service with the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department.
Head to their site to open an account and budget around $50 each for water and sewer deposits alongside a $45 hookup fee.
Already a customer? A quick check to clear old balances ensures a smooth switch.
And that's it.
Your fridge can hum, your stove can sizzle, and your sink is ready to handle all the mango-washing that comes with living in this leafy, lakeside slice of Miami.
2) Hit Play Without Delay: Your Hammocks' Digital Setup
Life in The Hammocks might revolve around lake views, weekend cookouts, and morning strolls under palm canopies, but let's be real — you still need that Wi-Fi so you can send work emails, FaceTime the cousins up north, or binge that new Netflix drop without a hiccup.
Around The Hammocks, most residents lean on the tried-and-true combination of Comcast Xfinity and AT&T to keep their homes connected, whether they have a household of casual browsers, dedicated remote workers, or a pack of late-night streamers.
First, figure out your bandwidth needs so you're not stuck buffering at the worst moment.
Once you've picked your plan, hop online or swing by a nearby service center with your ID and your shiny new Hammocks address.
Do you want to stick with Xfinity or AT&T? Make sure any outstanding bills are cleared, then transfer your service to your lakeside digs in just a few clicks.
It's also smart to ask upfront about deposits, installation fees, or rental charges for routers and cable boxes.
Plenty of providers just tack them on the first bill, but your wallet will thank you for clarifying before the statement comes out.
And with that, your new Hammocks spot is officially tuned in, powered up, and ready for everything from family group chats to lazy Sunday marathons, all without missing a lakeside sunset.
3) Legit in The Hammocks: The Driver's License Must-Haves
Nothing cements your new life in The Hammocks like swapping out your old driver's license for one stamped with your lakeside address.
Besides, you'll need it for nearly everything, from setting up utilities to proving you're not just here for the pastelitos.
Legally, Florida gives you 30 days from the moment you become a resident to get it done.
Miss that deadline, and you could end up explaining yourself to local law enforcement instead of enjoying your peaceful cruise under those palm-lined streets.
So, head over to the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) branch or authorized provider with the proper paperwork in hand.
What you'll bring depends on your status:
(Each has a document list, so double-check the DHSMV site before you go — it'll save you a second trip.)
Costs are pretty standard: $48 for a regular Class E driver's license, $75 if you're going the commercial Class A route, and $25 for a basic Florida ID card.
Need a complete fee breakdown? Click here.
If you're rolling in with a valid license from another state or country, chances are you'll skip the written and drug/alcohol tests, though they'll still want to make sure you can spot a stop sign and hear a horn.
Already hold a Florida license? Update your address so your mail doesn't keep chasing your old zip code.
And remember, Florida expects your car to be titled, insured, and registered within 10 days of making The Hammocks your new home turf.
Once sorted, you're ready to roll — window down, sun out, and The Hammocks lifestyle ahead.
4) From ABCs to APs: Schools Around The Hammocks
Think moving to The Hammocks means trading quality schools for lake views and leafy streets? Not even close.
This slice of West Kendall might look like a laid-back suburban retreat, but it's also packed with solid options for your kids from pre-K through high school.
No, you won't need to cross half of Miami to find the right fit.
Whether you're eyeing standout public schools like Kendall Square K-8 Center and Christina M. Eve Elementary, respected private institutions such as Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School or Learning Links, or prefer the diverse programs of nearby charter campuses, you have more choices than you might expect.
And since The Hammocks rubs elbows with areas like West Kendall and even deeper parts of Kendall proper, your basket of educational picks only grows, perfect for families who like a little academic wiggle room.
Want the full scoop? Check out our blog on the Best Schools in The Hammocks, or head straight to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools site to dive into boundaries, ratings, and programs.
If your little ones aren't quite school-age yet, you're still covered — The Hammocks and surrounding spots have plenty of excellent daycares to explore, so the youngest members of your crew can start thriving right alongside you, and you can find them all in Daycares in The Hammocks.
5) Say It with a Vote: Living Local in The Hammocks
Sure, moving to The Hammocks means soaking up breezy lakeside afternoons and swapping big-city chaos for palm-lined streets, yet it also means your voice matters, and there's no better way to start shaping your new community than by registering to vote.
