Buying a Home on One of Miami’s Islands

Key Biscayne

Located in Biscayne Bay, a few cable lengths away from Miami and the mainland, this tropical paradise is only accessible via the Rickenbacker Causeway.  Once on the island, most people drive golf carts because they are more convenient to move around the narrow streets, go to the Island’s State Park or leisure along the magnificent sandy beaches.  Key Biscayne’s cozy and sweet lifestyle seduces all of Miami’s elite.  While the streets might be narrow, the shops, fine dining restaurants and leisure activities play a great role on the island and make life entertaining and pleasant.  Both the lush vegetation and the amenities available to residents add to the charm of Key Biscayne Village, where everything is meant to make residents feel like they are on an endless vacation.

Fisher Island

Fisher Island is one of the most exclusive and private places in Miami, accessible only for the residents and their guests by ferry, boat, or helicopter. The island is less than a square mile and sits south of Miami Beach and east of Miami downtown. Fisher island offers a veritable paradise with a golf course, 8 restaurants, 18 tennis courts, a school, a private Marina, private beaches, a spa and a hotel. As of 2015, Fisher Island became the zip code with the highest per capita income in the United States.  The island houses a community of about 700 families in different luxury condos.  Palazzo del Sol and Palazzo della Luna are the newest ultra-high end developments available on the islands.

Star Island

Sitting on 0.134 sq. mile in Miami Beach, the gated and 24/7 guarded island is accessible by car via the MacArthur Causeway.  Ideally located in Miami Beach, Star Island is appreciated for its privacy, tranquility and exclusive location with easy access to Miami Downtown and the center of Miami Beach and South Beach. Star Island also houses the most expensive villas of Miami Beach. Various celebrities either own or have owned properties on the island including Sean Combs, Gloria Estefan, Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Palm & Hibiscus Island

Hibiscus Island

With the Venetian Islands on one side and the MacArthur Causeway on the other, Hibiscus Island is characterized by its upscale real estate.  The island became well-known thanks to the notorious New Yorker Club and Latin Quarter during the 40s and the 50s.  It was also frequented by old-Hollywood royalty like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Only accessible via Palm Island, Hibiscus Island is monitored by security guards, ensuring maximum safety and a lifestyle that its residents very much appreciate. Hibiscus Island mingles different architectural styles and features villas right on the waterfront as well as estates located further inland.  Within equal distance to South Beach and Miami, Hibiscus Island residents are only ten minutes away from Miami’s malls and South Beach’s leisure options.

Palm Island

Internationally renowned Palm Island was also man-made. The island owes its reputation to its luxurious residences and features unique architectural styles such as Art Deco, Miami Modernism and Mediterranean. No two houses are alike.  Surrounded by Biscayne Bay, Palm Island attracts vacationers with its many estates featuring impressive waterfront views.  Colossal yachts docking on the island is not a rare site. Other than nautical activities, Palm Island offers a convivial lifestyle that attracts families with its restaurants, prestigious schools and cultural events

Venetian Islands

Entirely man-made, the archipelago of the Venetian Islands is located halfway between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. The group of islands comprises, from west to east, Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, San Marino Island, Do Lido Island, Rivo Alto Island and Belle Isle, which are all connected to one another by bridges that allow access to both Miami and Miami Beach.  One of the best locations in Miami, the Venetian Islands only offer prestigious villas, apartments and condos.  With their lush and abundant tropical vegetation along with the unparalleled privacy that they offer, the islands, which are entirely residential, attract Miami’s greatest fortunes.

Sunset Islands

Located between Edgewater, on the mainland, and the Miami Beach Golf Club, the man-made archipelago of Sunset Islands is connected to Miami Beach by two roads:  Sunset Drive to the south and W 29th Street to the north, but not all of the four islands are connected to each other. The sunset in Sunset Islands is more than just a name: the archipelago offers daily unrivaled vistas to its fortunate residents who enjoy a wonderful and fortunate lifestyle.  Sunset Islands real estate consists of only high-end residences.  Whether they are located directly on the waterfront or further away from the bay, the architecture has a true Mediterranean flair, both classic and modern.  Security guards patrol night and day on the four islands, ensuring privacy and safety.

