North Bay Village
The three islands of North Bay Village form one unique coastal community with the convenience of big city amenities just minutes away, but with a quiet beachfront character all its own. Surrounded by Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, North Bay Island, Harbor Island and Treasure Island (complete with street names inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson novel) are linked by a major causeway that traverses across Biscayne Bay to Miami and Miami Beach.
Originally the islands had mostly single-family homes, but there has recently been an increase in high-rise condominiums and apartments -- particularly in the luxury sector -- as the demand for picturesque living away from mainland city streets has continued to grow. The residential options in Harbor Island are primarily multi-family buildings, while Treasure Island has a blend of single-family homes on the west side and multi-family structures on the east. North Bay Island is where most of the community's larger single-family dwellings are found. Homes here range from $100,000 to over $10 million, in addition to rental opportunities, making it one of the most diverse areas of Southern Florida.
This diversity has resulted in a global blend of local restaurants, grocery stores, and shops across the village. North Bay establishments draw crowds from off the island too, such as Oggi Cafe, consistently rated one of Florida's top restaurants. Other eateries take advantage of the stunning seascape and Miami skyline views with plenty of outdoor seating to soak it all in. There are a couple bar options, but this quiet neighborhood leaves most of the nightlife to the city across the way.
The most popular recreational activities here take advantage of the sparkling waters all around -- in fact, water makes up more of North Bay Village's total square mileage than land! Boating and fishing are favorite pastimes here, with direct ocean access through deep-water docks and marinas. The entire town is essentially a backdrop, allowing you to choose your own adventure -- jet over to the lights and action of Miami, or kick back and relax on this quaint island oasis.
- Total area: 0.837 square miles (60.3% of it water)
- Population: 7,137
- 3,450 housing units
- Highest population density in Florida
- Median income: $34,354
- Avg. temps: 70s to Upper 80s
- Businesses: 50+
North Bay Village is home to a large population of people from South America, and Spanish as a first language is common to more than half the residents here. The city has the second highest percentage of Brazilians in the U.S., and a large representative of residents are from Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, and Peru.
History:
Before 1940, the waters of Biscayne Bay covered the majority of North Bay Village as it is today. At this time a dredging and bulkheading project was undertaken to create North Bay Island, and by 1941 streets lined with palm trees were laid and the first homes on the island were finished. Twelve houses in total were built, and were occupied soon after.
In the mid 1940s Harbor Island and Treasure Island were created through further dredging and filling, and were annexed into North Bay Village several years later. In the period right after its creation, the homes of North Bay Village were mainly used as winter residences for the well-to-do, who sought to escape chilly northern snows for the pristine sands of sunny Florida.
The city became a gathering spot for celebrities and affluent Americans, with popular restaurants and nightclubs drawing crowds. Luminaries like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Dean Martin were known inhabitants of the island, with Martin even owning a nightclub here.
Today the island is primarily a year-round home for its residents, who don't see a need to venture off its sparkling shores. Several of the state's most popular restaurants are still here, and are now accompanied by new businesses, apartment buildings, condominiums, and people!
How to Get There:
Miami Beach is the closest Florida hotspot at less than 5 miles from North Bay Village. The furthest point of the village is just over 9 miles from Miami's Downtown, a 23 minute drive over the John F. Kennedy Causeway (the main highway through the islands to the mainland). Bal Harbour, the international destination famous for shops and fashion, is also less than 5 miles away. Miami International Airport is just over 15 miles away via I-195, which, along with I-95, is easily accessible from North Bay.
Recreation and Other Extracurriculars:
Activities centered on the bay and ocean that surround the island are a natural choice for residents here, with ample docking and marina space available. Fishing is one of South Florida's favorite diversions, and is especially ideal from North Bay Village -- the salty waters of Biscayne Bay are known for record size bonefish, with fly fishing and light tackle fishing also helping bag grouper, tarpon, snook, and even barracudas and sharks. Additionally, recreational boating is popular here with excellent spots for swimming and diving (far away from the sharks!)
Just off the island are more than two dozen golf courses and country clubs, ensuring even the most avid golfers can keep their games exciting. Also nearby is the American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. So whether you're interested in playing or watching world-class sports, the amenities in and around North Bay Village make it easy.
Like your entertainment a little more classical? The Chopin Foundation of the United States has its headquarters on Treasure Island. The foundation hosts concert series throughout Miami and is best known for its annual National Chopin Piano Competition, where talented young players compete for a chance to move on to the prestigious International Frederick Chopin Piano competition. Whether arts, sports, or leisure, North Bay Village and the surrounding area can accommodate any interest.