If you're a U.S. citizen, at least 18, and meet Florida's basic requirements, you're just a few clicks (or a short drive) away from being election-day ready.
Take your pick: register through the Florida Department of State, mail in your paperwork, or stop by the nearest Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department, online, by mail, or in person at any Elections Department branch.
Ensure you have proper ID — a Florida driver's license or U.S. passport usually does the trick— but if you're thinking of something else, peek here first so you don't have to awkwardly fish through your wallet later.
From choosing local leaders to weighing in on whether more lakeside paths get funding, your vote helps guide the future of The Hammocks.
So, knock this off your new-resident checklist and give yourself an excuse to proudly say: yep, I live here, and I help decide what happens next.
6) Bin Basics: Trash Day in The Hammocks
Nothing ruins a lakeside stroll faster than rogue trash blowing down the street, don't you agree?
In The Hammocks, keeping things clean isn't just a nice idea but a community badge of honor.
From clipped lawns to tidy curbs, neighbors take pride in making sure this leafy corner of Miami stays photo-ready.
If you're new to the area, here's how to blend right in (and avoid an awkward chat with code enforcement or a surprise fine):
- Residential Garbage Collection: Twice a week (schedule varies by area)
- Recycling Collection: Once every two (2) weeks.
- "Bulky" Trash Collection: Two (2) bulky waste pickups per year, each up to 25 cubic yards, scheduled in advance, online, or by calling 311.
On collection day, place your cart at the curb by 7 a.m., within three feet of the road and five feet clear of anything else — parked cars, mailboxes, that slightly crooked palm.
And yes, the lid needs to shut all the way, or it's a no-go.
Large furniture or old appliances don't belong in your green cart, as they should be dropped off at a Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center or lined up for a proper bulky waste appointment.
Still not sure of your exact pickup days? Hop onto the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management website, or ask your HOA or property manager — they usually know the local schedule down to the minute.
Do your part, roll your bins outright, and give a friendly wave to the neighbor doing the same.
Keeping The Hammocks this clean is undoubtedly a team sport.
7) New Zip, New Routines: Love Where You Live in The Hammocks
Moving homes always comes with that risky little voice in the back of your head asking, "Did we just do the right thing?"
Well, The Hammocks shuts that voice up pretty fast.
Here, everyday life lines up how you hoped it would back when you were obsessively refreshing home listings.
Your kid's new school is around the corner, you have Publix, Aldi, and Walmart for your grocery store options, and errands that used to take your whole Saturday now only steal a sliver of your morning.
Plus, parks are like confetti, so whether it's an impromptu game of tag, an early jog, or letting your dog live his best life, there's a patch of green ready just moments away.
On weekends, you can lace up for an afternoon at Kendall Ice Arena, plan a bigger outing to Zoo Miami, or skip the whole plan and let your day get pleasantly sidetracked by brunch and errands that turn social when you bump into half the neighborhood.
And when you want Miami's downtown pulse or South Beach energy, it's a straight shot — close enough to keep you connected, far enough to stay optional.
The Hammocks delivers what you moved for: easier days, kinder commutes, and free days that can be busy or blissfully boring — all on your terms.
So, if you're wondering whether this new chapter was the right call, step outside, look at your peaceful street, and take a breath.
It feels pretty solid, doesn't it?
Want to know more about local gems, figure out which parks get crowded first, or how to get through bulk trash week? Check out our deep dive in The Hammocks, Miami — EVERYTHING You Want to Know.
(305) 439-3031 MOBILE
.png)
Discover Miami's top gated communities in this essential guide for luxury home buyers. Exp...
Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in every neighborhood of Miami, including the best...
Selling Your Home?
Who are we?
We are the ALL IN Miami Group out of Miami.
We are Colombian, Filipino, Cuban, German, Japanese, French, Indian, Syrian, and American.
We are Christian, Hindu, and Jewish.
We are many, but we are one.
We sell luxury homes in Miami, Florida.
Although some of our clients are celebrities, athletes, and people you read about online, we also help young adults find their first place to rent when they are ready to live on their own.
First-time buyers?
All the time!
No matter what your situation or price range is, we feel truly blessed and honored to play such a big part in your life.
