Miami Beach Real Estate
Miami Beach Condos and Homes Offer Residents a Permanent Vacation in the World’s Mecca of Beaches, Nightlife, Dining and Shopping
An island city of just 7.1 square miles, Miami Beach is larger than life. While the world fantasizes about sunbathing on its white-sanded beaches, partying past dawn at its South Beach nightclubs, and shopping fashion’s most desirable labels, Miami Beach residents live this dream every day. From cosmopolitan South Beach Condos to waterside mansions on exclusive islands, Miami Beach real estate offerings have grazed the silver screen and captured the imagination of millions. In reality, the experience far exceeds the fantasy.
With an invigorating energy driven by its diverse population, the city of Miami Beach is young and full of life. It was born out of two developers’ agricultural venture on a split of oceanfront beach in 1913, when John Collins and Carl Fisher built a bridge across the Biscayne Bay. Its real estate boom came during the Great Depression, when a group of developers built a large number of small hotels with stark moderne lines along lower Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. Today, South Beach is the most recognized area of Miami Beach. The images of the historic Art Deco district, made up of hotels and condo buildings with pastel paints and neon lights, define South Beach as one of the hottest places on the globe.
As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 87,900, with about half of its residents being foreign born. Those lucky enough to call Miami Beach real estate home indulge in over seven miles of beaches, three golf courses, twenty parks and thriving art, nightlife and dining scenes. It’s a city that’s never lacking in options—from taking a walk through the Miami Beach Architectural District to shopping and people-watching on Lincoln Road or relaxing at a spa at the Fontainbleau Hotel. Life on Miami Beach is as diverse as the people living it. Miami Beach homes range from $100,000 to $30 million. Miami beach condos and South Beach condos can be found from $75,000 to $24 million.
Residents of Miami Beach can choose from various public schools for their young children. Schools such as North Beach Elementary, South Pointe Elementary, Biscayne Elementary, Feinberg/Fisher K – 8 Center, Treasure Island Elementary, and Ruth K. Broad/ Bay Harbor Elementary serve the area’s youth. Nautilus Middle School and Miami Beach Senior High School are the only public schools on the Beach for grade levels eight through 12. Private schools include Landow Yeshiva – Lubavitch Educational Center (Klurman Mesivta for Boys), and Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy. With a plethora of beachfront communities, each characterized by their distinct real estate properties, choices abound along the Miami Beach coastline, from the tip of South Beach to Normandy Isle up north. Driving over the MacArthur Causeway offers a stunning view of many of these communities, and might inspire the urge to never turn back. Contact us to become a part of this world-famous location.
Miami Beach Communities
Indian Creek Island
One of America’s most exclusive communities, Indian Creek Island had a population of just 33 as of 2000 and boasted the eighth highest income rank in the United States. This small private enclave consists of about 30 homes, all situated along the edges of the island, while a 180-acre private golf course and the Indian Creek Golf Club comprise the real estate in the center. Its 24-hour police force and marine patrol make the island appealing to celebrities and families seeking the ultimate private escape. With homes ranging in price from $15 million to $40 million, Indian Creek Island is truly a place where only the best real estate will do.
Venetian Islands
A chain of artificial islands connected by the Venetian Causeway from the Florida Mainland to Miami Beach, Venetian Islands’ real estate properties offer a waterfront oasis within minutes of South Beach. Made up of Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, San Marino Island, Di Lido Island, Rivo Alto Island and Belle Isle, these luxurious communities enjoy the best of both worlds—tropical indulgence and outdoor activities along the Causeway combined with easy access to the rush of city life.
Palm Island
Located just off the MacArthur highway, Palm Island is a man-made island famous for its exclusive neighborhoods and multi-million dollar homes. This gated property is home to everything from Art Deco inspired homes to Mediterranean-style houses characterized by luxurious marble floors, French doors and private boating docks. Perhaps the most famous of its properties is the Al Capone home, a 14-room, 6100 square foot retreat built in 1922 on a waterfront lot. Residents enjoy the exclusivity of this Miami Beach real estate island and its convenient location just minutes from Miami Beach, downtown Miami, and the Miami International Airport.
Star Island
Like its name suggests, Star Island is a home to the stars. Celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith, Gloria Estefan and Madonna have owned real estate on Star Island, an oval-shaped artificial island built in 1922 and created by Carl Fisher. With just 35 homes on the island, this site offers opulent, multi-million dollar waterfront living that is often the envy of anyone driving down MacArthur on their way to South Beach.
