Bay Harbor Islands Homes for Sale

Bay Harbor Islands beckon with its tranquil island living, MiMo architectural treasures, and captivating waterfront vistas. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a luxurious coastal lifestyle, this enchanting community offers the best of both worlds. Embrace the charm of the Bay Harbor Islands and immerse yourself in a captivating island oasis like no other.

Premier Bay Harbor Islands Home Listings

Welcome to South Florida's most remarkable Bay Harbor Islands Homes for sale. Here in this small community of Bay Harbor Islands, you will locate the most desirable waterfront Bay Harbor Islands estates available in Miami, Florida. Explore the 'Order By' option, which shows the Most # of Price Changes and the biggest % of price changes. When you like what you see, easily 'Save Search' for new matching Bay Harbor Islands SFH property listings sent via email.

Bay Harbor Islands Estate Homes

Discover the captivating allure of Bay Harbor IslandsMore Info, a hidden gem nestled amidst the serene waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami BeachMore Info. With its small-town charm, tranquil atmosphere, and proximity to stunning beaches, this unique community offers a refreshing escape from the bustling mainland. Delve into the rich tapestry of Bay Harbor Islands and explore why it is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for those seeking an idyllic island lifestyle.

A Tranquil Oasis & Captivating Waterfront Views

Step into a world of tranquility as you set foot in Bay Harbor Islands, located just west of SurfsideMore Info and Bal HarbourMore Info. Originally carved out of sand bars in Biscayne Bay, this picturesque town has evolved slowly over the past six decades, maintaining its peaceful ambiance and timeless appeal. The low-rise buildings, predominantly showcasing the captivating Mid-century Modern (MiMo) style, add an architectural charm that sets Bay Harbor Islands apart. Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking waterfront vistas that Bay Harbor Islands offer. With its extensive shoreline along Indian Creek and Biscayne Bay, residents can enjoy sweeping views of Miami Beach, Haulover Park, and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, south, and west, the landscape opens up to the scenic Biscayne Bay, the pristine Oleta River State Park, and the captivating Miami mainland.

Bay Harbor Islands has long been a well-kept secret, but the tides of change are approaching. Visionary developers are reinventing this once sleepy town, introducing modern residential towers that embrace the area's intimate charm while providing coveted water views. This revitalization promises to unveil Bay Harbor Islands to a wider audience, who will undoubtedly be captivated by its serene allure.

The Bay Harbor Island Duo

Bay Harbor Islands comprise two distinct islands, each with its unique character. The west island, known as Broadview, sprawls across 103 acres and primarily features single-family homes that boast iconic midcentury-modern designs by renowned architects like Morris Lapidus and Henry Hohauser. On the east island, spanning 150 acres, you'll find a blend of hospitality, retail, multi-family, and mixed-use properties showcasing the distinctive MiMo style that defines the city's architecture from the fifties and sixties. Exciting plans are in motion for new condominium buildingsMore Info, offering approximately 750 units on the east island.

East Bay Harbor Drive and West Bay Harbor Drive curve around the Island’s perimeter, forming a loop and an inviting walking route for residents. West Island has only single-family detached homes. Bay Harbors’ East and West islands are linked by picturesque Kane Concourse, the main east-to-west route from Surfside to the Broad Causeway. The Concourse continues across the bay to the town-owned tollbooth and the mainland, where it becomes NE 123rd Street in North Miami, leading to Biscayne Boulevard (US1) and Interstate 95 a few miles beyond.

Preserving The History

Bay Harbor Islands takes great pride in preserving its architectural heritage. In Spring 2015, the Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Board designated Bay Harbor Continental co-op, an architectural masterpiece by Charles McKirahan, as a historic landmark. This significant recognition underscores the island's commitment to maintaining its unique character. Another notable MiMo co-op, the Bay Harbor Club, gained attention when it was featured in the popular television series Dexter and is currently under review for preservation status.

Bay Harbor Islands' allure is further enhanced by its prime location, nestled between Biscayne Bay and Indian Creek Lake. The nearby upscale enclaves of Bal Harbour, Surfside, and Indian Creek Island amplify the appeal of this Old Florida haven, providing residents with access to world-class amenities, high-end shopping, and captivating coastal experiences.

