If you love the sun, sand, and sea, Miami Beach, FL just might be for you.
Located right along the Atlantic, Miami Beach, FL is best known for its vibrant lifestyle, top-tier real estate options, and extensive selection of amenities and attractions. All that makes Miami Beach an extremely desirable destination for tourists, prospective residents, and investors alike.
Are you thinking of making this slice of Florida your home? Continue reading, as we lay before you everything there is to know about Miami Beach, FL.
Originally inhabited by the Tequesta and Seminole peoples, the area that would become Miami Beach would undergo several major changes before becoming the resort city that it is today.
The history of modern-day Miami Beach began in 1912 when entrepreneur Carl Fisher, who made his fortune building racetracks and roadways, set his sights on a barrier island off the coast of Florida. Although the area was nothing more than swampland, Fisher envisioned a resort for America's elite.
It was the construction of the scenic Venetian Causeway in the 1920s that connected isolated barrier islands like Miami Beach to the mainland of Miami. Later, Fisher would acquire another barrier island nearby and name it after himself. William Kissam Vanderbilt II would eventually build a mansion on Fisher Island and put it on the map.
Even with the successful transformation of Miami Beach into a resort destination during its early years, and the rise of Art Deco structures that would become an iconic legacy of South Beach, hurricanes and the Great Depression were major setbacks that stalled development and kept people away.
Miami Beach rebounded after World War II when the population boomed and so did tourism.
Today, Miami Beach, FL is home to around 83,000 people who live amid lush tropical surroundings and enjoy a plethora of upscale restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers. The outdoor attractions and vibrant culture of Miami Beach have also lured artists, musicians, and trendsetters from around the globe to find their homes here.
HOMES FOR SALE IN MIAMI BEACH, FL
Homes for sale in Miami Beach, FL range from penthouse suites to waterfront estates to charming bungalows
Miami Beach, FL's residential real estate market is one of the most vibrant in the country, with the city offering an impressive selection of waterfront and inland properties, most of which can be found in the city’s high-demand neighborhoods.
Given the city's location, waterfront estates make up the bulk of Miami Beach, FL's residential offerings. These properties typically come with features like expansive glass walls, private docks, and infinity pools, all of which offer their owners and residents unparalleled views of (and access to) Biscayne Bay.
In addition to single-family homes, multi-family properties such as apartments and high-rise condominiums can be found in Miami Beach, FL. Together with ultra-modern fittings and up-to-date appliances, top properties come with white-glove, concierge-style service – a boon to residents looking to enjoy unbeatable convenience and luxury.
Charming bungalows also dot Miami Beach, an option which should suit buyers on the lookout for a more relaxed, accessible, and suburban lifestyle.
Given the city’s rich history, it’s not surprising to learn that homes for sale in Miami Beach, Florida come built in a wide range of architectural styles like Spanish Revival, Art Deco and Tropical Modernist, Mid-Century Modern, and Miami Modern or MiMo. Bahamian architecture, also found in Miami Beach, combines British Colonial, African, and Caribbean styles.
Despite the plethora of architectural styles, many of the homes for sale in Miami Beach, Florida share important features. These include large bedrooms, ample storage, open-concept floor plans, spacious and well-appointed kitchens, large windows, and luxurious bathrooms that would put spas to shame.
With the popularization of smart home technology, a number of available properties also come with state-of-the-art features, including advanced security, climate control, and entertainment systems.
Larger-than-usual lots accommodate outdoor living spaces, decks, and terraces. All provide residents with additional areas to entertain, relax in, and enjoy views of the ocean and the Miami Beach, FL skyline.
THE MOST POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS IN MIAMI BEACH, FL
The Belle Isle neighborhood is part of the man-made Venetian Islands in North Beach
At present, Miami Beach is divided into three sections – South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach. Each is made up of unique neighborhoods.
Some of the most popular ones include the following:
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Belle Isle
One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in North Beach, Belle Isle is part of a chain of the man-made Venetian Islands offering luxurious world-class amenities.
Considered a high-end hideaway for the privacy and exclusivity it provides, Belle Isle offers a wide range of top-rated real estate properties, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, and co-ops, most of which are located near the ocean and date back to the 1950s up until the 1980s.
