Quiet and convenience are key in Vero Lake Estates
Vero Lake Estates is a growing suburb between Sebastian and Vero Beach. Its gridded streets are lined with a mix of empty lots and homes built primarily between the 1980s and 2020s. Though the Indian River County community is home to little more than Sebastian River High School, its quiet atmosphere continues to attract families. "It almost feels like the country, that’s how quiet it is,” says Jennifer Goodall, a Realtor with Re/Max Crown Realty, who has sold several homes in the area. Vero Lake Estates also offers a convenient location, east of Interstate 95. “People can get to big cities, the beach and tons of parks really easily,” Goodall says.
Developing community has established homes and available lots
Ranch-style, New Traditionals and Mediterranean-influenced homes are all common in Vero Lake Estates. Palm and oak trees may dot the lawns of more established homes. Smaller, older houses can cost between $160,000 and $375,000, while larger homes typically range from about $400,000 to around $665,000. The community is still developing, with empty lots starting at $30,000 and reaching $165,000, depending on acreage. “Sometimes families will buy plots to custom-build a home,” Goodall says. “Other times, it’s home builders getting a few neighboring lots to develop.” Vero Lake Estates has experienced significant flooding in the past, and flood insurance may be required for some homeowners.
Sebastian River High is in the community
The School District of Indian River County serves Vero Lake Estates. Kids can attend Treasure Coast Elementary, which Niche grades a B-plus, before continuing to Storm Grove Middle and Sebastian River High, both of which get Bs. The high school offers extracurriculars like the Criminal Justice Club, color guard and the Fly Fishing Club. Its campus was also built in Vero Lake Estates in the early 2000s. Despite this location, most students don’t walk to school. “Some roads still aren’t paved, so kids usually drive or take the bus,” Goodall says.
I-95 connects Vero Lake Estates with cities and major employers
Vero Lake Estates is a car-dependent community with easy access to big cities and major employers. “People here really do commute all over the place because of how convenient it is to live near I-95,” Goodall says. The highway stretches along Florida’s eastern shore, reaching places like Orlando and West Palm Beach, which are both less than 95 miles away. It also takes drivers to Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, about 45 miles north. Sebastian’s major employers include Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital, while Vero Beach has a regional airport and several resorts that supply jobs.
Pools, trails and golf courses are nearby for recreation
Several recreation spaces are near Vero Lake Estates, including the North County Aquatic Center, just north of the community. Swim lessons and water aerobic classes are available at this facility, home to a competition pool, a diving well and water slides. Youth leagues play on the baseball diamonds and soccer fields outside. It’s also an entry point for the 3-mile-long Trans-Florida Central Railroad Trail, which passes over I-95 with a pedestrian bridge and ends at a playground in the neighboring town of Fellsmere. Over 60 miles of trailway for hiking, biking and horseback riding stretch through pine forests at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, about 5 miles north. Golfers will find several 18-hole courses within 10 miles, including the private Quail Valley Golf Club. Vero Beach’s peaceful, white-sand shoreline is just 15 miles southeast.
Sebastian and Vero Beach have more shopping and dining
A Publix and chain restaurants, like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s, are in the northern part of Vero Lake Estates. Sebastian, less than 8 miles east, has more grocery stores and a few waterfront restaurants, including the tiki-style Mulligan’s Beach House. Vero Beach’s shopping centers include Vero Beach Outlets, home to over 60 stores, and the Indian River Mall, anchored by Dillard’s, AMC Theatres and JCPenney.
