M
iami's Little River is a neighborhood on the cusp of transformation, its gritty reputation belied by a rich history and untapped potential. This 1.25-square-mile area has been home to indigenous tribes since Florida's early days, and its proximity to Biscayne Bay made it an attractive spot for settlers.

    From above, Little River appears as a patchwork of industrial sites and vacant lots. But on the ground, a different story unfolds. "We're creating a neighborhood that blends Miami's eclectic culture with a human scale," says Dan Schor of AJ Capital Partners, the area's primary developer. Their vision includes garden-style residences, townhouses, and low- to mid-rise apartment buildings.

    The current landscape is dotted with fixer-uppers, from a 500-square-foot condo listed for $148,000 to a 6,534 square-foot riverfront lot asking $1.6 million. Despite the rough-around-the-edges feel, local realtor Ramona Bautista has recently sold two listings in Little River. "The neighborhood is evolving quickly," she notes, "offering buyers and investors a chance to be part of its transformation."

    Little River's biggest draw so far is its dining scene. Sunny's Steakhouse, once the hardest reservation in Miami to get, now sits alongside Michelin-rated Ogawa, a 10-seat sushi bar with the highest ratings among one-star Michelin restaurants in the US. More destination eateries are on the way, including Fooq's, a 9,000-square-foot venue promising great nightlife and dining.

    While some locals are optimistic about Little River's future, others remain hesitant to call it home. "It's still very up and coming," says Steve Santana of Off Site nano-brewery and kitchen. "A lot of growth is on the way, but currently, it's a bit rough around the edges." Even Fooq's owner David Foulquir isn't sold on living in Little River yet – he's shopping for a home in neighboring El Portal.