One of the most famed and instantly recognizable parts of Miami, Miami Beach is separated from the main city by Biscayne Bay. A long barrier island, Miami Beach offers a bit of everything, from gorgeous Atlantic-facing beaches to world-class art and architecture. Residents of Miami Beach have everything at their fingertips, and the selection of homes there runs the gamut, from luxury condominiums in the sky to palatial oceanfront estates.

Miami Beach’s land was first purchased by Henry Lum and his son Charles, who built a life-saving refuge there for shipwreck victims at the behest of President Ulysses S. Grant. Development didn’t take off, though, until John S. Collins began buying up area land to plant crops like avocados in the late 1800s. Collins’ family saw potential in Miami as a resort community, and the area eventually became a winter playground for the wealthy.

Mangrove swamps were slowly turned into desirable property, and bridges were built to connect the barrier island to the rest of the city. Hotels were erected, and the area blossomed. Biscayne Bay was dredged to form manmade islands, and the Government Cut created a channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island.

Today, Miami Beach is a prime living destination for people who work in the city, retirees, snowbird vacationers, and globetrotters. Many celebrities have made Miami Beach their home, particularly from the world of sports and entertainment. It boasts a diverse, cosmopolitan culture and a wealth of things to do, whether you like outdoor recreation, architecture and the arts, fine dining, or shopping. In Miami Beach, you never have to choose between living at the beach or living in an urban area because you get the best of both worlds right outside your door.

You will find a wide range of architectural styles in Miami Beach with both condominiums and single-family dwellings. Spanish and Mediterranean Revival homes are as popular there as they are in other Miami neighborhoods. You’ll also see plenty of Streamline Moderne and Art Deco buildings, as well as sleek steel and glass contemporary towers. The most luxurious homes have swimming pools, courtyards, private gardens, and opulent finishes inside. Condos are known for their panoramic views and concierge-style amenities.

Miami Beach can be divided into multiple one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and lifestyle. Within South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach, there are smaller enclaves that have retained a distinct character.

At the far southern end of the island is South of Fifth, the area below Fifth Street. It contains some of the most upscale condo towers in Miami Beach, like Glass, 321 Ocean, Apogee South Beach, Ocean House, One Ocean, and Murano Grande at Portofino, and Continuum South Beach. You’ll also find SoFi ideally located if you’re into water sports, as it’s surrounded on three sides by the sea.

Everyone knows colorful South Beach, which sizzles day and night and is home to some of Miami’s best Deco architecture on Ocean Drive. Walk on SoBe’s white sandy beaches, or grab a Cuban coffee and people-watch from one of the neighborhood’s multitude of great cafes.

Just north of South Beach is North Bay Road, which runs along the western side of Miami Beach facing the Sunset Islands. This affluent area is full of stunning mansions and is where some of Miami’s most well-known residents dwell.

From Star Island full of luxury modern architectural wonders to elegant historic Mid Beach to tranquil North Beach and Surfside, the island of Miami Beach has a home to suit every taste and activity for everyone’s speed. While you’ll surely want to explore the rest of the city, you don’t have to leave Miami Beach to find the world’s best dining, shopping, art galleries, and entertainment. With a multitude of private schools as well, Miami Beach just might be your next home.