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City Center
Located in the city’s South Beach area, City Center is a buzzing location filled with galleries and live music venues, including The Fillmore, a 1950s-era Art Deco icon. It is also home to cultural sites such as The Holocaust Memorial, a somber outdoor museum centered on a powerful sculpture of a giant hand, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which showcases some of the most beautiful Floridian plants, and Lincoln Road Mall, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare teeming with streetside shops, boutiques, and cafes.
An in-demand neighborhood, City Center offers a wide range of properties to prospective residents, including co-ops and apartments, condos, single-family homes, and townhouses.
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Bayshore
The perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a mix of urban convenience and serene beachside living, Bayshore in Mid-Beach offers easy access to a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and art galleries.
Located along the western edge of Miami Beach, the neighborhood has a wide variety of housing options, ranging from contemporary condos and single-family homes to lavish waterfront villas and estates.
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Biscayne Point
Another in-demand neighborhood, Biscayne Point lies on the northwest tip of Miami Beach and comprises two peninsulas that extend into the Biscayne Bay.
Most of the homes in this area in North Beach are waterfront properties and offer wide views of both the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Convenient access to the water makes properties ideal for those who own yachts and other watercraft.
In addition to its selection of top-tier real estate, Biscayne Point also offers easy access to everything that Miami Beach and its surrounding areas have to offer. This includes luxury shopping centers, high-end restaurants, nightclubs, and other similar attractions. As important, the neighborhood is just 15 miles to Miami International Airport, 19.4 miles to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and 12 miles to Opa Locka Executive Airport, making the location perfect for frequent travelers.
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La Gorce Island
For the ultimate in luxury oceanfront living, La Gorce Island in North Beach is the place to be.
This exclusive, tropical retreat located on the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach, FL, is a private island that boasts stunning waterfront homes boasting spectacular architectural styles, lush landscaping, and luxury features such as private docks.
Homes in La Gorce Island are some of the biggest and priciest in Miami Beach. In the past, homes for sale have occupied more than 4,000 square feet with price tags of over $20 million.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO LIVE IN MIAMI BEACH, FL
As America’s answer to the French Riviera, Miami Beach, FL is considered one of the best places to live, not just in Florida but also, in the entire country.
Here are some of the things you need to know about living in Miami Beach, FL:
Miami Beach, FL is tropical
The tropical climate of Miami Beach makes it easy to enjoy activities such as boating, snorkeling, and swimming, as well as outdoor sports like golf and tennis.
Typically, the temperature in Miami Beach varies from 63 degrees to 89 degrees and very rarely falls below 51 degrees or rises above 92 degrees.
The hot season in Miami Beach, FL typically lasts from early June 5 to late September with an average daily high of 87 degrees. The hottest month of the year is August, with an average high of 89 degrees and a low of 78 degrees.
Meanwhile, the cool season starts in early December and ends in early March, with an average daily high temperature below 78 degrees. The coldest month in Miami Beach is January, with an average low of 63 degrees and a high of 76 degrees.
Miami Beach, FL has a higher cost of living
With luxury homes, waterfront living, resort town amenities, and a plethora of high-end lifestyle and entertainment options available to property owners and tourists alike, Miami Beach has a higher cost of living than the national average.
The price of admission for choosing to stay in this tropical enclave includes higher housing costs and upmarket price tags on food, groceries, and utilities.
While pricier than the average city, Miami Beach benefits from a thriving economy and a tax-free environment, perks that allow residents to keep more of what they make and offset the higher cost of living.
Miami Beach, FL is home to top schools
Families with school-age children will be delighted to know that Miami Beach, FL has excellent schools. This is thanks to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, which manages Miami Beach Senior High and North Beach Elementary, both of which are known for the quality and variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities they offer to students.
Those who want a private education for their children can choose from similarly top-rated schools such as Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School, St. Patrick Catholic School, and Mater Beach Academy.
Miami Beach, FL also has some excellent colleges and universities, including the University of Miami and Barry University. These institutions offer a diverse range of degree programs and are well-known for providing their students with high-quality facilities, as well as sports and recreation areas. Furthermore, these schools place a strong emphasis on student life, with numerous clubs and organizations for students to participate in.
Miami Beach, FL has incredible shopping and dining destinations
One of the first things that come to mind when discussing Miami Beach is the city being a mecca for shopping and dining.
