Miami Shores is a small incorporated village in Miami-Dade County, Florida, situated on the western shore of Biscayne Bay just north of downtown Miami. Despite its position in the heart of one of the country's largest metropolitan areas, the village has preserved a distinctly small-town character, with wide, tree-lined streets, a compact commercial district, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Officially established in 1932, Miami Shores is among the older planned communities in the county. The village's housing stock is one of its defining features. Miami Shores is known for its architectural diversity, ranging from Mediterranean Revival estates and vintage mid-century homes to newer renovations, all set along landscaped, shaded streets. Bayfront properties along the eastern edge offer views across Biscayne Bay, while the interior holds a tight grid of single-family neighborhoods. The village's zoning and community stewardship have kept much of that character intact over the decades. Barry University, a private Catholic university founded in 1940, is located in Miami Shores and gives the village an academic presence unusual for a community of its size. The main campus, with its subtropical landscaping, anchors the northern part of the village and brings students, faculty, and cultural activity to the area. Day-to-day life in Miami Shores centers on the village's local businesses, parks, and community institutions, with the restaurants, arts, and employment of downtown Miami, Wynwood, and the Design District only a short drive or transit ride away. Public schools are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. For those who want an established, walkable village with historic homes and immediate access to central Miami, Miami Shores occupies a distinctive niche.