Miami Beach is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The city was incorporated on 26 March 1915. It is located on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean; the Bay separates Miami Beach from the city of Miami, Florida. The city is often referred to under the umbrella term of "Miami," despite being a distinct municipality. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 87,933. 55.5% of the population was foreign born. A 2005 population estimate for the city was 87,925. Miami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century.


In 1870 Henry Lum and son Charles arrived by sailboat on the large sandbar off the southeast Florida coast, and were so impressed by the island they landed on that they bought from the federal government, for $.25 an acre, most of the island and property further north.

Lum would later sell the property to fellow New Jerseyites Elnathan Field and Ezra Osborne, who, in turn would sell the land to John S. Collins and his son-in-law, Thomas Pancoast, who were also from New Jersey.

In 1913, Collins and Carl Fisher, who had made his fortune from his invention and later sale of the Presto-o-Lite Corporation and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, embarked on an agriculture venture on the beachfront land. Fisher loaned Collins the money he needed to complete the first bridge from Miami to Miami Beach that same year and the bridge, at the time the longest wooden bridge in the world, would be the catalyst for the 1915 incorporation of Miami Beach.

The great boom of the 1920’s would see enormous growth, while during the Depression, new groups from the northeast would build many small hotels along lower Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. This building boom helped bring the area out of the Depression and forty years later that area of Miami Beach would become the famous Art Deco District, known the world over as "South Beach" or "SoBe."

During World War II 500,000 Army Air Corps cadets passed through Miami Beach when it became a major training center. [ See here for more information and additional resources on these WWII Miami Beach veterans.] Many of these servicemen returned to make the area their permanent home after the war. By the end of the 1950s, South Florida had doubled its pre-war population.

When Fidel Castro took over Cuba in 1959, the revolution radically changed South Florida as half a million Cubans poured into the area. The 1980s and early 90s brought a massive infusion of investment capital that has produced a reborn Miami Beach. Although it has changed almost beyond recognition (again), Miami Beach has thrived amidst that change and overcome many difficulties as it continues to be an international mecca for travel, business, and permanent residents.

Fisher Island Most Sophisticated Condos!
$18,350,000
Fisher Island Most Sophisticated Condos!
From $9,800,000
Fisher Island Most Boutique Condos!
$6,300,000
Ocean Front Brand New Luxury Condos!
From $3,900,000
Ocean Front Brand New Luxury Condos!
$3,250,000
Miami Beach South of Fifth Premium Location | 2 Beds, 2.5 Baths Luxury Residence | Waterfront New Development
$3,041,500
Ocean Front Brand New Luxury Condos!
From $1,900,000
Ocean Front Brand New Luxury Condos!
From $2,075,000
Don't miss this once in a generation opportunity to own the pinnacle of South Beach luxury atop the iconic Philippe Starck designed ICON building in the exclusive South of 5th ...
$47,500,000
ENJOY THE ULTIMATE IN RESORT LIVING WITHIN THE PRIVATE ENCLAVE OF FISHER ISLAND !
$13,000,000
Embrace the extraordinary in this stunning renovated Palazzo del Mare unit !
$10,950,000
Welcome to the impeccably designed Villa Del Mare residence, where Fisher Island luxury knows no bounds.
$10,800,000
Discover unparalleled luxury in this exquisite South of Fifth residence at Murano at Portofino.
$9,495,000
FLOWTHRU VIEWS IN THIS LOVELY 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCE AT THE PREMIER BOUTIQUE BUILDING APOGEE LOCATED AT THE POINT OF THE SOUTH OF 5TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD !
$8,450,000
Discover BH1 at Il Villaggio, a one of a kind masterpiece.
$7,995,000
This is your opportunity to own this rare and sought after SE corner 2508 sq.
$7,300,000
Introducing an exclusive opportunity to own a prestigious 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom den residence with direct ocean views from every room at the renowned 1 Hotel Homes in Miami Beach.
$7,199,000
The Perigon Miami Beach the newest ON THE SAND property to be developed in Miami Beach at 5333 Collins Ave.
$7,125,000
Located at the exclusive Bath Club, this immaculately designed oceanfront unit exemplifies luxury living w meticulous attention to every design detail.
$6,370,000
Unique 3 3 with direct ocean views from every room.
$6,250,000
Welcome to the sun filled lower PH at the Aqua enclave on glamorous Allison Island.
$5,995,000
Live limitlessly in this premier waterfront townhome in South of Fifth.
$5,850,000
Beautiful direct ocean view residence at the new 1 Hotel Homes in South Beach.
$5,250,000
Crafted by Enrique Norton, One Ocean presents a distinctive residential experience situated in the vibrant South of Fifth neighborhood, Miami Beach's most sought after locale.
$4,895,000
2 of the finest condos at W South Beach.
$4,500,000
Located inside one of South of Fifth's most prized buildings.
$4,400,000
Spectacular Inspiring flow through floor plan 3 Bedrooms den with bathroom, 4.
$4,290,000
Fully Remodeled oasis within the heart of Fisher Island.
$4,000,000
Welcome to Bungalow One nestled in the heart of Miami Beach at the W Hotel !
$3,990,000
Rarely available sought after Southeast corner with direct ocean views and the iconic Miami sunsets over the downtown skyline.
$3,950,000
Luxury 2 Bedroom 2. 5 Bath Residence at Miami Beach's newest, premier Oceanfront building 57 Ocean.
$3,650,000
Welcome to the crown jewel of 1000 Venetian !
$3,500,000
Discover the epitome of luxury living where Fifth Avenue meets Miami Beach.
$3,450,000
Discover luxury living in this best in class condominium with mesmerizing direct ocean intercoastal views breathtaking Miami sunrise sunset panoramas.
$3,350,000
Spectacular apartment located in one of the most coveted areas of South Beach, located in one of the best buildings full of luxury and attention, fully furnished.
$3,149,970
Experience the epitome of luxury oceanfront living in this meticulous redesigned 2BD 3BA residence by award winner NMR Design Group of Miami with breathtaking ocean views from every room.
$3,000,000
157 found