Things To Do Around Bay Harbor Islands

The town’s easy lifestyle and tranquil waterways, not to mention quick access to the mainland via a causeway, have put it at the top of the list for families, many of whom remain for lifetimes. A grade school with a long-term A rating is located in the town, as are several parks and dog parks, tennis courts, and a tot lot. Its small scale limits the population to less than 6,000 residents. It’s off the beaten path for tourism, which fosters greater privacy, a quiet environment, and a real neighborhood community. Residents are a mere 5-minute drive from Bal Harbour, where they can enjoy Bal Harbour Shops' designer boutiques and an incredible array of dining at Carpaccio, Houston’s whose open-air terrace is surrounded by palm trees, and Makoto by East Coast restaurateur Stephen Starr.

Residents can visit St. Regis Bal Harbour and the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour for spa services, excellent cuisine, and culture from contemporary art to live jazz. Back in Bay Harbor, the Palm restaurant has been a local institution for its USDA Prime steaks and jumbo lobsters flown in from Nova Scotia since 1981. South Beach, the Miami Design District, and Fort Lauderdale are 20 minutes away. The town sits directly between two international airports for even greater convenience. It truly delivers the best of both worlds. 

Bay Harbor Islands Services & Recreation

The town of Bay Harbor Islands operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor leading seven elected council members. All the town’s departments have their offices in the Town Hall on Bay Harbor Terrace. The adjoining police station houses 23 police officers, including one on marine patrol.

Residents jog, greet neighbors, and walk their dogs in the pet-friendly community, which offers a dog park at 98th Street on the East Island. A playground on the West Island is a popular gathering place. Tennis courts next to the Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center are also available for residents. The beach at Surfside is a 15-minute walk from Bay Harbor Islands, and Haulover Park, a short drive away, offers a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a marina, and a beach.

Once a destination for art collectors, only a few art galleries are left on Kane Concourse. Still, it remains a prestigious thoroughfare where locals walk and shop in an eclectic range of small stores and visit hair salons and banks. Ocean Cadillac’s showroom has been a fixture in Bay Harbor Islands for decades, and the original Bay Harbor Foods was recently renovated and remained a gourmet haven. Many professional offices, mainly medical, legal, accounting, and real estate, are concentrated in several buildings on Kane Concourse and some storefronts.

Bay Harbor Islands Shopping

For abundant shopping choices, Surfside is just across the Indian Creek Bridge and offers a major drugstore, supermarket, and post office, and dozens of stores, restaurants, and cafes. The exclusive Bal Harbour shops are nearer still, and both communities are accessible by the Bay Harbor Islands residents’ bus.

Fine Dining at Bay Harbor Islands

A few neighborhood-style eateries define Bay Harbor Islands, and there is a wide selection of restaurants in neighboring communities. The French Bakery and La Parisienne Patisserie bring a continental touch to town. The noteworthy Palm Restaurant in the Bay Harbor Inn is a local favorite.

Bay Harbor Islands History

The town originated on two undeveloped mangrove swamp islands in Biscayne Bay. In 1945, local lawyer-turned-developer Shepard Broad acquired the Islands in partnership with Benjamin Kane, a prominent local businessman. Broad filled the Islands and created lots, which he sold for homes. The town of Bay Harbor was incorporated in 1947, and Broad became the first mayor, holding that position for the next 26 years. The opening of the Broad Causeway in 1951 marked an important milestone. It joined the Islands directly to the mainland of northern Dade County and triggered immediate growth, with the population rising to 550 residents living in 46 private homes. Since then, Bay Harbor Islands has expanded with building waves each decade on East Island and West Island. Development is now contained to maintain the town’s quiet, inviting ambiance.

Bay Harbor Islands Waterfront Homes

Bay Harbor Islands Homes stand among the unique waterfront architecture in South Florida with gorgeous design and with Biscayne Bay water views being right on the waterfront community of Bay Harbor Islands. Bay Harbor Islands waterfront homes offer fantastic waterfront real estate with only select single-family estate homes right on the open water and other non-waterfront estate homes across the street. You've located today's best waterfront real estateMore Info here, with Bay Harbor Islands estates included in our Miami MLS databaseMore Info of premier properties. Be sure to preview the Bay Harbor Market ReportMore Info or you may click here to request a Bay Harbor Islands Home ValuationMore Info.