The Desmond Howard House is a 9,529-square-foot estate located in South Miami, Florida, featuring six bedrooms and seven bathrooms on 1.09 acres. Valued at approximately $3.1 million, the property reflects the successful career of the 1991 Heisman Trophy winner and current ESPN college football analyst.
Former Michigan Wolverines star and ESPN personality Desmond Howard owns an impressive residence in South Miami that mirrors his accomplished career. The property stands as proof of Howard’s journey from college football legend to respected sports analyst.
Property Specifications and Location
The Desmond Howard House spans 9,529 square feet on a 1.09-acre lot at 7507 Ponce De Leon Road in South Miami. The estate carries an assessed value of $3,158,197 as of 2019, with annual property taxes reaching $55,917.
The residence sits in an unincorporated section of South Miami, an area attracting professional athletes and high-profile individuals. The neighborhood includes retired New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez and former Miami Heat players, creating an environment where privacy meets proximity to Miami’s cultural attractions.
The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom configuration provides substantial living space for Howard and his family. Howard moved to the property in 2012, establishing roots in Florida that align with his broadcasting commitments at ESPN.
Architectural Features and Design
The property represents modern Florida architecture adapted for tropical living. The structure includes multiple living areas, a formal dining space, and entertainment zones suited for both family life and hosting guests.
The estate features state-of-the-art security systems, including surveillance cameras and a gated access system, with high walls and dense foliage ensuring privacy. These security measures reflect the needs of a public figure who maintains a high-profile career in sports media.
Interior spaces blend comfort with practical design. The main living areas connect to outdoor spaces, taking advantage of Florida’s climate while maintaining temperature control through modern systems. Natural light enters through strategically placed windows, reducing energy costs while creating bright, welcoming rooms.
Outdoor Amenities and Landscaping
The 1.09-acre lot provides substantial outdoor space, rare in urban South Florida. The grounds include landscaped gardens, outdoor entertainment areas, and space for recreational activities. Given Howard’s athletic background, the property accommodates an active lifestyle with room for sports and exercise.
The backyard includes a pool and areas resembling a mini football field, connecting Howard’s professional past with his current family life. These features allow him to maintain physical fitness while creating space for his children to pursue their own athletic interests.
The landscaping balances privacy with aesthetic appeal. Mature trees and strategic plantings create natural barriers while enhancing the property’s curb appeal. The outdoor design requires minimal maintenance despite Florida’s demanding climate.
Smart Home Technology Integration
Modern technology enhances the property’s functionality. Automated systems control lighting, climate, and security throughout the residence. Voice-activated assistants manage routine tasks, while integrated entertainment systems serve multiple rooms.
The home includes a theatre with plush seating, a game room filled with memorabilia, and a fully equipped gym. These dedicated spaces reflect Howard’s career in sports media and his commitment to fitness.
Energy management systems track usage across the property, reducing costs while maintaining comfort. Smart thermostats adjust to occupancy patterns, and automated window treatments respond to sun position throughout the day.
Howard’s Career Connection to Florida
Desmond Howard joined ESPN in 2005 as a college football analyst and appears on College GameDay alongside Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso. His role requires travel during football season, but he maintains Florida as his primary base.
The South Miami location positions Howard within reach of ESPN’s facilities while providing a stable home environment. His broadcasting career includes coverage of the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship games, creating a schedule that benefits from Florida’s central East Coast location.
Howard recently purchased an $800,000 Liberty Lofts unit in Ann Arbor, connecting him back to the University of Michigan, where his twin sons attend school. This investment demonstrates his continued ties to Michigan while maintaining his primary residence in Florida.
From Heisman Winner to Property Owner
Howard won the 1991 Heisman Trophy after catching 62 passes for 985 yards and scoring 23 total touchdowns, while also gaining 694 yards on special teams. His college success translated into an 11-year NFL career that included Super Bowl XXXI MVP honors with the Green Bay Packers.
The financial success from his playing career and subsequent broadcasting work enabled Howard to acquire quality real estate in desirable markets. His property choices reflect both investment strategy and lifestyle preferences, balancing career demands with family needs.
Howard’s estimated net worth supports the maintenance of multiple properties. His South Miami estate represents his primary residence, while the Ann Arbor property serves as a connection point to his Michigan roots and his sons’ current education.
Market Context and Property Value
South Miami real estate values have increased substantially over the past decade. The area’s combination of good schools, proximity to business centers, and quality of life attracts buyers willing to pay premium prices for well-located properties.
The property’s assessed value of $3.1 million places it in the upper tier of South Miami properties. The per-acre value of $51,300 reflects land scarcity in this established neighborhood, where large lots rarely become available.
Comparable properties in the area typically feature smaller lot sizes or fewer square feet of living space. Howard’s combination of substantial acreage with a large residence creates value that extends beyond simple square footage calculations.
Neighborhood Demographics and Amenities
The South Miami area, where Howard live,s shows a median household income of $129,167, indicating an affluent community. The neighborhood’s demographic diversity creates a cosmopolitan environment while maintaining suburban character.
Local amenities include top-rated schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. The property’s location provides easy access to major highways while remaining removed from commercial districts. This balance allows residents to reach downtown Miami or Miami Beach within reasonable drive times.
The community attracts professionals who value privacy and space without sacrificing urban conveniences. Nearby parks and nature areas offer outdoor activities, while cultural institutions provide entertainment options beyond typical suburban offerings.
Investment Perspective
Real estate in established South Florida neighborhoods provides both lifestyle benefits and investment potential. Properties on larger lots in desirable school districts maintain value during market fluctuations while appreciating during growth periods.
Howard’s 2012 acquisition timing positioned him well in the market. South Florida real estate recovered from the 2008 financial crisis through the 2010s, with properties in premium locations seeing substantial appreciation.
The property’s configuration allows for future modifications or improvements that could enhance value. Large lots provide options for additions or separate structures that smaller properties cannot accommodate.
FAQs
Where is Desmond Howard’s house located?
The property sits at 7507 Ponce De Leon Road in South Miami, Florida, in an unincorporated section of Miami-Dade County.
How big is the Desmond Howard House?
The estate contains 9,529 square feet of living space on a 1.09-acre lot, featuring six bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
What is the property worth?
The assessed value reached $3,158,197 in 2019, with annual property taxes of $55,917.
When did Desmond Howard buy the house?
Howard moved to the property in 2012, establishing his Florida residence while building his ESPN career.
Does Desmond Howard own other properties?
Yes, he recently purchased an $800,000 condo in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his twin sons attend the University of Michigan.
The Desmond Howard House represents more than a celebrity residence. It serves as a home base for a respected sports analyst while providing space for family life in South Florida’s competitive real estate market. The property’s features and location reflect careful selection by someone who understands the value of strategic positioning, both on the football field and in real estate investment.
