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Buying a Home on One of Miami’s Islands

A constellation of small islands surrounds Miami and Miami Beach. Reserved for the elite, these secure, gated communities offer some of the best views of the ocean and the skyline. If you are looking to buy a house or a condo on one of these islands, you will find both serenity and great amenities. But which island should you choose? Here is a recap of the best islands in Miami.

By Maryline Lacorre 26 Jan 2021

Key Biscayne

Located in Biscayne Bay a few cable lengths away from Miami and the mainland, tropical Key Biscayne is only accessible via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Once on the island, most people drive golf carts—which can navigate the narrow streets with ease—to visit the island’s state park or take a leisurely drive along the magnificent sandy beaches. The cozy Key Biscayne lifestyle seduces all of Miami’s elite. While the streets might be narrow, the shops and fine dining keep life grand on the island. Both the lush vegetation and the extensive amenities available to residents make life in Key Biscayne Village feel like an endless vacation.

Our selection of properties in Key Biscayne

Fisher Island

Fisher Island is one of the most exclusive spots in Miami, accessible only to the residents and their guests by ferry, boat, or helicopter. This island just south of Miami Beach and east of Downtown Miami is smaller than a square mile. Fisher Island is a veritable paradise, with a golf course, 8 restaurants, 18 tennis courts, a school, a private marina, private beaches, a spa, and a hotel. The island houses a community of about 700 families in different luxury condos, and, as of 2015, it had the highest per capita income in the United States.  Palazzo Del Sol and Palazzo Della Luna are the newest ultra-high-end developments available on the island.

Our selection of properties on Fisher Island

Star Island

Star Island houses the most expensive villas in Miami Beach. Sitting on 0.134 square miles, the gated and guarded island is only accessible by land via the MacArthur Causeway. Star Island is known for its privacy, tranquility, and location, with easy access to Downtown Miami, central Miami Beach, and South Beach. Celebrities who own or have owned property on the island include Sean Combs, Gloria Estefan, Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, and Shaquille O’Neal.


Our selection of properties on Star Island

Palm Island & Hibiscus Island

Hibiscus Island


Located on the border of the Venetian Islands on one side and the MacArthur Causeway on the other side, Hibiscus Island is characterized by its upscale real estate. The island became well-known in the 40s and 50s thanks to the famous New York club, Latin Quarter, and to stars like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Only accessible via Palm Island, Hibiscus Island is guarded by security personnel, ensuring maximum safety and privacy for its residents. Hibiscus Island showcases diverse architectural styles and features villas right on the waterfront, as well as estates further inland. Equidistant from South Beach and Miami, Hibiscus Island residents are only ten minutes away from Miami’s malls and all that South Beach has to offer.


Palm Island


Internationally renowned Palm Island owes its reputation to its luxurious residences, which feature unique architectural styles from Art Deco and Miami Modern to Mediterranean. No two houses on Palm Island are alike. Surrounded by Biscayne Bay, Palm Island attracts vacationers with its grand estates, impressive waterfronts, and colossal yachts. Palm Island’s nautical activities, convivial culture, and prestigious schools make it an excellent fit for families. 


Our selection of properties on Palm Island & Hibiscus Island

The Venetian Islands

Entirely man-made, the archipelago of the Venetian Islands is located halfway between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. From west to east, the group of islands is composed of 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 provide access to both Miami and Miami Beach. An exclusive locale, the Venetian Islands only offer fine villas, apartments, and condos. With their lush and abundant tropical vegetation, exceptional landscape, and the privacy they afford their residents, the islands—which are entirely residential—attract Miami’s greatest fortunes.


Our selection of properties on the Venetian Islands

Sunset Islands

Located between Edgewater 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 West 29th Street to the north. The “sunset” in Sunset Islands is more than just a name—every day, the archipelago offers its residents unrivaled vistas. Whether directly on the waterfront or further from the bay, the architecture of each residence has true Mediterranean flair. The real estate in Sunset Islands is high-end and secure, with security guards who patrol night and day on the four islands.


Our selection of properties in Sunset Islands

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. With only a short drive to the luxury shopping center of Bal Harbour, Miami’s beaches, and the 79th Street Causeway, La Gorce is in the center of it all. You can also enjoy a tee-time at the golf course at the center of the island.


Our selection of properties on La Gorce Island

Allison Island

Allison Island is a luxury waterfront neighborhood located between Indian Creek and the 63rd Street bridge. With its waterside promenades, this small 35-acre island is pedestrian-oriented. Connected to the mainland by bridges that offer easy access to the fine shops at Bal Harbour or to the South Beach area, the island is close to all attractions. This friendly community includes such amenities as a park, children’s play center, private docks, and more. Only 150 families live on Allison Island, so you will be members of the select few fortunate enough to call the island home.


Our selection of properties on Allison Island

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 off of North Shore Drive. At the heart of the island, you can find an 18-hole golf course and a tennis court surrounded by residential properties. These properties are a mixture of non-waterfront and waterfront homes on Biscayne Bay and the Normandy Waterway, the canal that separates Normandy Shores from Normandy Isles.


Our selection of properties on Normandy Shores

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. Just minutes away via 91st Street, residents have access to Miami Beach. With only 41 luxury waterfront residences—all of them surrounded by lush gardens—Indian Creek is or has been home to famous celebrities like Julio Iglesias, model Adriana Lima, and pro golfer Raymond Floyd, 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 and an elite country club.


Our selection of properties on Indian Creek

Bay Harbor Islands

Bay Harbor is a municipality of the city of Miami consisting of two islands: East Island and West Island. Luxury and serenity rule the islands, where fine dining, shops, and docking facilities captivate owners. The Broad Causeway runs through the city, which is located between 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 or contemporary. Real estate development brought luxury properties with upscale amenities such as rooftop pools from which residents can delight in exceptional panoramic views. Unlike its eastern twin, Bay Harbor’s West Island consists entirely of single-family houses and has not undergone any significant change since its creation; however, villas get more and more luxurious as some of the wealthier owners of Miami move to the island.


Our selection of properties in Bay Harbor Islands

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 just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Miami and South Beach, Belle Meade Island is a peaceful neighborhood with landscaped gardens and waterfront views.


Our selection of properties on Belle Meade Island

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, and 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 play host to some of Miami’s premier shops and restaurants, giving Golden Beach residents the best of both worlds. While the relaxing beach lifestyle is just outside their 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.


Our selection of properties in Golden Beach


Have you decided? Each of these islands has its own allure. Whether you want to be close to Downtown Miami, head to the beach, or enjoy the best amenities, there is an island that exceeds your expectations in Miami.

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