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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Oswaldo Sanchez Robleno,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL sell after 150 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunny Isles Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $740,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxuriate in this fully renovated 8,332 sqft Penthouse in Sunny Isles with direct ocean views. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, private elevator, gym, sauna, media room, and 2000 sqft of terraces with each room offering a private terrace. Meticulously furnished with top-of-the-line RH furniture, this mansion in the sky is a true masterpiece. The owner spent $2M on renovations. Experience
COMFORTABLE STUDIO WITH OCEAN AND CITY VIEWS/ RENOVATED / ALL AMMENITIES GYM VALET POOL/ MINUTES FROM AVENTURA MALL AND CLOSE TO RESTAURANTS, PHARMACY AND SUPERMARKET/COME AND ENJOY THE BEACHES IN SUNNY ISLES. Monthly HOA for $1314 + monthly assesment $250 for 10 years or one pay for 25K.
Luxurious condo for sale. Motivated seller. In an exclusive area with private ocean access. Ideal for Airbnb, this property is located next to Golden Beach and offers a host of amenities, including three social rooms, a gym, sauna, steam room, pool, jacuzzi, valet parking, and more. Monthly HOA of $1314 covers water, electricity, cable, wifi, and parking +assesment $250 monthly for 10 years or
WINSTON TOWERS SUNNY ISLES, BEST LINE 09 2 BED 2 BATH APARTMENT FOR SALE HUGE 1488 sf LIVING SPACE INCLUDING A GREAT BALCONY WITH PARTIAL VIEWS TO THE OCEAN . CONDOMINIUM HAS A LOW MAINTANANCE AND IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SUNNY ISLES. EMJOY THE GYM, BBQ, GAME ROOM, IMPRESSIVE BRAND NEW LOBBY AND ELEVATORS , CONCIERGE & SECURITY 24 HS AND VERY RARE 2 PARKING SPACES ASSIGNED
Experience luxury living in this one-of-a-kind 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence spanning 2,214 sq.ft. Enjoy breathtaking ocean, Intracoastal, and downtown Miami views from every room. Acqualina offers world-class amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, four pools, full-service spa, concierge, valet, fine dining, and more.Live in The World’s Finest Residences at The Estates at
The spectacular 4-bedroom flow through corner residence has the most magnificent finishes and over 4,385 sqft. The residence is located in the sought after Boutique tower at the Estates at Acqualina. This north facing unit has a state-of-the-art kitchen with a 14-foot long island, a gas La Cornue range, a pizza oven, and a steam oven. The kitchen, bathrooms and MBR closets are all from Molteni.
Fully Renovated Lanai-Level Condo in Winston Towers 100 – Sunny Isles Beach.This spacious and bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence is located on the exclusive Lanai level, offering direct access from the balcony to the pool and recreation area. Completely renovated from top to bottom, the condo features a brand-new kitchen with premium appliances, modern cabinetry, and a cozy eat-in area filled
This modern, fully furnished condo in Arlen House East is your relaxing escape from the bustling city, just steps away from the beach. Features a spacious primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom with a full bathroom across the hallway for comfort and convenience. White porcelain tile floors throughout the unit and complemented by sleek, modern furniture, it's the perfect home
Wake up to oceanfront sunrises from this luminous, fully renovated corner condo in the heart of Sunny Isles Beach! Perfect for seasonal or executive stays — furnished, turnkey, & steps to the sand. Enjoy breakfast or dinner overlooking the ocean & sunrise from this beautifully styled unit right off the elevator. Features a spacious layout w/ a separate bedroom offering two queen beds, walk-in
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