Inside Look: Coral Gables’ Exclusive Waterfront Gated Communities

Comprising just 162 expansive estate style homes, Gables Estates is one of the most exclusive gated communities in all of Florida, recently making headlines in April of 2024 when Bloomberg named it the most expensive neighborhood in the United States. Let’s take a look at what makes this neighborhood so special:

THE HOMES: The majority of the estates boast waterfront vistas with direct ocean access and an average lot size spanning over an acre providing residents ample space for expansive homes and opulent resort-style amenities. Recently, the neighborhood has seen some of the older, more dated homes demolished to make way for new, glittering, ultra-luxury mansions.

THE SECURITY: The gated enclave is revered for its top tier security:

• G4S armed guards stationed at both entrance and exit points 24/7
• Roving patrols on the streets 24 hours a day
• Boat patrols for added waterfront protection
• Away service house checks for traveling residents

THE LOCATION: A lushly landscaped, secure entrance opens to perfectly manicured streets winding through a series of interconnected islands and peninsulas. Residents enjoy maximum serenity and privacy within a stone’s throw to Miami’s top urban centers and outdoor attractions:

• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens: 4 minutes
• Matheson Hammock Park & Marina: 8 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Downtown: 8 minutes
• Coconut Grove Village Center: 10 minutes
• The Biltmore and Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile: 15 minutes
• Brickell & Downtown: 20 minutes

Thanks to its prime waterfront location, unmatched level of security, expansive luxury estates, and proximity to the best of Miami, properties within this enclave regularly average north of $20 million. Explore available homes here.

One of South Florida’s most sought-after and exclusive gated communities, Cocoplum is a tropical paradise providing residents the ultimate luxury lifestyle with a rare blend of world-class amenities, top security, and a prime location along Biscayne Bay.

THE HOMES: Around 300 homes sit behind Cocoplum’s gates with a unique mix of architectural styles and both waterfront and non-waterfront homes. The enclave's range in home sizes and styles, many host to private resort-style amenities, spacious layouts and custom, designer renovations, make it one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the Miami area.

THE AMENITIES: One of the features that sets Cocoplum apart from other gated communities is its endless collection of world-class amenities:

• Clubhouse perfect for special events and entertaining
• Tennis Club: 7 Hydro Clay courts + 2 Hydro Clay pickleball courts
• 1,000 sqft gym
• Olympic sized swimming pool
• Yacht Club & Marina: 40ft - 120ft slips 
• Beach volleyball and basketball courts
• Children’s playground and sports field
• 24/7 armed guard entrance + continuous roving patrol

THE LOCATION: With the entrance just off of Cartagena Park, Cocoplum enjoys one of the best locations in all of Miami, within minutes to some of the state’s top private schools and urban destinations, making this community perfect for business professionals and families alike.

• Ransom Everglades and Carrollton Sacred Heart: 5 minutes
• Coconut Grove Village Center: 10 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center: 10 minutes
• Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile: 15 minutes
• Brickell & Downtown: 20 minutes
• Miami International Airport: 25 minutes

A unique mix of luxurious waterfront homes, endless world-class amenities and an unbeatable location within minutes to bustling urban centers and charming village streets makes Cocoplum popular amongst locals already familiar with the Miami area and newcomers looking to relocate to the Magic City. Explore available homes here.

If Gatsby could choose a gated community in Coral Gables, Tahiti Beach would be the one. During the roaring 20’s and Florida Land Boom, George Merrick created an exotic destination connecting his beloved Biltmore Hotel & Coral Gables to the Biscayne Bay waterfront. Once equipped with thatched roof tiki huts and a shell shaped orchestra stage where visitors and newcomers could dance until the early hours of the morning, today Tahiti Beach’s prime coastline has been transformed into an ultra-exclusive community lined with just 27 luxury estates.

THE HOMES: It wasn’t until the late 1900’s that plans for the development of luxury estates came to fruition. Today, 19 grand mansions look out over some of the most coveted open bay views in the Miami area. The average lot size on the exclusive island spans around 1 acre with home sizes ranging from 5,500 to almost 20,000 sqft. 

THE LIFESTYLE: Tahiti Beach is a private neighborhood located within Cocoplum, making it one of the most well-secured and exclusive areas in Miami. Residents have access to an exclusive private beach along with Cocoplum’s long list of amenities.

THE LOCATION: Its location on a mangrove island within Cocoplum arguably makes Tahiti Beach one of the most unique and exclusive gated communities in the country. Residents enjoy a true sense of peace and serenity along the open waters of Biscayne Bay without sacrificing easy access to multiple urban destinations just minutes away:

• Ransom Everglades and Carrollton Sacred Heart: 5 minutes
• Coconut Grove Village Center: 10 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center: 10 minutes
• Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile: 15 minutes
• Brickell & Downtown: 20 minutes
• Miami International Airport: 25 minutes

With only 27 estate-style homes on a private island looking out over endless water views, available properties within Tahiti Beach are few and far between. Discover more about this one-of-a-kind community here.

Gables by the Sea is one of Coral Gables' original gated enclaves and continues to deliver luxury, exclusivity and security along the waters of Biscayne Bay. Nestled between 2 expansive nature destinations: the Matheson County Preserve with the Montgomery Botanical Center and Duck Lake Park, residents enjoy an unprecedented serene natural setting along the coast.

THE HOMES: One feature that makes Gables by the Sea unique is its diverse range in architectural styles. Mid-century modern, classic Mediterranean Revival and ultra-contemporary new construction can all commonly be found along the canal ways of this exclusive community. Additionally, the winding peninsulas provide the majority of residents with prime water frontage, deep water docking and direct ocean access.

