Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Bay Harbor Islands, Florida
Balmy and Compact, Bay Harbor Islands is East of North Miami and Close to the Gorgeous White Sands and Turquoise Waters of Bal Harbour Beach
Balmy Bay Harbor Islands (BHI) is a sun-soaked town on two small islands along the southeastern Florida coast just east of North Miami. To BHI's east is Bal Harbour, a town on the barrier island that is also home to lively Miami Beach.
BHI's two islands are packed to the gills with concrete block ranch ramblers on the west island and with apartments and white washed condominiums on the east island. Vintage Condo is a quiet condo community on the east island. Homes on the canal between the two islands or on Biscayne Bay, which separates BHI from the mainland, are larger and have boat docks. Restaurants and retailers, including a cigar shop, some art galleries, beauty salons, a few clothing stores, a couple of jewelers, a mini mart grocery and liquor store, are situated along Kane Concourse, the palm tree-lined, four lane road that connects BHI to Bal Harbour and to the mainland.
More in-depth shopping is next door in either Bal Harbour or in North Miami (Aventura Mall is just seven miles away). The gorgeous white sands of Bal Harbour Beach are less than a mile away, and the island just south of Bay Harbor is home to Miami’s exclusive Indian Creek Golf Course.
Bay Harbor has 5,800 people, with 46% of them age 45 or better. The population has remained steady during the last decade . Fifty-three percent of locals hold a four-year college degree.
The cost of living is 52% above the national average, and the median home price is around $800,000. Real estate prices have declined 3% from a year ago.
This area has a humid subtropical climate with two main seasons—hot, humid summers and early falls, followed by cooler, less humid late falls and winters. Hurricanes are always a risk. In fact, Irma caused some flooding in 2017.
While there is no hospital in town, nine medical centers are within a 10-mile radius. Public transit is available, but a local public library is not. The crime rate is below the national average. Politics lean to the left.
The southeast coast of Florida runs from West Palm Beach through Fort Lauderdale down to Miami, offering a mix of vibrant urban centers and upscale coastal communities.
This region is known for its year-round warm weather, miles of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lively cultural scene, with everything from art districts and world-class dining to international shopping and nightlife.
Outdoor activities abound, including boating, fishing, golfing, and simply enjoying the beach. While the area provides unmatched access to amenities, entertainment, and diverse communities, it also generally has a higher cost of living.
Retirees and snowbirds are drawn to the area for its sun-soaked lifestyle, abundant healthcare facilities and tax-friendly policies.
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