It’s not uncommon to hear home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents use the word “exclusive” when discussing properties in Miami. But what does that really mean? Like “luxury,” the word can have different connotations for everyone. Let’s take a look at what “exclusive” might mean to you when talking about the best neighborhoods in Miami. Which communities tick the most boxes for your needs?

Price

In the past, price was often the sole defining factor in determining exclusivity. Taken at its most literal, the word “exclusive” means restricting or limiting, and lofty property prices were a way to keep neighborhoods on the most-desirable list because only a select few could afford them.

That’s still the case with some of Miami’s top living destinations and why they attract celebrities, superstar athletes, and the upper echelon of the financial world. What are the priciest neighborhoods in Miami? You can expect to pay more to live in:

  • Indian Creek Island – also known as “Billionaire Bunker,” with only three dozen waterfront homes built around a golf course
  • Star Island – a secluded island with waterfront homes and a variety of architectural styles
  • Gables Estates – home to rare ocean-facing properties in Coral Gables, with large lots, deep water berths, and huge interior square footage
  • Tahiti Beach – nestled within the posh Cocoplum neighborhood and containing only 25 opulent estates overlooking Biscayne Bay

Other neighborhoods in the runner-up category when it comes to price include:

  • North Bay Road on Miami Beach (waterfront lots)
  • South of Fifth (SoFi) on Miami Beach
  • Palm Island and Hibiscus Island
  • The Venetian Islands
  • Fisher Island
  • La Gorce
  • Snapper Creek
  • Hammock Oaks & Lakes

You can expect to pay anywhere from $500,000 to roughly $50 million to buy

Security

For some folks, security is synonymous with exclusivity in Miami. For the famous and those with a high net worth, having extra safety and isolation is at the top of the list. If that sounds like you, be sure to check out the Miami neighborhoods that offer the ultimate in home security.

Indian Creek Island makes the list here again because of its island location, as well as its 24-hour private security, including boats patrolling the waters of Biscayne Bay. In fact, all of the islands of the bay, by virtue of being surrounded by ocean, give residents an extra measure of security. That includes Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Key Biscayne, which are accessible only by causeways.

Fisher Island is so secure that it can only be reached by boat, ferry, or helicopter. This is a major reason it’s so popular with household name VIPs. It doesn’t hurt that the island offers residents white sand beaches, a private club for golf and tennis, spa services, a deep water marina, and multiple places for fine dining. The sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic are unparalleled.

If you fancy living closer to Downtown, Brickell Key may be perfect for you. Also known as Claughton Island, this extension of the chic Brickell neighborhood offers condo and hotel living with a bit of extra isolation.

You can read more below about the luxury amenities that are unique to Miami’s condo lifestyle, but you should also consider condos if you are seeking high security. With high-tech security systems and 24-hour lobby staff, many of Miami’s modern residential towers in Brickell, Downtown, and SoFi are the most secure properties you’ll find.

Other neighborhoods known for solid security and gated entrances include:

  • Journey’s End
  • Golden Beach
  • Camp Biscayne
  • The Moorings
  • Gables by the Sea

Luxury Amenities

Most of the neighborhoods mentioned above are full of single-family homes with every luxury amenity you could imagine, such as:

  • Chef’s kitchens
  • Wine cellars
  • Home gyms
  • Media rooms
  • Whole-house entertainment systems
  • Guest cottages
  • Swimming pools
  • Saunas
  • Cabanas
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Private docks

Furthermore, these neighborhoods offer proximity to the sophistication of Downtown and the resort living of Miami Beach. You’ll find everything you need nearby, from personal services and top private schools to fine dining and boutique shopping.

For the ultimate in pampered living, consider one of Miami’s hot high-rise neighborhoods, mentioned above as also affording residents great security. These new condo towers give dwellers hotel-like, concierge-style living. You’ll find business centers, play spaces, shops, restaurants, spas, helipads, art galleries, and more without ever having to leave the complex.

History

There’s nothing like a neighborhood rich in Florida history to add cachet to your address. Luckily, Miami is home to many of the enclaves that gave the city its start and are still full of architectural and landscaping gems. If you want a Miami home that feels exclusive for its role in shaping the city’s destiny, these communities deserve a tour:

  • Coral Gables – one of the first planned communities in the US and known for its manicured estates, the Biltmore Hotel, and George Merrick’s Seven Villages
  • Coconut Grove – the first neighborhood of Miami, where you’ll find stunning Spanish and Mediterranean homes
  • Miami Beach – where people from the north first visited the city for winter getaways, and home to some of the best Art Deco buildings in the country
  • Key Biscayne – an epicenter of laid-back, old Florida charm, with amazing bay views, beaches, and miles of nature trails (Harbor Point and Mashta Island get bonus points for price, security, and amenities!)

Redefining Exclusive

Just as luxury experts have had to redefine “luxury” for our more diverse and interconnected world today, so can we rethink the meaning of “exclusive.” The good news is that no matter how you define exclusivity in Miami, you’re bound to find a home that perfectly suits your dreams. To tour Miami’s best neighborhoods and find the property you’re looking for by your definition of exclusive, reach out to Debby Nilsson at 786-667-9078 or debby@debbynilsson.com, or simply use the contact form here.