Although it may only encompass less than one square mile, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, is packed full of more character and amenities than some cities 10 times its size! Your quintessential Southern Florida beach town, it's the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Miami. If living in a Will Smith song, partying "all night on the beach till the break of dawn," isn't your thing, you'll be relieved with how laid-back and convenient this tropical community is.
Located in Miami-Dade County, Bay Harbor Islands is located across the Biscayne Bay from mainland Florida and conveniently connected by the Broad Causeway. Established in 1947, the town is only spread throughout about 0.5 square miles and is home to a proud select number of residents. Consisting of two islands, West and East, the town is bordered by the city of North Miami and the villages of Bal Harbour and Surfside. The town's island vibe and quaint setting may be just a few miles from bustling Miami but feel a world away in regards to its tropical setting and small-town feel. If living on an island with near-perfect weather isn't relaxing enough, you can hop a plane at the nearby Miami International Airport, located just 20 minutes away, and dare to try and find somewhere more vacation-like.
Moving to Bay Harbor Islands?
Lucky, lucky you! The town offers a "boatload" of luxury homes, condos, and apartments. If you had any intention of buying real estate in the area, you may want to reconsider. Nearly 80% of the homes in Bay Harbor Islands are either rental apartments** or a home for rent. For island living, rental prices are not necessarily bank-breaking. Sure, the prestige and lifestyle of living on the island may come at a higher cost than mainland-living, but it could be worse! Although prices vary greatly, a one bedroom apartment may cost around one thousand dollars per month, while a two bedroom apartment for rent will put you back around fifteen hundred dollars per month. Not as affordable as Tom Hank's free island rent on Cast Away but not as pricey as Donald Trump's island living on Manhattan Island.
Two Sections of the Islands
As the name, Bay Harbor Islands -- plural -- suggests that the town is separated into two distinct islands. Regardless of which rental you end up in, you'll be close to amenities, parks, recreation, and more.
West Island: Stretching 103 acres, the West Island consists of only single-family homes. Although you may be able to lock in a house rental on the West Island, most aren't rental properties, which can be frustrating for those seeking rental options.
East Island: To quite the contrary of the West Island of Bar Harbor Islands, the more heavily populated, 150-acre East Island contains apartments, condos and townhomes along with a small business district which provides locals with essentials like local shops and boutiques, business offices, parks, and restaurants.
Bay Harbor Islands Lifestyle
The Community
What was once a sand-bar in Biscayne Bay is how home to a community of Floridians who truly love where they live, work, and relax. Though the town may be small, the community is mighty. Whether you're looking for company or not, you won't go far in Bay Harbor Islands without a local stopping you to chat about the sun-drenched weather, town events, or compare their tan lines with yours. If community gatherings are your scene, the town offers free outdoor movies, stories in the park, and even a free town picnic for all residents every March!
Amenities
Quite frankly, the town is small and you may need to go off the island to find larger retail shops, familiar restaurants and other services. However, most of your daily essentials can be found on the island. If you deem yourself a foodie, you will likely enjoy the diverse restaurants including Mediterranean fare, Italian cuisine, local bakeries, sushi and more! Local shops carry something for every style and many small-town, local businesses offer everything from nail salons and doctors, to fitness centers and dentists.
Getting Around
Believe it or not, the town of Bay Harbor Islands has its own minibus service, it doesn't get much more storybook-life than this! Running Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5AM, the bus has multiple stops around town, including many apartment and condo complexes, and also extends its service to the neighboring towns of Surfside and North Miami. For access between the East and West Islands and for access to mainland Florida, the Broad Causeway is the best option--if you're not on a boat, that is!
The Weather
If you're moving to Bay Harbor Islands from somewhere outside of Florida you may have some adjusting to do. Unlike the majority of the country, the town has an average yearly temperature around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and around 64 inches of precipitation yearly. Moving from within Florida? You know the drill, but the area is slightly hotter and receives a bit more rain than the rest of the state. If you're looking at an apartment complex, make sure it has a great air conditioner and pool to keep you cooler than you already are--as if that is even a possibility!
The Surrounding Area
As with all island dwellers, sometimes you've just got to get off the island! Luckily for the residents of Bay Harbor Islands, they don't have to feel stranded. They're just a drive or boat ride away from mainland Miami and other Florida beach towns. For a day or night off of the island, consider one of these nearby hot spots:
North Miami: Located less than 10 minutes from Bay Harbor Islands, North Miami is home to a healthy number of residents, making it the sixth-largest city within Miami-Dade County. Many of the amenities you can't find on the island, including well-known business names, can be found in North Miami. If island life is cramping your style and space, you can spread out in Oleta River State Park, the state's largest urban park, or for your fix of culture you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, also located in North Miami.
South Beach: Nicknamed SoBe, the sweet smell of coconut sunscreen and endless vibrant beaches await you in South Beach. From Bay Harbor Islands, a trip to South Beach will take you about 20 minutes without traffic, although you should always count on some in and around Miami! Contrary to what you may have seen on Miami Vice, South Beach is actually one of the most prestigious areas of Miami and a great place to soak up the sun and people watch while you're at it.
Bal Harbour: Talk about island hopping! Bal Harbor and Bay Harbor Islands are just two minutes away from each other. Known as "Florida's most fashionable destination" the small town is home to The Regent Bal Harbour, Bal Harbour Shops, the Sea View Hotel, and St. Regis Bal Harbour. If the famous Ron Burgundy was stationed in Florida and not that other sunny city, San Diego, he might sign off, "keep it classy, Bal Harbour."
Surfside: Surfside is home to world-class resorts, parks, beaches, and boating. Just hop aboard the Bay Harbor Islands' minibus which stops by many local apartment buildings and condos for the four minute ride to this quaint neighboring town.
