Ask anyone what they love about living in Miami Beach or why they decided to move here and you’ll likely get the same answer: living by the beach is a must-not-miss experience, the lifestyle is incredible, and you feel like you’re living in a small town, even with all the exciting happenings.
A coastal resort city since the early 1900s, Miami Beach is located on one of the barrier islands on the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay and connected to Miami via the MacArthur Causeway, which spans 3.5 miles, so you’re never far away from the mainland. If you just want to stay on the island, however, Miami Beach packs a lot of fun activities in such a small area; it spans 15.22 square miles.
Read on to learn more about this dazzling island city, all the fun things to do in Miami Beach, and what makes it a fantastic place to live in.
What’s Ahead
THE PERKS OF MOVING TO MIAMI BEACH
With Miami Beach attracting more than 3 million visitors every year, one might think that the city is mainly tourist oriented. But living in Miami Beach as a permanent resident is a fun reality for more than 82,000 people.
Once envisioned as a bedroom community for those who work in the city of Miami, Miami Beach is now home to locals who work downtown. With a growing job market, much of its workforce is involved in fields such as health care, accommodations, retail, real estate, and technical services. Job growth in the next 10 years is expected to reach 36.9%, which is promising for young professionals and those who plan on buying a forever home to raise their families.
- Schools
Families looking for Miami Beach homes for sale will find that Miami Beach also has a good number of schools, with the public schools being served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. These include North Beach Elementary, Treasure Island Elementary, Biscayne Elementary, Nautilus Middle School, and Miami Beach Senior HIgh School. Miami Beach also has several private schools, such as St. Patrick Catholic School and Hebrew Academy RASG. - No income tax
Another major appeal of moving to Miami Beach is the low taxes. Florida as a whole does not impose an income tax, and the sales tax rate in Miami Beach is 7%, which is lower than the US average sales tax rate of 7.3%. The potential savings and purchasing power this brings are attractive to many people, though you do still have to consider various factors to make sure that moving to a state with no income tax is worthwhile. - The vibe
People love living in Miami Beach because of the vibe. Miami Beach is often described as full of energy, thanks to the sheer joy of living near crystal blue waters and white-sand beaches, the incredible selection of shops and restaurants, and, most importantly, a welcome atmosphere and strong sense of community. It’s also culturally diverse, with a multilingual community and one that accepts and celebrates all gender identities. Add the wealth of cultural sights, museums, and dining options and Miami Beach is nothing if not ideal. - The weather
The weather is also a perk. Warm sunny weather is the norm year-round, with occasional rains from June to November. It’s a welcome change for those who come from colder states and great news for those who love taking part in outdoor activities. And it won’t disappoint those who’ve always viewed Miami Beach as a sun-drenched tropical paradise. - Walkability
Iin 2016, the Miami Beach neighborhoods of Flamingo Island and South of Fifth were named by Redfin as the most walkable neighborhoods in Florida with Flamingo Island ranking first. Walking or biking are preferred options in Miami Beach, because traffic can get pretty heavy at certain times of the day. Buses operated by Miami-Dade transit, or the Miami Beach Trolley, are available for free with routes that take you throughout South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach. This makes it easier to explore all the attractions in Miami Beach. - The attractions
There’s so much to see, do, and experience in Miami Beach. Here are just a few of them:- Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and spend the day learning about the native and exotic plant species on display by taking the Miami Beach Botanical Garden Tour. Founded in 1962, it also hosts art shows, exhibitions, and other events. Activities such as tai-chi, sound bath meditations, and yoga classes are conducted regularly.
- Take in the view of the ocean at South Pointe Park. This park spans 17 acres and features a walkable pier and plenty of green spaces where you can relax and have a picnic.
- Soak up the Miami Beach atmosphere along Ocean Drive. This iconic thoroughfare is known for its array of Art Deco buildings, restaurants, nightclubs, and great views of the ocean. Enjoy the sunshine and cafe-style dining options, go people-watching, and at night, head over to one of the many nightclubs that make South Beach nightlife one of the most vibrant in the country.
- Check out what’s happening at Lummus Park. Found just along Ocean Drive, it spans 10 blocks, and you can either walk along the beachfront path or explore it on bike or skates. Some of the events that have been held at Lummus Park include weekend artisan markets, the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Weekend, and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting Village.
- Stop by some of the many museums in South Beach, including The Bass, which features contemporary art. The Wolfsonian-Florida International University, located in the heart of the Art Deco District features art from 1850 to 1950. The Museum of Illusions has interactive exhibits suitable for the whole family.
- Tour the Miami Beach Architectural District, which is more commonly known as the Miami Art Deco District. This spot contains 960 historic buildings, making it the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. The Miami Design Preservation League conducts daily walking tours in the district. Some of the notable structures here include Lincoln Theatre, The Carlyle, and the National Hotel.
