Sunny Isles Beach is a cozy coastal community sitting between Hollywood and Miami. This island city of 22,000 is nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, providing a picturesque paradise graced by a beach that runs the length of the community. Sunny Isles was developed primarily for residential use, so it has a more laidback vibe than well-known cosmopolitan destinations nearby. Faith and family are important aspects of the community. It is home to four synagogues, and its newest attraction is the Sunny Isles Beach Jewish Community Center, a state-of-the-art waterfront facility. “It’s very secure and quiet. It’s more family-friendly than a place like Miami Beach,” says Jonathan Ruiz, a Realtor with Lifestyle International Realty who has sold property on the island. Visitors are not only welcome but encouraged to experience the city. Resorts and hotels line the oceanfront. These amenities-filled destinations cater to those traveling for work and play and are the foundation of the island’s tourist economy. “Because of all those buildings, they get a good amount of money in taxes,” Ruiz says. “They have their own police department and fire services. You’ll see the beaches being cleaned every morning. They take a lot of pride in their city.”
The Oleta River in Eastern Shores is a great place to go kayaking.
Bring your boat to Oleta River state Park in Eastern Shores and drop anchor.
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Oceanfront properties and gorgeous views
Condominiums are found throughout the island. Most notable are the high-rise luxury condos that overlook the beach. More affordable options are found inland and on the Intracoastal waterfront. Non-oceanfront condos range from $200,000 to $700,000-plus. Oceanfront properties start at around $1 million and can list for as much as $40 million. “In the older buildings on the west side of the city, you’ll find mostly retirees. In the newer, fancy buildings, you get a lot of investors,” says Ruiz, who adds that many of the buyers are from Latin America. “Some will live there for 6 months, and a lot rent them out or use them as Airbnbs. There’s a good mix of residents and levels of income.”
Single-family homes that feature midcentury designs are concentrated on the west side of the island in neighborhood settings. Front yards are typically small. Backyards are larger and often feature in-ground pools. The Spanish Mediterranean motif stands out, especially among larger homes near the waterfront. A small collection of mostly two-level homes featuring a wider variety of architectural styles can be found in a more secluded setting on the island’s northern edge. “It’s a really up-and-coming area,” says Nancy Batchelor, a Realtor and team leader for Compass who sells homes throughout the Miami area. “People who used to want to live in Miami Beach but couldn’t fit it in their budget have started moving up north.”
Prices typically range from just over $1 million to $6 million-plus for the largest waterfront homes. While the oceanfront offers direct beach access, private docks and boat slips can be found among the homes and condos along the Intracoastal. The coastal location does have its drawbacks, most notably the high risk of flooding and wind damage during hurricane season, which stretches from April through November. The Miami area has not been hit by a major hurricane since Andrew in 1992. The aftermath of that storm led to some of the nation’s strictest building codes. Still, homebuyers should be aware that insurance rates will reflect the risks associated with severe weather.
Sunny Isles Beach offers oceanfront condo living with incredible views.
Eastern shores is nestled in between Sunny Isles and North Miami Beach.
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Ocean access attracts beachgoers, anglers and pelicans
The city’s beach was voted Best Beach by Miami New Times in 2023. Residents have access throughout the island to enjoy the white sand and clear water, a combination that makes it a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, jet-skiers and paddleboarders. Newport Fishing Pier is a gathering place where anglers seeking their next catch are joined by pelicans seeking their next meal. The pelicans have become so comfortable that they will often walk along the pier amid their human counterparts. Boaters can make a short trip along the Intracoastal Waterway for access to the ocean just south of the island. The city has 11 parks, and several host community events such as Gateway Market, Winter Fest and annual holiday celebrations. Oleta River State Park just south of the city is the Florida’s largest urban park. Mountain bikers, kayakers, anglers and swimmers are drawn to more than 1,000 acres of natural landscape.
Sunny Isles Beach offers miles of white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
Sunny Isles beach offers an array of beach resorts and hotels to enjoy.
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Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8 is rated A-minus by Niche
Students are served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, a district that earns an A-minus from Niche. Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8 also earns an A-minus. The district contains several highly-rated private schools, including David Posnack Jewish Day School. The Pre-K-12 institution earned an A-plus from Niche.
The Collins Avenue commercial corridor runs right through the heart of the city. It offers an array of shopping and dining options at a pair of retail centers. Cafes with outdoor seating are especially popular in this island locale. Baires Grill is a high-end Peruvian eatery that is a highlight of the island’s many ethnic restaurants. More than 300 upscale stores and more than 50 dining options can be found at the Aventura Mall less than 3 miles away. Residents can also take advantage of the Hollywood Broadwalk, an oceanfront promenade filled with restaurants and boutique shops 5 miles up Collins Avenue.
Sunny Isles beach has a lively and active community just a short drive from Downtown Miami.
