Coral Gables: Effortless Beauty?

By: Candice Basmajian

The city of Coral Gables takes pride in its nickname- “The City Beautiful.” However, most who drive under its canopy of trees and marvel at the beautiful homes lining its streets have no idea that how many rules the city actually poses on residents to maintain that title.

Coral Gables was originally founded by George Merrick in the 1920’s and was one of the first well planned neighborhoods in the nation. Built in a Spanish-Mediterranean style, Coral Gables still retains that original look, and its uniformity allows any who visit to guess its boundaries quite accurately. The look is purposeful and its effect is stunning, but homeowners and renters must give up artistic rights of their homes to the city to maintain the proper curb appeal.

From the shades of acceptable paint options for the outside of their homes, to the permissions and approvals they must receive to erect mailboxes and fences, Coral Gables residences are under a very watchful eye. The residences must choose landscaping, paving, and lawn fixtures that blend in with the style, and can be fined when they violate these rules. Adrian Fernandez, a resident of Coral Gables and a renter on the beautiful Segovia street, explained that he was fined over $200 for putting up a basketball stand and hoop in his front driveway- a common mistake that the city frowns upon.

Although many residents have had personal annoyances with the permit, approval and fines that the city hands out, many feel that it is worth it. The obvious beauty of the area, as well as the prestige that comes from living within its shaded streets, makes Coral Gables a playground for the wealthy, and a symbol of status for all who reside there.