Fisher Island
Named after Miami Beach co-founder Carl Fisher, who once owned it, Fisher Island is three miles off shore from Miami Beach but a world apart from other properties. Accessible only by private ferry or helicopter, it was once the exclusive home of the Vanderbilt family, and was only sold for development in the 1960s. Today, Fisher Island holds the highest per capita income of any place in the U.S., according to the 2000 Census.
The island lends itself naturally to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, with celebrity residents including Ricky Martin, Julia Roberts, and Oprah Winfrey. Much of its real estate imitates the architecture of 1920s Spanish-style mansions, and residents enjoy exclusive access to amenities such as the Fisher Island Country Club and the Victor Arsidi Observatory. The Island’s private school, Fisher Island Day School, covers pre-k through fifth grade for residents and students living in the surrounding islands.
Hibiscus Island
Just north of Palm Island, the neighborhood of Hibiscus Island rests on a man-made island on Biscayne Bay. Residents live the life of luxury in the island’s grandiose homes with panoramic views of the ocean and the Miami skyline. Set on small streets lined with lush tropical greenery, Hibiscus Island homes offer a quiet seclusion in an exclusive locale just a short drive from all the Miami Beach action.
Golden Beach
Take Collins Avenue north towards the Intracoastal Waterway and you’ll land on Golden Beach, an upscale community in a town 1.8 miles long. With a population of just over 900, according to 2000 U.S. Census, this exclusive stretch of land is home to million dollar homes and is conveniently located close to Miami Beach’s fine dining, cultural centers, and the world-famous Bal Harbour shopping mall.
Incorporated in 1929, this small quiet community is made up of 370 single family homes located mainly along its beachfront. Aside from Fisher Island, Golden Beach is the only town that has a private beach, and in addition to this exclusive sanctuary, its residents enjoy a historic beach pavilion and three parks. A widespread appreciation for family-friendliness and a beach lifestyle make Golden Beach a special place to live.
North Bay Village
The City of North Bay Village, which started out as a few palm-lined streets with 12 homes in 1941, has quickly grown into one of Miami Beach Real Estate’s staples for attractive single-family homes. Made up of three-islands—North Bay Island, Harbor Island and Treasure Island—the village is located in Northeast Miami-Dade, where residents have easy access to major airports, beaches, downtown Miami and Broward County via I-95 and 79th Street.
North Bay Village’s first residents were attracted to the area by the warm climate, living on the islands primarily during the wintertime. It quickly became known by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland for its restaurants and nightlife, the most famous being Dean Martin’s nightclub called Dino’s. Today’s North Bay residents live on the islands year-round, and the real estate market has seen a growth of high-rise luxury condos in the area since new construction began in 2000.
Normandy Island
Boating enthusiasts will find plenty of waterfront property in Normandy Island, a luxurious enclave in North Beach that has a canal running directly through its center. In real estate, location is everything, and with its abundant points of access to the water, Normandy Island boasts excellent locations for every home, from houses with a private dock on the bayfront to high-level condos with a view of the Intracoastal.
The neighborhood, which has its own 24-hour security personnel, truly offers something for everyone. To the north, the gated community of Normandy Shores provides a golf course with 350 surrounding homes. To the south, residents of Normandy Isle enjoy tranquil breezes and ocean views across Biscayne Bay.
Biscayne Point
Made up of two islands connected by a bridge, Biscayne Point is an exclusive neighborhood with access to two golf courses and a great deal of waterfront property just north of Normandy Shores. The area boasts a diverse mix of residents: Families, couples and retirees are all drawn to this Biscayne Bay property, which offers high-end residential living within close proximity to the conveniences of the mainland.
Bal Harbour
Miami Beach is famous through and through, from its party scene on South Beach to its wealth of luxury on Bal Harbour on its northern tip. Incorporated in 1946, the Village of Bal Harbour has quickly become synonymous with high fashion thanks to the famous Bal Harbour Shops, where Fendi, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier are just a few of the labels to be found in this outdoor shopping haven.
Residents of this pristine and luxurious area reap the benefits of a masterfully designed community. The Village of Bal Harbour was the first planned community in Florida to have its utilities placed underground. Developers set guidelines for the beachfront and the residential areas, and as a result its real estate is made of elegant homes and elite condos situated amongst waterfront properties and exquisitely manicured roadways. With a population of 3,305 as of the 2000 U.S. Census, the Village is widely known as one of Miami Beach’s models for the good life.