La Gorce Island

Located south of Normandy Isles and west of Allison Island, the guarded La Gorce Island is surrounded by the waters of Biscayne Bay. Only a short drive to the luxury shopping center of Bal Harbour, beaches, and in close proximity to the 79th Street Causeway, you are in the center of it all. You can also enjoy a tee-time at the golf course located in the center of the island.

Allison Island

Allison Island is a luxury waterfront neighborhood located between Indian Creek and 63rd bridge. This small 35-acre island is pedestrian-oriented with waterside promenades.  Connected to the mainland by bridges that offer easy access to the prestigious shops at Bal Harbour or to the South Beach area, the island is close to it all.  Conveniently located, Allison Island is home to only 150 families. Designed by renowned architects, this friendly community has many amenities such as a convenience store, park, children’s play center, private docks and more.

Normandy Shores

Normandy Shores is the northern part of Normandy Isle:  a two-island residential community connected to Miami Beach via 71st street.  Normandy Shores is a guard-gated community with public access at Biarritz Road and a residents-only entry and exit way off of North Shore Drive.  In the heart of the island you can find an 18-hole golf course and a tennis court surrounded by residential properties.  The properties are a mix of non-waterfront and waterfront homes on Biscayne Bay and the Normandy Waterway:  the canal that separates Normandy Shores from Normandy Isles.

Indian Creek

Located on the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay, this 300-acre island is known as one the most private, exclusive  and secure communities in the world.  Miami Beach is just minutes away via 91st Street.  With only 41 luxury waterfront residences surrounded by lush gardens, Indian Creek is home to famous celebrities such as Julio Iglesias, Victoria Secret’s model Adriana Lima, pro golfer Raymond Floyd, and US Senator George Smathers, just to name a few. These spectacular homes feature resort-style pools, rooftop Jacuzzis, spas, gyms, wine cellars, and entertainment theaters.  Indian Creek also offers an 18-hole golf course with waterfront view complete with an elite country club.

Bay Harbor Islands

Consisting of two islands, Bay Harbor is a municipality within the city of Miami.  Luxury and serenity rule the islands where fine dining restaurants, luxury stores, and docking facilities captivate owners. The Broad Causeway runs through the city which is separated from the mainland with Biscayne Bay to the east, and Bal Harbor and Surfside to the west.  Residents of East Island enjoy, among other things, its architecture, which is either Miami Modern style dating from the 40s and 50s, or contemporary.  Real estate development brought luxury properties with upscale amenities such as rooftop pools from which residents can enjoy exceptional panoramic views. Bay Harbor’s West Island entirely consists of single-family houses.  In contrast to its eastern twin, West Island has not experienced any significant change since it was created in 1947; however, the villas get more and more luxurious as some of the wealthier owners of Miami move to the island.

Belle Meade Island

Located in Miami’s Upper East Side, Belle Meade Island is a hidden community with family homes and spacious condos.  Conveniently located, the island is just a 20 minute drive from Downtown and South Beach. Belle Meade Island is a peaceful neighborhood with landscaped gardens and waterfront views.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach is located north of Sunny Isles and south of Hallandale, measuring only one mile long from north to south and four blocks wide from east to west. This upscale, quiet neighborhood is surrounded by the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.  It is the only area in Miami where you can find single family villas directly on the beach.  The city’s ban on the construction of any new high-rise buildings gives Golden Beach a chic, village feel.  The malls in Aventura and Bal Harbour nearby are host to some of Miami’s most desirable shops and restaurants, giving Golden Beach residents the best of both worlds. While the relaxing beach lifestyle is just steps outside the front door, residents can easily take advantage of the benefits of city life with some of Florida’s best shopping and dining options a short drive away.

Have you decided?  Each of these islands is amazing and has its own unique characteristics. Whether you are looking to live close to Downtown, the beach or enjoy the best amenities, you can always find the perfect island that matches your expectations in Miami.