- The nightlife
Miami Beach comes even more alive at night with dance clubs, beach bars, and upscale lounges. South Beach is where much of Miami Beach’s nightlife happens.- LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the place to to party with celebrities and some of the biggest names in music.
- Mango’s Tropical Cafe features Caribbean cuisine, Latin music, and a steady stream of clientele that includes A-listers.
- Located on Ocean Drive, The Clevelander offers an exceptional beachside party experience, three bars, and a vast food and beverage menu.
With all the fun things to do in Miami Beach and numerous events taking place every week, living in Miami Beach can never get boring.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS IN MIAMI BEACH
The Bayshore neighborhood in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is divided into three areas: South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach, with South Beach being the most recognizable – although all three areas have their own charms and are some of the best Miami Beach neighborhoods to live in.
- South Beach: Where the action is
South Beach is perhaps the most quintessentially Miami of the three areas. It comes as no surprise that people seek out Miami Beach homes for sale because they want to be close to where the action is.
- Belle Isle is one of the popular locations in South Beach. It’s on the easternmost side of the Venetian Islands, a group of mostly artificial islands on Biscayne Bay, and the only one among these islands that isn’t completely manmade. The residential mix mainly consists of luxury midrise and high-rise condominiums, along with historic single-family homes dating from the 1930s and 1940s and ultra-modern properties.
- Hibiscus Island is a manmade island that once consisted of the winter homes of celebrities and other prominent figures. It’s perched on Biscayne Bay and over the decades, it has become an exclusively residential island, featuring waterfront estates that command the highest property prices.
- South of Fifth, also known as SoFi, is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city. This mostly residential area features beaches, luxury condos, and a small but interesting selection of boutiques and restaurants.
- North Beach: Laid-back luxury
North Beach can be considered the polar opposite of South Beach in that life here is slower-paced and the crowds tend to be smaller. North Beach is where you go for a more laid-back atmosphere that still allows you to enjoy what Miami Beach offers best: gorgeous beaches, fine dining, and a luxurious lifestyle. It also has the highest number of parks in Miami Beach, with more than 200 acres of green spaces.
- Biscayne Point is a gated community where 97% of the homes are waterfront properties. This part of the city provides unparalleled privacy and security, as well as walkability to schools, golf courses, and other amenities.
- Normandy Shores is a private residential enclave with houses boasting the Miami Modernist architectural style. Homes date back to the 1950s, although there are also plenty of new construction. This neighborhood is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Normandy Shores Golf Club is another notable area, which is a favorite among golf enthusiasts in the city.
- Normandy Isles, on the eastern shore of Biscayne Bay, features properties built in the 1940s and the 1950s. Prevalent styles are Miami Modernist and Midcentury, as well as garden-style apartment complexes. The neighborhood has a weekly farmer’s market, small shops, and restaurants featuring international cuisine. Like Normandy Shores, Normandy Isles is part of the Normandy Isles Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- La Gorce Island is a private residential island on Biscayne Bay notable for its high-end properties. This exclusive community has 60 well-appointed homes, less than half of which are waterfront properties. They come in varying architectural styles, from Mediterranean to Contemporary.
- Mid-Beach: Peace and quiet and old Millionaire’s Row
Mid-Beach blends the best of all neighborhoods – the sparkle of South Beach and the tranquility of North Beach.- Oceanfront, Bayshore, and Nautilus are all considered upscale urban neighborhoods. They’re dotted with luxury condominiums and single-family homes.
- Millionaires’ Row was once a hotspot for the rich and famous. Now, it’s a collection of classic homes.
- Pinetree Drive is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, with houses that fetch up to $35 million. ,
Whichever among the Miami Beach neighborhoods you choose, you’ll find plenty of Miami Beach homes for sale that will bring you closer to the lifestyle you dream of.
LOOK FOR THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN MIAMI BEACH WITH JONATHAN KOTLER
With its fantastic weather, a rotating list of available activities, an endless list of things to see and experience, and a warm and welcoming community, living in Miami Beach is as close to living in paradise as you can get. And whichever neighborhood you choose, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs to a T.
With buyers clamoring for the best Miami beach homes for sale and negotiating the best possible deals, buying a home often comes with hurdles. Which is why you’ll need to work with a local real estate professional.
With experience and a fresher outlook, Realtor Jonathan Kotler has quickly become one of the preferred real estate specialists in Miami Beach. He takes extra care in noting each client’s needs and goals and crafts a tailored experience for them. He cuts the best deals and personally handles all related matters so his clients can relax and better enjoy the process of fulfilling their real estate goals.
Whether you’re buying Miami beach homes for sale or need help selling your home in Miami Beach but don’t know where to start, Jon is ready to help. Get in touch with Jonathan Kotler at 786.520.1923 or contact him here.