Community Background Report

Olympia Heights

County

Miami-Dade

Boundaries

North: S.W. 56th Street
South: S.W. 40th Street
West: S.W. 102nd Avenue
East: East: State Rd 826

Community Type

Neighborhood

History

Miami’s heritage is rich in the distinctive variety of its neighborhoods, and one of them is Olympia Heights. In comparison with metropolitan areas to its east and north, the neighborhood of Olympia Heights is a relative newcomer. All its development has taken place in the twentieth century, with the housing shortage created by the end of World War II (Immanez). During the 1950s, a westward migration of residents created a considerable increase in population density in the area around Olympia Heights, providing the footing for the current neighborhood (Immanez). To control growth, neighborhood organizations were formed as early as 1958. These improvement associations also pushed for improvements in traffic circulation, lighting, recreation facilities and general physical betterment of the area (Immanez). Olympia Heights was predestined to become one of metropolitan Miami's finest residential areas, due to its surrounding lakes. Since 1985, the neighborhood’s United Methodist Church has enjoyed a full choir with four musical instruments represented, setting a precedent for a community the size of Olympia Heights (Garriga 1985). The Olympia Heights neighborhood has placed emphasis on issues related to abandonment and misuse of private property (Immanez). The Miami-Dade Police Department has worked closely with community leaders of Olympia Heights to curb juvenile crime and illegal drugs (Weinberg 2000). Olympia Heights residents can feel secure walking through their neighborhood (Immanez).

Community Dynamics

In 2017, Olympia Heights had a population of approximately 14,300 people, with a median age of 45.8 and a median household income of $60,699. Between 2016 and 2017, the population of Olympia Heights grew from 14,122 to 14,345, a 1.58% increase, and its median household income declined from $60,766 to $60,699, a 0.11% decrease.

The population of Olympia Heights is 90% Hispanic or Latino, 8.75% White Alone, and 0.6% Black or African American Alone. U.S. citizenship is held by 75% of the population.

The median property value in Olympia Heights is $288,200, and the homeownership rate is 82.4%.

Business Landscape

Olympia Heights has multiple lakes, and Tropical Park is also located in the vicinity of Olympia Heights Census Designated Places (CDP). Schools such as the Blue Lakes Elementary School and Southwest Miami Senior High, as well as the Florida Christian School and the Gulliver Pinecrest Preparatory School, are within the boundaries of Olympia Heights.

Transportation

The main roads that serve Olympia Heights are S.W. 56th Street, S.W. 48th Street, and S.W. 40 Street, as well as S.W. 102nd , S.W. 97th , S.W. 92nd , and S.W. 87th Avenues, and State Rd 826. Buses # 87 and # 56 serve Olympia Heights. Most people in Olympia Heights commute by driving alone, and the average commute time is 29.7 minutes. The average car ownership in Olympia Heights is 2 cars per household.