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
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL sell after 131 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $635,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover modern luxury in this 5-bed, 5.5-bath gem, where technology meets refined elegance. Adorned by Artefacto furniture, this turnkey home features a versatile first-floor bedroom perfect for guests or an office. Control lighting, music, and climate effortlessly via integrated iPads. Unwind on the second-floor in the primary suite and additional bedrooms. Expansive 10-ft sliding doors lead to
Spectacular unit at St Tropez Sunny isles, BEST UNIT & BEST TOWER Spacious split floor plan. A 10-foot ceiling, white porcelain in the living room and wood floors in the bedrooms. Built-in closets in every room. led light on Sofie surrounded all ambientes, Impact windows and Electric Roller binds. World-class amenities include valet, concierge, 24hr doorman, fitness room, clubhouse, swimming
Stunning 3BD/3.5BA in Trump Tower II, Sunny Isles. Flow-through unit with panoramic ocean & Intracoastal views. Private foyer elevator, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling impact glass, and large terraces for sunrise/sunset views. Gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, Italian cabinetry, and granite counters. Spacious en-suite bedrooms with custom closets. Five-star amenities: 24-hr
Rarely Available Corner Unit – Fully Renovated – Sunny Isles BeachJust completed a full, high-end remodel—this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath corner unit is truly a WOW property. Everything is brand new and thoughtfully designed. With 1,524 SQFT of light-filled living space, enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the wraparound terrace. The den easily serves as a third bedroom, and the open layout
RENT - Rarely Available Corner Unit – Fully Renovated – Sunny Isles Beach Just completed a full, high-end remodel—this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath corner unit is truly a WOW property. Everything is brand new and thoughtfully designed. With 1,524 SQFT of light-filled living space, enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the wraparound terrace. The den easily serves as a third bedroom, and the open
Stunning oceanfront flow-through ready to move in turnkey residence, the best 3 bedroom 3 bath in the Acqualina Ocean Resort and Residences. Completely decorated, new kitchen and top of the line finishes, spacious flow thru residence from ocean to intercostal views, enjoy sunrise and sunset views. Enjoy the benefits of the Acqualina hotel and all amenities, true 5 diamond luxury resort style,
FOR RENT – Sunny Isles Beach 1BD/1.5BA with Ocean Views!Live steps from the beach in this bright 9th-floor condo with stunning ocean and city views. Features a brand-new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, updated baths, and a Juliet balcony.Enjoy resort-style amenities: pool, tennis, basketball, Brand New Gym, garage parking, 24/7 security, and clubhouse spaces. A+ school district and
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