Our Neighborhoods
Home of an HBCU: The Story of Opa-locka North
Home to Florida Memorial University, the only HBCU in South Florida, Opa-locka North holds a special place among the neighborhoods that became Miami Gardens.
It shares a famous name, but Opa-locka North has an identity all its own, and a claim to fame that would be the envy of any community. This is the Miami Gardens neighborhood that is home to the only Historically Black College or University in South Florida. Concluding our series on the seven founding neighborhoods, here is the story of Opa-locka North.
Opa-locka North is one of the seven founding neighborhoods of Miami Gardens, incorporated in 2003. Its greatest claim to fame: it is home to Florida Memorial University, the only Historically Black College or University in South Florida.
A name with a story, and a distinction worth making
First, let's clear up a common mix-up. The name Opa-locka is famous across South Florida, thanks to the City of Opa-locka, a separate incorporated city known for its dazzling 1920s Moorish architecture, its Arabian Nights-themed streets like Ali Baba Avenue, and one of the greatest collections of Moorish-style buildings in the Western Hemisphere. That city was the vision of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss.
Opa-locka North is a different place. It is the community located just to the north of that city, and while it shares the evocative name, Opa-locka North is its own neighborhood, one that chose a different path in 2003 by joining the City of Miami Gardens. Understanding that distinction is the key to understanding the neighborhood.
Home to a South Florida treasure
Here is what truly sets Opa-locka North apart. The neighborhood is home to Florida Memorial University, the only Historically Black College or University in all of South Florida. That is no small thing. FMU is a historic institution with deep roots, and its presence makes Opa-locka North a genuine center of Black higher education, culture, and pride in the region.
For a city that would become the largest in Florida with a majority Black population, having its only regional HBCU within its borders is deeply fitting. The university anchors the neighborhood and connects it to a legacy of educational opportunity and achievement that stretches back generations.
Schools and community
Beyond the university, Opa-locka North is well served by schools that anchor community life. Golden Glades Elementary serves the neighborhood's youngest students, and Monsignor Edward Pace High School, a well-known private school, calls the area home, along with other educational programs. Education, from elementary school through a university, is woven into the fabric of this neighborhood.
A diverse community
Like much of Miami Gardens, Opa-locka North is richly diverse. Its residents reflect the broader community's blend of cultures, with English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole all commonly spoken at home, along with other languages of the Caribbean. That mix of African American, Hispanic, and Caribbean heritage gives the neighborhood the vibrant, layered character that defines South Florida at its best.
Located in the northwest part of the county with convenient access to major highways, Opa-locka North is a practical, working community and a residential home for thousands of families.
Part of Miami Gardens
In 2003, Opa-locka North became one of the seven original neighborhoods that incorporated to form the City of Miami Gardens, alongside Carol City, Bunche Park, Norland, Andover, Lake Lucerne, and Scott Lake. In joining the new city, it brought something special: an institution of higher learning that serves the entire region, and a legacy of education and pride that enriches all of Miami Gardens.
Opa-locka North completes our tour of the seven founding neighborhoods. Read about Carol City, Bunche Park, Norland, Andover, Lake Lucerne, and Scott Lake, and discover local businesses in our directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is Opa-locka North the same as the City of Opa-locka?
No. The City of Opa-locka is a separate incorporated city, famous for its 1920s Moorish, Arabian Nights-themed architecture. Opa-locka North is a distinct neighborhood located to its north that became part of the City of Miami Gardens in 2003.
What is Opa-locka North known for?
Opa-locka North is best known as the home of Florida Memorial University, the only Historically Black College or University in South Florida. It is a diverse residential community and one of the seven neighborhoods that formed Miami Gardens.
Is Opa-locka North part of Miami Gardens?
Yes. Opa-locka North was one of the seven original neighborhoods that incorporated to form the City of Miami Gardens in 2003, along with Carol City, Bunche Park, Norland, Andover, Lake Lucerne, and Scott Lake.
Historical and neighborhood details from public records, local history sources, and U.S. Census data. The City of Opa-locka is a separate municipality. Published: September 8, 2026.