THE AMENITIES: The gated entry is guarded 24/7 and the waterfront location, private community park, and proximity to some of Miami’s best outdoor activities and botanical gardens make this community the perfect fit for outdoor and boating enthusiasts. 

THE LOCATION: Walk to protected natural preserves and botanical gardens or easily drive to top schools and destinations for shopping, dining and cultural attractions:

• Walk to Gulliver Prep’s PreK - 8th grade campus
• Walk to Matheson County Preserve, Montgomery Botanical Gardens or Duck Lake Park
• Dadeland Mall: 12 minutes
• Palmer Trinity School: 15 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center: 15 minutes
• Coral Gables & the Biltmore: 20 minutes
• Coconut Grove Village Center: 20 minutes
• Miami International Airport: 25 minutes

Steeped in natural serenity between tropical preserves and the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, Gables by the Sea offers residents a true feeling of seclusion just south of Miami's city center. Explore available homes here.

Tucked between the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay, the historic Old Cutler Road and the 630 acre Matheson Hammock Park, Old Cutler Bay’s 142 residents enjoy a rare balance of exclusivity and privacy within the ultimate natural setting. 

THE HOMES: 135 of its 142 homes sit directly on spacious waterfront lots enjoying deep water dockage and direct ocean access, making this community a paradise for yacht lovers and boating enthusiasts. Originally dating back to the 1960’s, architectural styles vary from classic mid-century modern estates to brand-new custom built compounds.

THE SECURITY: Located in South Coral Gables, Old Cutler Bay is nestled within one of the Miami area’s premier locations for luxury living. Residents enjoy peace of mind with 24/7 gated security.

THE LOCATION: Old Cutler Bay’s premier waterfront location in south Coral Gables provides residents with the unique balance of a natural tropical setting within moments to top schools, outdoor activities and popular urban destinations:

• Walking distance to Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School: 4 minutes
• Gulliver Prep: 8 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center: 8 minutes
• The Biltmore in Coral Gables and CocoWalk in Coconut Grove: 15 minutes
• Brickell & Downtown: 25 minutes
• Miami International Airport: 30 minutes

Nestled within prestigious South Coral Gables amongst natural preserves and neighboring gated communities, Old Cutler Bay offers residents a unique blend of privacy, serenity and security within minutes to the best of Miami. Explore available homes here. 

Originally part of historic industrialist and philanthropist Arthur Vining Davis’ vast property, today just 18 opulent acreage estates sit behind Journey’s End's guarded gates. Residents enjoy a private collection of waterfront amenities, perfectly manicured, park-like grounds, and an enviable location within walking distance to parks and botanical gardens and effortless access to cultural attractions, luxury shopping and fine dining.

THE HOMES: 10 of the neighborhood’s 18 estates sit on the water with deep water dockage and bay access. Each residence spans 1 - 4 acres of land with expansive square footage ranging from 5,800 to more than 14,000 sqft, and stunning custom designs showcasing some of the highest quality standards in architecture.

THE AMENITIES: Residents have exclusive access to a private collection of waterfront amenities including:

• Private marina with boat slips
• Tennis courts
• Basketball courts
• Maintained & manicured grounds
• 24/7 security

THE LOCATION: Situated along Old Cutler Road just north of the 630 acre Matheson Hammock Park, residents enjoy walkability and effortless access to the best of South Florida:

• Walking distance to Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School: 4 minutes
• Gulliver Prep: 8 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center: 8 minutes
• The Biltmore in Coral Gables and CocoWalk in Coconut Grove: 15 minutes
• Brickell & Downtown: 25 minutes
• Miami International Airport: 30 minutes

With only 18 estates behind a discreet gated entry, and a collection of luxury waterfront amenities, inventory within Coral Gables' best kept secret, Journey's End, is commonly low. Explore available homes here.

Coral Gables' northernmost gated community, Sunrise Harbour, is arguably one of the most well-located, perched at the crossroads The City Beautiful and Coconut Grove. Comprising 4 south facing peninsulas, the majority of its residents sit on prime water frontage with direct bay access. A hidden gated entry guards roughly 100 homes, providing the perfect balance between privacy and convenience with Coconut Grove’s village center less than 10 minutes away.

THE HOMES: Homes in Sunset Harbour showcase a diverse range both in terms of style and size. Initially developed in the late 1950’s, the area has continued to evolve with incredible examples of mid-century modern and ultra-contemporary architecture. 86 of the neighborhood’s 107 homes sit on waterfront lots providing both serene canal and open bayfront views, with lot sizes ranging from 14,000 sqft to almost an acre and a half.

THE LIFESTYLE: A 24/7 controlled entrance behind a discreet gate ensures peace of mind for every resident. Enjoy quiet, tree-lined streets and the ultimate waterfront lifestyle with resort-style pools, deep water docks and more.

THE LOCATION: Sunrise Harbour is arguably one of the best located waterfront communities in Coral Gables. Nestled between the bay, the famous Gables Waterway and the edge of Coconut Grove, residents enjoy the feel of a secluded waterfront oasis less than 10 minutes from top schools and Coconut Grove’s vibrant village center.

• Ransom Everglades & Carrollton School of Sacred Heart - 6 minutes
• Coconut Grove Village Center & CocoWalk - 8 minutes
• Shops at Merrick Park - 9 minutes
• South Miami's Charming Village Center - 12 minutes
• Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile - 14 minutes
• Brickell - 18 minutes
• Miami International Airport - 25 minutes

Sunrise Harbour offers a unique blend of Coral Gables prestige with Coconut Grove's tropical, laid-back living. Explore available homes here.