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About Miami Beach, FL

About Miami Beach, FL

A colorful, diverse beachfront community off the coast of Miami

Miami Beach is known for its cosmopolitan culture, unique architecture and resort-style living. This city of 80,000 packs a lot of fun into an island community nestled between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Beachwalk stretches the entire length of the island -- from North Beach, through Mid-Beach and into South Beach. “You have three distinct areas that each have a different flavor,” says Nancy Batchelor, a Realtor and team leader with Compass who has sold several homes on the island.” South Beach is a glamorous entertainment district known the world over. It is anchored by Ocean Drive and its colorful buildings, which form the heart of the Art Deco Historic District. Beaches are the focus of recreational activity, but residents can enjoy picturesque parks, golf courses and tennis centers. They also have access to upscale shopping and dining, world-class museums and state-of-the-art event centers. “The appeal is that there’s something for everyone,” Batchelor says. “It’s a vibrant, exciting adult playground. There are people who never leave the island because it’s all right here.”

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The full stretch of Lummus Park alongside the historic art deco Ocean Drive.
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Beach goers enjoying the day with friends and outdoor sports in Miami Beach.
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The beautiful blue waters of Lummus Park is the perfect temperature to swim in year round.
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The GoodTimes Hotel is a great place to grab a drink in Lummus Park.
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World-renowned South Beach is in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District

South Beach demands attention with its colorful buildings that house a contemporary mix of dance clubs, cocktail lounges and bars – from dives to hotel rooftops. “Ocean Drive is probably one of the most photographed spots in the world,” Batchelor says. “It’s iconic.” Nikki Beach, a luxury beach club concept dubbed the “sexiest place on Earth,” is pure South Beach. Visitors can lounge oceanside in luxury cabanas as they dine on seafood and drink the day away. Other popular attractions include Basement Miami, a disco-tinged hot spot with a bowling alley and an ice-skating rink and Do Not Sit On The Furniture, a casual club that specializes in DJs and house music. Lincoln Road is South Beach’s commercial corridor. “It has all sorts of popular stores and restaurants amid beautiful palm trees,” Batchelor says. “It’s a really neat vibe to stroll down Lincoln Road.” In North Beach is the Tambourine Room, a Michelin-starred French fine-dining restaurant.

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Art Deco style buildings line the streets of Lummus Park.
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Historic buildings and vibrant nightlife is what you can expect from Miami Beach.
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The Colony Hotel is probably to most iconic of the Art Deco buildings in Lummus Park
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Old school classic vehicles can also be soon throughout Lummus Park.
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Attractions include Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, Miami Beach Convention Center

The island’s cultural attractions include the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, instantly recognizable by its Mediterranean Revival building in South Beach, and the nearby Jewish Museum of Florida, housed in a repurposed historic synagogue. The Miami Beach Convention Center hosts events year-round and is one of the featured sites for Art Basel Miami and the Miami International Boat Show. Next door is Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a family-friendly urban green space.

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Miami International Auto Show
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Many large corporate events happening at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
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Beachwalk highlights the island’s diversity

The beach always beckons, offering the perfect spot for sunbathers, swimmers and anyone who wants to enjoy a sunny day amid white sand and turquoise water. The oceanfront is a cultural attraction on its own. “What’s great about Miami Beach is that it’s a melting pot,” Batchelor says. “And along the beachwalk, you’ll hear every kind of language. It’s one of my favorite things about the city.” The surrounding waters are a haven for nautical adventures, from jet skis to deep-sea fishing boats to yachts. Miami Beach Marina on the island’s south side offers storage for vessels up to 250 feet long and incredible views of Biscayne Bay. “It’s breathtaking to see the big, beautiful cruise ships go by.” Nearby South Pointe Park features a 450-foot fishing pier and a promenade with beach access. Lummus Park is popular among fitness enthusiasts, who are attracted by sand volleyball courts and exercise equipment. The city is home to dozens of parks and green spaces that offer camps and programs for the island’s youth, from toddlers to teens. Miami Beach Golf Club, established more than 100 years ago, features an 18-hole public layout in a unique setting. “It’s attractive because it’s in the heart of Miami Beach,” Batchelor says. “You can also play tennis and pickleball, which is really popular now. You can just show up and jump into a game.”

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Ocean front walkways and beautiful parks are amongst the best attractions in Miami Beach.
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The beach in Lummus Park is the most popular in Miami.
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Miami Beach offer easy beach access for the residents and visitors to enjoy the day out there.
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Beach Padel is a popular sport in Lummus Park.
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Single-family homes are scarce because of popular demand

The median home price here is a little more than $600,000, but that number is skewed by a collection of small condos that start in the low $100,000s. Condos offering two bedrooms or more range in price from $800,000 to $7 million, depending on location and amenities. “The newer condos offer more amenities, but the older condos offer more square footage,” Batchelor says. “Everybody wants the ocean view, but the city view is very nice, too.” Surfside just north of the city was the site of a devastating condo collapse in 2021. “Ever since then, they have really cracked down on the maintenance of buildings,” Batchelor says. “Because of that, insurance rates have increased dramatically, and HOA costs have increased to catch up with the improvements.” Midcentury designs are prominent among the island’s established single-family homes. Mediterranean Revival architecture is the most common motif. Many homes feature pools, and waterfront properties are spread throughout the island. While there are options for under $1 million, prices in this town climb fast. Sleek modern-style waterfront homes stand out among the island’s newest and most expensive properties. These imposing homes range from $20 million to $50 million. Several of them are concentrated on small residential islands between Miami Beach and the mainland. “For single-family homes, there’s limited inventory because it’s such a popular place and everyone wants to be there,” Batchelor says. A state-funded First-Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $150,000 for qualified homebuyers to purchase property in Miami Beach. The major drawback to living on an island is the ever-present threat of severe weather. Residents should be aware that flooding and wind damage are extreme risks, especially during hurricane season, and insurance rates will reflect that. Miami hasn’t been hit by a major hurricane since Andrew in 1992. The fallout from that storm led to some of the nation’s strongest building codes.