Many of the residents live in the oceanfront condos of Sunny Isles Beach
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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to the north, Downtown Miami to the south
Buses that stop along Collins Avenue provide transportation between Sunny Isles Beach and other barrier islands. HCA Florida Aventura Hospital is less than 4 miles away. The north Miami mainland is easily accessible via 163rd Street. Once on the mainland, residents can take the commuter train or Interstate 95 to points of interest along the coast. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 12 miles north. Downtown Miami is 20 miles south.
Downtown Miami can be found in the heart of Miami with high-rise office and apartment buildings.
A few miles East of Pembroke Falls is the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
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2030 Plan is updated annually
Land-use and development are key elements of the city’s 2030 Plan, which is updated annually. The Urban Village and Town Center Strategy sets forth a vision of how the city will preserve its unique qualities and address future needs to create a collective community identity.
Sunny Isles Beach is committed to creating a better community for its residents.
Sunny Isles Beach are making an effort to preserve their city and community.
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Crime
As with most tourist destinations, crime rates can spike in season as the island’s population swells and large crowds are more common. However, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is relatively large for a city of its size. With more than 60 officers, the department operates both land-based and marine patrol units. Traffic and pedestrian safety are the focus of several enforcement initiatives, and the department also has an Autism Outreach Program.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
Video By
Mary Desmond
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Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL sell after 143 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $825,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience luxury living in this beautifully furnished and fully equipped 2-bedroom plus den residence, located on the 23rd floor of the prestigious Parque Towers. The spacious den has been professionally closed for more privacy featuring custom millwork and additional storage.Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, intracoastal, and city skyline from the expansive balcony. The unit
Antonello Di CristofaroOne Sotheby's International Realty
Experience turnkey luxury in this fully furnished 3BD/3.5BA corner residence on a high floor with SE exposure and breathtaking panoramic views of the Intracoastal, ocean, and skyline. This coveted line boasts 10ft ceilings, impact glass, a spacious wraparound balcony, and elegant upgrades including custom millwork, LED cove lighting, textured designer wallpaper, floating vanities, motorized
Antonello Di CristofaroOne Sotheby's International Realty
Waterfront Elegance in Sunny Isles Beach!Stunning 3-bed, 3.5-bath corner residence with breathtaking direct water views of the Intracoastal, ocean, and Miami skyline. This fully upgraded unit features 10ft ceilings, floor-to-ceiling impact glass windows, and a spacious wraparound balcony. The open floor plan boasts high-end European appliances, custom window treatments, designer lighting, and
Antonello Di CristofaroOne Sotheby's International Realty
Remodeled 3BR/2BA residence featuring a brand-new open kitchen, in-unit washer & dryer, and a spacious wraparound balcony. Bright and airy with city and partial ocean views extending to Bal Harbour. Located in a modern luxury building with resort-style amenities: multiple pools, state-of-the-art gym, concierge, private lounge, and exclusive beach club. Just across from the beach, this home offers
PRICE REDUCTION! Prime Sunny Isles Location – Across from the Beach! Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean from this beautifully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence on the 11th floor. This unit includes a dedicated storage space and an assigned parking spot. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a
Spacious and bright 2 bed 2 bath penthouse in Porto Bellagio, full-service building with amazing amenities steps from the beach in Sunny Isles. This is a split floorplan with large balcony facing South in the main building with pristine heated pool, clubhouse, state of the art 24-hour gym, pool table, business center, BBQ area and a promenade on Intracoastal. The condo offers open floorplan,
GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS FULLY FURNISHED! 1 BEDROOM & 1.5 BATH AT THE PRESTIGIOUS TRUMP ROYALE IN SUNNY ISLES!!! COME AND SEE THE BEAUTY! ALL IS HERE - AMAZING OCEAN AND CITY VIEWS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS. TASTEFULLY DECORATED WITH TOP OF THE LINE APPLIANCES, EUROPEAN FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN, WINDOW TREATMENT, JACUZZI,LARGE BALCONY! VERY CLOSE TO AVENTURA MALL AND A+SCHOOLS!FIVE STAR
Beautiful studio located in Sunny Isles Beach. Amazing location, close to Aventura Mall, restaurants, and with direct access to the beach. Renovated unit on a high floor with great natural light and incredible views. Building offers security, parking available for an additional fee, on-site restaurants, heated pool, gym, direct beach access, and beach service. Fast tenant approval within hours.
Nice and spacious one bedroom unit in the popular Oceanview Complex. Furnished. Tile floors. Beautiful view of the ocean and city, a lot of closet space. Rental price includes AC, water, cable and Internet. A lot of great amenities: tennis court, heated pool, community room, front desk, valet parking, laundry room is on every floor. 5 min walk to the public beach. Close to shopping and
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