Lincoln Road is the major shopping mecca of Miami Beach. Originally envisioned as the "Fifth Avenue of the South," Lincoln Road was designed by the famed Miami Modern (MiMo) architect Morris Lapidus in the late 1950s and has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 10 blocks, Lincoln Road is popular among both locals and tourists due to its selection of high-end high-street stores such as Zara and 7 for All Mankind, as well as major department stores such as Macy's and Marshall's.
When it comes to dining, you can never go wrong with visiting Española Way. Located between 14th and 15th Streets, this two-block corridor of pastel pink, Old World-style buildings is considered a culinary destination thanks to the eclectic selection of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and bars.
Miami Beach, FL is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts
An iconic destination that draws approximately 20 million visitors each year, Miami Beach is known for the endless possibilities presented by the outdoors.
Here are some of the attractions one can visit in Miami Beach, FL:
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South Pointe Park and Pie lies at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. Spanning 17 acres, the park is known for its walking paths, children’s playground, and a 55-foot art sculpture that lights up and greets visitors like a modern lighthouse. It's also a popular fishing spot, with a 450-foot-long pier offering everything from bait-cutting and fish-washing stations to fishing line recycling bins.
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Lummus Park, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Drive, is well known for its well-maintained playground, clean public restrooms, and paved paths for walking or biking. Hundreds of visitors each year are drawn to the aptly named Muscle Beach, a popular outdoor fitness destination that offers an outdoor area for exercise, weight lifting, and gymnastics.
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Haulover Park is located just north of Bal Harbour. The popular destination boasts a well-maintained 2.4-kilometer-long shoreline, a marina, several tennis courts, an enclosed dog park, and several picnic areas.
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Miami Beach Bike Trail is a popular 8.5-kilometer trail that starts at 79th Street on Miami Beach and ends at Arthur Godfrey Causeway. The trail, which can be navigated in about 90 minutes, features water fountains at quarter and half-mile intervals, as well as shaded areas to keep riders comfortable during the day.
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Bal Harbour Trail runs for 6.4 kilometers, which hikers and runners can complete in just a little over 60 minutes. The trail is also a popular spot for birders, which means it can get crowded during certain times of the day.
Miami Beach, FL is rich in cultural attractions
The 36 colorful lifeguard towers on Miami Beach represent the city's Art Deco and Miami Modern (MiMo) heritage
Aside from its beaches and parks, Miami Beach, FL also offers a treasure trove of attractions that cater to diverse tastes. These include the following:
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Art Deco Historic District. Aside from its beaches and parks, Miami Beach is perhaps best known for its Art Deco architecture, a design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes. This particular style is especially prevalent in the city's South Beach neighborhood, where it adorns practically every restaurant, hotel, and storefront. In homage, 36 colorful lifeguard towers have also been erected along the beach to symbolize the city's unique artistic heritage.
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Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Spanning a total of 3 acres, this subtropical garden is divided into several sections, including a Japanese garden complete with water lilies, an edible plant garden, wetland mangroves, and several turtle and koi ponds. In addition, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden also offers yoga, tai chi, and meditation sound bath sessions, making it a good spot for those who wish to take a break from the stresses of city life.
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The Bass. Located on the northern end of South Beach, The Bass is an art museum that focuses on international contemporary art. Housed in a 1930s Art Deco building, The Bass boasts a stunning collection of works in a wide range of disciplines, including sculpture, design, fashion, and architecture. In addition to its exhibits, visitors can also check out the facility's other attractions including a cafe, a boutique bookstore and gift shop, and a Creativity Center which regularly hosts workshops and classes for children.
EXPLORE YOUR LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN MIAMI BEACH WITH BRIAN SCHARICK
With so much going for it, Miami Beach is worth considering as your next home, investment property, or vacation home. To show you the spectrum of available homes for sale in Miami Beach, Florida, don’t hesitate to give me, Brian Scharick, a call.
As the team leader for Florida Exclusive Living, I have been in the business for over 12 years and achieved tens of millions of dollars in sales in 2021 alone. As a group, we take great pride in our ability to listen to our clients' specific needs and wants, and consider our extensive knowledge of the local market as an expertise that serves our clients well.
If you’re interested in real estate properties in Miami Beach don’t hesitate to contact a top-notch Florida Realtor. Call me, Brian Scharick, at 954.644.9118 or send me a message to schedule a consultation.
