Bay Harbor Islands blends luxury condos with coastal charm
Cradled by the Biscayne Bay's sparkling blue waters, the town of Bay Harbor Islands greets every morning with lush tropical flora, the smell of the ocean and South Florida sunshine. There are, quite literally, two sides of Bay Harbor Islands. The west island strictly comprises single-family residences, while multifamily properties, commercial areas and the community's K-8 school sit on the east island. "It used to be like Mayberry from 'The Andy Griffith Show,'" says Eric Broad, a third-generation real estate broker with M. Kotler Real Estate and lifelong resident of Bay Harbor Islands. "As kids, we'd walk to and from school and get ice cream on the way home, but now it's been discovered." A building boom is underway, with a focus on high-end plans, such as prominent developer Ian Bruce Eichner's luxury condo project La Baia. "Another developing project on the tip of the east island, Onda Residences, is already almost sold out," Broad says. Despite these new developments, the neighborhood maintains its small-town charm, largely thanks to the town's height restrictions, limiting buildings to 75 feet. Fall in love with your every day, surrounded by Bay Harbor Islands' gorgeous homes and paradisal views. "I've lived here my whole life," Broad says. "And I never want to leave."
Condominiums have a beautiful view to the bay in Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood
Streets with lined up palm trees are the essential look in Bay Harbor Islands.
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Property prices vary widely across Bay Harbor Islands’ two islands
On the west island, an eclectic variety of single-family properties sits on lush lots brimming with tropical flora. "Bay Harbor Islands was founded in the 1950s," Broad says. "So you have a good mix of older homes from the '50s, '60s and '70s and new construction." From grand, waterfront Mediterranean Revivals and sprawling contemporary estates to quaint Spanish eclectic ranch-style homes and unique bungalows, this island is bursting with character. Home prices range from $3.1 million to $8 million for a residence on a dry lot, and waterfront properties cost upward of $25 million, with those on the canal being less expensive than those facing the open bay. Meanwhile, empty lots go for $2.6 million and up. On the east island, market prices of multifamily properties, including condos and fourplexes, start around $265,000 for an inland one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 530-square-foot condo, and cap around $6.3 million for a new construction, four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo in a luxury building.
Condominium by the canals in Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood.
Traditional single family home with pool in Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood.
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Academies at Miami Beach Senior High include real world applications
Students living on the Bay Harbor Islands have the benefit of beginning school less than a mile from home at Ruth K. Broad/Bay Harbor K-8 Center. "One huge draw is that we have our own school that supplies education through eighth grade," Broad says. "It's public, and it's good for the whole zip code. It's been highly rated for many years." Currently, this convenient neighborhood school is rated with an A-minus on Niche. Students can transfer to Miami Beach Nautilus Middle, rated with a B on Niche, for grades six through seven, or finish up on the island before moving on to Miami Beach Senior High, rated with a B-plus on Niche. This high school offers an extensive array of academies to help students get a leg up on future careers and postsecondary education. Take the Academy of Marine and Environmental Sciences, for example; it provides students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade with opportunities to shadow and assist local organizations, including the Environmental Coalition of Miami and the Beaches, Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center, the Big Blue and You Foundation, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Ruth K. Board Bay Harbor K-6 Center is the largest school in Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood.
Miami Beach Senior High is rated B-plus on Niche.
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Small green spaces on the islands include playgrounds
Pockets of green space can be found in the community at the local tot lot, which features bayfront views and shaded playgrounds, and at Officer Scott Winters Park. The latter boasts more open space and shaded playgrounds, plus it's adjacent to the neighborhood dog run.
Kids can enjoy the playgrounds in the nearby parks of Sunny Isles Shores.
Kids can enjoy the playground at Tot Lot Park in Bay Harbor Islands.
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Residents enjoy walkable access to cafes and local markets
Bay Harbor Islands can be found less than a mile west of Bal Harbour and Surfside, so residents benefit from proximity to the beach, restaurants and the luxury retailers at Bal Harbour Shops. Of course, you don’t have to leave the island for day-to-day shopping, dining out or water access. Main thoroughfare Kane Concourse runs across the islands; on the east island, it's flanked by convenient businesses, like doctors' offices and a local market, as well as small cafes and eateries, such as Bay Harbor Café and Emilio's Trattoria, an authentic Tuscan restaurant.
