Bay Harbor Islands Offers A Luxurious Florida Alternative

With its blend of luxury, convenience and creative flair, Bay Harbor Islands has all the ingredients to be the next hottest neighborhood in the sizzling hot Miami real estate market. A vibrant, private community of magnificent homes and luxury condos, this exclusive town is located between the upscale Bal Harbour and Indian Creek Island and offers an idyllic waterfront lifestyle as a true “city within a city.” It is attracting wealthy buyers who are priced out of neighboring areas and oceanfront locations across South Florida.

Comprised of two islands (the 105-acre East Island with condos, multi-family residential and a small business area with restaurants and shops, plus the 103-acre West Island dedicated to single-family homes), Bay Harbor Islands is Miami’s best kept secret with luxury (and more attainable) amenities at your fingertips. With a walkable downtown district and mile-long stretch of pristine beach, this beachfront haven, which lies just north of Miami Beach, attracts an eclectic mix of home owners.

Today, development is booming with over 561 planned for-sale units in Bay Harbor Islands, including those under construction and actively selling, along with record-seeking spec mansions making headlines. Since 2021, there has been a 60% increase in closed condominium pricing and a 58% increase in average price per square foot, while average unit size has remained consistent, showing tremendous demand resulting in pricing premiums for the area.

"Bay Harbor Islands’ appearance resembles pure paradise, combined with the incredible amenities offered, the area is attracting the latest surge of new development and record-setting sales,” says Moshe Goldshtein with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “A stroll down Kane Concourse reveals a scene of vibrant, healthy living that embodies the Bay Harbor lifestyle. Locals love to take advantage of the area's walkability, with convenient access to Bal Harbour Shops, Surfside's Harding Avenue business district and the Bal Harbour beach with its amazing bike and walking paths.”

One of the most coveted addresses and exciting projects is the upcoming development of 9900 West, a seven story boutique condominium of only 23 exquisite luxury waterfront residences by Frankel Benayoun Architects and developed by The Horizon Group. Rising along the Indian Creek waterway, the marina accessible to residents includes 10 boat slips, accommodating up to 30-foot vessels and offering waterway access to Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The marina also allows for dockside pickup and drop-off in the area, showcasing a dockside lounge and paddleboard/kayak storage. Additional amenities include concierge services and custom wellness packages and beach club membership. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing heads sales and marketing. Other major projects include The Well, a health-focused residential tower and office building, La Baia, Bay Harbour Towers and Solina.

Notable sales include 9520 West Broadview Drive for $21.95 Million by Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman, marking a record for Bay Harbor Islands. Developed by Matthew Rosenblatt, the property spans over 8,200-square feet of interiors, designed by Stephanie Halfen SDH Studio Architecture + Design, with eight bedrooms, 10 baths, an office and a media den. Also, 9501 E Broadview Drive just closed for $14.25M. Chad Carroll with The Carroll Group represented the buyer, while the seller was represented by Oren Alexander and Isaac Lustgarten of OFFICIAL.

Listings of high interest include 9737 W Broadview Drive for $15.99M by Jonathan Bigelman with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. Designed by Ralph Choeff, this estate is slated to break records for a dry lot in Bay Harbor Islands if sold at or near ask. Situated on a rare corner double lot spanning 22,726-square feet, features include marble floors, sleek Fry Reglet recessed baseboards, frameless flush doors, 22 foot-high ceilings, a sprawling master suite with a large spa-like master bath and a terrace, 1,100 bottle wine cellar, a dedicated home theater, gym, commercial grade elevator, office and Savant smart home. The outdoor area features a covered summer kitchen and heated salt-chlorinated pool, spa and spiral staircase leading to a terrace and the rooftop with views of Miami’s gorgeous sunsets.

Bay Harbor Islands has its own A-rated elementary school, private police force, shopping, fine restaurants, a playground, splash pad, tennis courts and two parks. The area also has public art sculptures including Romero Brito's vibrant "Heart" piece and Robert Indiana's iconic "Love" installation.

"The area is very well-run and offers a higher walkability score than many other areas in Miami,” says Nancy Batchelor at Compass. “You're right next to Bal Harbour Shops, Harding Ave, multiple synagogues and some of the best public elementary and middle schools.”

You can read the article on Forbes here.