The waterfront views and elaborate homes of South Beach
In the mornings, boats rev up to head onto the Indian River, cicadas chirp in oaks draped with Spanish moss and waves crash onto the shores of South Beach. Part of the shoreline that makes up the Treasure Coast, South Beach is one of Vero Beach's largest areas – and highly sought after for its waterside lifestyle and stately homes. "People living here are usually just here for the winter months, but we have some locals who stay year-round. Water is really the way of life," says Sherry Goff, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Florida who's lived in the area for over a decade. "I walk to the beach every day from my house — just this morning, I watched a rocket launch from Fort Pierce at sunrise."
Find waterfront single-family homes in South Beach, perfect for enjoying coastal sunsets.
People enjoy refreshing ocean walks in South Beach, breathing in the crisp sea air.
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In-community recreation and enjoying Round Island Park
Expanses of blue water on either side of South Beach are one of the biggest draws for new residents, with the stretching shores of the Atlantic to the east and the islands and inlets of the Indian River to the west. "This whole area is about lifestyle – you can get to the water in minutes, and we're actually gaining sand, not losing it," says Erika Ross, a Realtor with The Moorings Realty Sales Co. who's been local to the area for 20 years. "In my community, people make cocktails and take their dogs down to the beach. The yacht club is a big deal, too. It's just as much for boating as it is for socializing," In a community where many neighborhoods have beach and river access, kayaking, boating and fishing are giant pastimes. The shoreline of South Beach avoids interruption by high-rises, as Indian River County forbids anything with more than four stories to be built on the shore. It's a common site to see people out boogieboarding, tossing around a volleyball or bobbing along with the waves in the water. Found near the Port St. Lucie County line, Round Island Riverside Park is a popular destination for nature walks and river views from observation towers, while manatees and dolphins are familiar sights floating through the calm waters.
Discover Round Island Riverside Park in South Beach, ideal for nature walks and fishing.
Let your dog roam at the dog park in South Beach, a friendly space for pets to socialize.
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Upscale subdivisions of The Moorings and estates along the water
With housing prices that trend nearly a million dollars over the average for Vero Beach, South Beach has some of the most sought-after communities in the city. South Beach is known for its luxury, from the highly varied architecture at The Moorings – which has everything from two-bedroom condos to five-bedroom Spanish Revivals – to the elaborate beachfront homes at what the locals call 'estate row.' "The houses in South Beach are gorgeous, but people are really paying for the area and amenities," Goff says. "Most homes in South Beach have river or beach access, fabulous clubhouses and private docks." While prices in South Beach run a vast range, the lowest ranges are typically between $300,000 and $500,000 for condos built in the 1970s. Once townhomes or single-family homes surpass 2,000 square feet, especially if they have direct river or beach access, homebuyers can expect price tags between $800,000 and $4 million. Any properties in the million range typically are new-builds or have undergone massive renovation, are 4,000 or more square feet and possess amenities such as pools and three-car garages. Many houses have hurricane-proofed garage doors and windows, and flood insurance is not only encouraged but sometimes required. The neighborhood has an enviable CAP Index Crime Score of 1, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10.
Visit tropical coastal houses in South Beach, blending island charm with modern comforts.
Relax on waterfront corner lots in South Beach that provide spacious outdoor living areas.
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Tailgating outside of Riverside Theatre
Vero Beach has several well-attended annual events, one of the biggest being the Under the Oaks Art Show in March, where over 80,000 guests come to see the artisan vendors' creative works. A staple for the community, Riverside Theatre puts on live outdoor music performances and theater performances weekly. "In tourism season, out-of-towners take up the lawn for the music," Goff says. "Us locals just tailgate in the parking lot. Everyone brings their coolers and snacks and hangs out, it's like a big party."
Heading over to 21st Street for shopping and dining at Dario's
Crossing over the 17th Street Bridge, residents of South Beach are about 3 miles from the shopping pockets along 17th and 21st streets. Walgreens, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Fresh Market can be found in a small radius, alongside the local shops that line 21st Street, also known as 'Miracle Mile,' for its unique boutiques. South Beach has some community favorites that stay busy during both the summer lull and the population increase of winter. While walking on the shore toward Central Beach, the back porches and cabanas of restaurants are lit with string lights, live music playing for anyone passing by. "Dario's is our go-to Italian spot; the food there is fabulous," Goff says. "We don't go out much, but when we do, it's there or up to Bobby's for drinks. South Beach Pizzeria is a cute little spot, too; it's been there for years."
Visit Mulligan's Beach House in South Beach for casual dining with oceanfront views.
Explore unique finds at the Market Boutique shop in South Beach for one-of-a-kind items.
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Schooling with the Indian River District
Kids living in South Beach can attend schools under the Indian River School District, and most public schools are on the mainland. If attending public school, kids can start at Beachland Elementary, rated a B-plus on Niche and one of the only schools on the coastal side. They can move on to Gifford Middle, graded with a B, before heading to A-minus-rated Vero Beach High. Goff points out that many living in South Beach will send their children to Saint Edward's School, a private school that receives an A-plus grade and teaches kindergarten through twelfth grade. It ranks as one of the top private schools in Florida and maintains an extremely small student-teacher ratio of 7-1.
Choose Beachland Elementary in South Beach, recognized for its excellent educational programs.
Vero Beach High in South Beach is known for academic excellence.
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Navigating Vero Beach and local crime prediction
The island side of Vero Beach is extremely car-dependent, and the A1A Highway runs along down the coast and connects to all bridges that cross the intracoastal waterway, namely the 17th Street Bridge, Barber Bridge and Wabasso Causeway. While Vero Beach has the Vero Beach Regional Airport, the only commercial airline it serves is Breeze, which has limited destination stops. Most residents will fly out of the larger hub of Melbourne Orlando International Airport, located 36 miles north. For emergencies and general medical needs, South Beach is 4 miles from the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
Photography Contributed By
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Video By
Shannon Hopkins
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