Families are safe and kids can enjoy the outside walks in Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood.
Bay Harbor Islands neighborhood is also perfect for a bike ride when you live there.
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Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Video By
Robert Edmonds
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julio Murta Oliveira,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bay Harbor Islands, FL sell after 168 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bay Harbor Islands, FL over the last 12 months is $717,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Alana Bay Harbor Islands ! Now offering new Developer Closeout Pricing! This turnkey unit is beautifully finished by luxury brand RH. Furniture packages available separately at an extra cost. Take Advantage ! Only 4 Developer units left! Experience the charm of this beautiful condo in Bay Harbor, just minutes from the ocean. Enjoy easy access to stunning beaches, upscale shopping centers, and a
Belinda Andretti-KasanzewFortune International Realty
Alana Bay Harbor Islands ! Now offering new Developer Closeout Pricing! Take Advantage ! Only 4 Developer units left! Beautiful Turn Key Unit by Luxury furniture brand Addison House available at an additional cost (Call for Pricing!) . Brand new construction! The only new building ready for occupancy 2025. Residence 601 is high in the sky on the southwest corner of the building. With gorgeous
Belinda Andretti-KasanzewFortune International Realty
Alana Bay Harbor Islands! Now offering new Developer Closeout Pricing! This turnkey unit is beautifully finished by luxury brand RH. Furniture packages are available separately at an extra cost. Take Advantage! Only 4 Developer units left! The new construction project is ready for occupancy in Bay Harbor. Residence 403 is on the northwest corner of the building. This three-bedroom 3.5 bath comes
Belinda Andretti-KasanzewFortune International Realty
Exquisite duplex corner penthouse features modern design with 4 beds, 31⁄2 bath, enhanced by a private terrace with breathtaking sunset views. An exclusive outdoor dining and gourmet entertaining space. Spacious wraparound balcony elevates relaxation inside. Fully Kosher kitchen designed to the highest standards. A spa-like sauna room adds luxurious ambiance. The unit’s elegant finish and modern
This unit boasts a modern design featuring 2bed 2 bath. A bright apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light. The expansive balcony includes an outdoor gourmet kitchen, ideal for entertaining. Located on the east island, just steps from Bal Harbour Shops, top-tier cafés, and fine restaurants, and close to the beach and some of Miami’s best schools. This building
This stunning corner unit boasts a sleek, modern design with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the spacious interior in natural light, creating an airy, inviting ambiance. A standout feature is the expansive wraparound balcony, complete with an outdoor gourmet space, perfect for entertaining. Ideally situated on East of Bay Harbor Island, just steps from Bal Harbour
Top-floor corner unit in Bay Harbor Islands! Spacious 1 bed, 1.5 bath, 929 sq ft of bright living space perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Freshly painted & features a large walk-in closet. Enjoy the sparkling community pool, welcoming entrance, entertainment areas, and serene atrium. Unwind with morning coffee or recharge in the afternoon on the spacious balcony, taking in the views.
WATERFRONT TOP FLOOR UNIT WITH GORGEOUS STUNNING WATER VIEWS! SPACIOUS 2/2 BRIGHT IN BEST LOCATION, MINUTES TO BEACH, BAL HARBOR SHOPS, A+ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HOUSE OF WORSHIP AND MORE. EASY TO SHOW!*BOAT SLIP ONLY AVAILABLE THRU THE ASSOCIATION'S APPROVAL*
Spacious home in the heart of upscale and sought after Bay Harbor Islands. Unfurnished annual rental or shorter term with a min of 3 months. Walking distance to the beach, Bal Harbour Shoppes, restaurants on Harding Ave and places of worship. Split floorplan for privacy. Just re-painted in and out. Washer and dryer indoors. Corner lot of 10,000sf with lush landscaping and privacy hedge. Parking
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