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Nautilus homes by the bay have piers for yachts.
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Residential buildings in Lummus Park are historic feats of architecture.
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Homes in the Nautilus neighborhood are a mix of revivals and modern architecture.
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Nautilus has some authentic classic Deco homes.
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South Pointe and North Beach elementaries are top-rated schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools earns an A-minus from Niche, which rates it as the second-best district for teachers in Florida. South Pointe Elementary and North Beach Elementary are the highest-rated island schools, each earning an A-minus.

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North Beach Elementary school
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North Beach Elementary school
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South Pointe Elementary School
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South Pointe Elementary School
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Miami’s business sectors are right across the bay

Residents enjoy relative solitude, but the Miami mainland is easily accessible from all three sections of the island. Downtown Miami and the Brickell financial district are both 25-minute drives across the bay. “Miami Beach is a prestigious place to live, but it’s still close to where all the jobs are,” Batchelor says. Once on the mainland, light rail commuter stations and Interstate 95 provide convenient travel throughout the region. Mount Sinai Medical Center is on the bayfront in Mid-Beach. Miami International Airport is about 12 miles away via I-195.

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Brickell is the financial heart of Miami.
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Edgewater is comprised of high-rise condominiums many overlooking Biscayne Bay.
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Crime

Recent data shows that property crime in Miami Beach is the highest in the state. According to FBI numbers from 2022, the city's rate is 8,557 incidents per 100,000 residents. Such crimes, which include larceny, burglary, theft and vehicle theft, are typically higher in areas where people congregate. Given its status as a tourist destination, the island can be a target for criminals. While murders are rare, Miami Beach is also high on the list of Florida cities with the highest violent crime rates.

Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister
Gabor Kovacs
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
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Grace Kim

Neighborhood Map

Miami Beach by the Numbers

108,019
Population
$2.19M
Average Housing Value
116
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Miami Beach, FL

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
#1 Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
North Beach Elementary School
#2 North Beach Elementary School
A-
Niche
10
GreatSchools
South Pointe Elementary School
#3 South Pointe Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Biscayne Beach Elementary School
#4 Biscayne Beach Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Fienberg-Fisher K-8 Center
#5 Fienberg-Fisher K-8 Center
C+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Treasure Island Elementary School
#6 Treasure Island Elementary School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
#1 Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Fienberg-Fisher K-8 Center
#2 Fienberg-Fisher K-8 Center
C+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Nautilus Middle School
#3 Nautilus Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Miami Beach Senior High School
#1 Miami Beach Senior High School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Robert Morgan Educational Center
#2 Robert Morgan Educational Center

Best Private Schools

Hebrew Academy (RASG)
#1 Hebrew Academy (RASG)
A+
Niche
Temple Beth Sholom Innovative  School
#2 Temple Beth Sholom Innovative School
A+
Niche
Fisher Island Day School
#3 Fisher Island Day School
A
Niche
Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School
#4 Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School
Klurman Mesivta High School
#5 Klurman Mesivta High School
Lehrman Community Day School
#6 Lehrman Community Day School
Mechina High School of South Florida
#7 Mechina High School of South Florida
Papillon Montessori
#8 Papillon Montessori
St Patrick Elementary School
#9 St Patrick Elementary School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Abraham Ash
(786) 321-0377
Awards:
2023 & 2024- Miami Heralds Miami Dade favorites 1st & 2nd place winner: "Best Real Estate Agent Miami-Dade County"
2019, 2020 & 2022 - American Institute of Real Estate Agents - "10 Best Real Estate Agents - Client Satisfaction"
2022 - Americas Top 100 Real Estate Agents - "Top 1%"
2019, 2020 & 2021 - Homesnap - "Excellence in Client Service"
2019 - Google - "Excellence in Client Service"

Certifications:
"ABR" - Accredited Buyer Representative
"SRS" - Seller Representative Specialist
"Certified Client Protection Expert" - Advanced training on home inspections
"Institute for Luxury Home Marketing" - Guild Member
"Real Estate Broker Associate" - Full real estate Broker license

Hello, glad you clicked on me and I hope the following info matches what you are in search of in Real Estate Professional.

I have over 19 years as a Licensed Real Estate Agent and now almost 10 years with the advanced Real Estate Broker license. I am proud to be known as Honest, Reliable, Patient and extremely Knowledgeable. Placing my clients interests first is the foundation of my business. Throughout the 19 years I have a clean tract record with 0 formal complaints or court cases

Miami native, born and raised Miamian, lived here locally since 1980. Over the decades I personally have witnessed the growth and changes firsthand.

I hope you will consider me as your listing or buying agent representative, thank you
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.