4 minute read
A Slice of Paradise
With its shimmering collection of luxe residential towers and impeccable beachfront estates, miami beach is the ultimate prime real estate jewel.
By Nancy Bernstein
A cosmopolitan coastal community made of palm-shaded barrier islands, Miami Beach offers the height of sophisticated living combined with its cool, laid-back vibe. Whether it’s South of Fifth, South Beach, Mid-Beach or North Beach, each Miami Beach enclave showcases a particular architectural legacy — from Art Deco to Mediterranean Revival and even Mid-Century Modern — as well as a unique character of its own. Its whirlwind calendar of arts and cultural happenings pairs perfectly with miles upon miles of pristine shoreline to elevate Miami Beach into one of the world’s most desirable vacation and residential hubs.
South of Fifth
Set apart from the busier and more “touristy” section of South Beach, South of Fifth is literally the southernmost section of Miami Beach, below Fifth Street. In this pedestrian-friendly community, residents enjoy the beach, top-rated restaurants and beautiful South Pointe Park — one of the most scenic parks on Miami Beach — all within walking distance. With all its attractions and convenient location, it is no surprise that South of Fifth is home to some of the most sought-after high-rise properties in the city, including Apogee in South Beach, Murano at Portofino, Murano Grande, ICON South Beach and Continuum Towers. You can also find renovated Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern residences as well as South Beach’s only townhouses with private garages. This area is also home to top restaurants, including the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab, celebrity favorite Prime 112 and Smith & Wollensky, a top-tier steak house that is ideal for sunset Happy Hours and people-watching on the boardwalk.
South Beach
South Beach was the first section of Miami Beach to be developed back in the 1910s. These days it’s a thriving hub of beautiful beaches, world-class nightlife, shopping and dining, with residential options that run north from Fifth to 22nd Street. A major destination for international tourists, South Beach is packed with striking condos and historic Art Deco hotels like the Delano and the National, and colorful iconic lifeguard stands line the beautiful beaches at every block. Real estate choices in South Beach include ultra-luxe oceanfront condos at properties like Faena House, The W Residences, Beach House 8, The Miami Beach EDITION and Capri South Beach, as well as smaller and more budget-friendly options on the bay courtesy of The Floridian and The Waverly.
Mid-Beach
The Mid-Beach portion of Miami Beach runs from 24th to 63rd Street and is best defined by its more laid-back atmosphere. Mid-Beach features many family-owned shops and restaurants on 41st Street (Arthur Godfrey Road), including the legendary The Forge restaurant, three amazing children’s parks, a dog park, the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center, the Scott Rakow Youth Center and North Beach Elementary, an A-rated public school.
Iconic hotels like the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Eden Roc Miami Beach and SoHo Beach House offer full-service hotel accommodations, along with exceptional ground-floor restaurants like Cecconi’s at SoHo Beach House and Scarpettta by Scott Conant at the Fontainebleau.
Island Living
For those seeking the ultimate island getaway, they can move right in! Right in Miami Beach you can find a series of islands housing exclusive, gated estate neighborhoods including Hibiscus, Palm, Star, Venetian, Sunset (I, II, III & IV), La Gorce and Allison Islands. Further north you can find Normandy Isle and the exclusive enclave of Indian Creek Island.
Miami Beach’s iconic Venetian Causeway connects a chain of beautiful man-made islands with both the beach and Downtown Miami. All six of these islands — Biscayne, San Marco, Di Lido, San Marino, Rivo Alto and Belle Isle — feel like worlds away yet are located only minutes away from Lincoln Road’s shopping and entertainment district, supermarkets and restaurants just over the bridge on Purdy Avenue. You can catch bikers, joggers and in-line skaters taking on the gorgeous views at the Venetian Causeway at all hours of the day.
North Beach
Known for its sprawling stretches of white sand, neighborhood bars and restaurants and peaceful atmosphere, North Beach runs from 63rd to 87th Street and is home to the North Shore Park & Youth Center, where residents and tourists enjoy a wide range of sports, from volleyball to bicycling. The boardwalk also boasts its recently renovated North Beach Bandshell, an outdoor amphitheater that regularly hosts cultural events, concerts and entertainment.
Surfside
Stretching from 87th to 96th Street is the coveted neighborhood of Surfside. Incorporated in 1935, many homes in Surfside are true Art Deco jewels lining sunny streets named after famous writers and poets like Abbott, Byron, Carlyle andDickens. This neighborhood offers a quaint beach town vibe thanks to its mile-long, gorgeous beach;luxury beachfront hotels; its proximity to couture mecca Bal Harbour Shops and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. Its abundance of family-friendly activities and events give Surfside a special charm, and life here is designed for relaxation, whether that means enjoying a casual meal at a small bistro, a breezy outdoor picnic at North Shore State Recreation Area or a full day of fun at the oceanfront Community Center.
A native of South Florida and a third-generation Realtor, Nancy Rosen Bernstein is a Luxury Estate Agent for ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. She can be reached at nancy@nancyRbernstein.com or at 305.490.9778.
