The Neighborhood of Bal Harbour

Community Info

Bal Harbour is a neighborhood on the northern tip of Miami Beach. Established in 1946, this community is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Biscayne Bay to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and 96th street to the south. The area is well known for luxury shopping, fine dining and pristine beaches. Bal Harbour is one of South Florida’s most exclusive neighborhoods to live in, with condos offering resort-style living on the edge of one of its’ famous beaches.

Here are just a few things that make the Bal Harbour neighborhood stand out:

It’s arts-friendly: The city has several initiatives to support the arts, and have commissioned works throughout the city. It’s also home to the Rosenbaum Contemporary, a renowned fine art gallery featuring Postwar, Modern and Contemporary masters from around the world.

Resort living: Bal Harbour is home to several five-star resorts, with mind-blowing amenities that are available to the residents. Spas, high-tech fitness centers, dining and all the things that make life a little more special. If the goal is to treat yourself lavishly, then you are in the right neighborhood.

Pristine beaches: Miami has no lack of beautiful beaches, but Bal Harbour is home to some of the most private, uncrowded, pristine beaches in South Florida. Have brunch at one of the many resorts then spend the rest of your day quietly enjoying the sound of the ocean.

A short history of the Bal Harbour neighborhood:

  • Bal Harbour was an army training camp during World War II, leased to the United States government for $1 a year by the developers. It was home to a prisoner of war camp during this time as well.
  • Bal Harbour was made famous by American radio / television broadcaster and entertainer Arthur Godfrey (the “The Old Redhead”), who would broadcast his variety show from a local hotel, The Kenilworth By-the-Sea.
  • Miami Heat owner / Carnival Cruise Line CEO Micky Arison and treasure hunter Capt. Martin Bayerle call Bal Harbour home.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Bal Harbour:

Cafe Vert: In a neighborhood famed for its extravagance, this 5-star hole-in-the-wall is truly an anomaly. Come and enjoy their signature breakfast menu – much of it gluten-free – and become one of the converted. For whatever it lacks in ambience, it makes up for it with great food and quick service. Get there early – it gets busy quick.

Atlantikós: Nestled in the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, the sea-inspired Greek cuisine is a Bal Harbour must-experience. Not only because the food is exceptional, but because the setting is amazing. The traditional blue and white of the Greek isles and an elegant, unobstructed view of the beach and ocean calling to you.

Artisan Beach House: We know. Another incredible restaurant in another ultra-chic resort. But that’s just the way Bal Harbour rolls. Right on the ocean, with unreal views of the intracoastal, and serving locally sourced seafood. Located in The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, this globally inspired menu is one you will definitely come back for.

Makoto: 21st century Japanese fare located in the luxurious setting of Bal Harbour Shops. Lead by Chef Makoto, a master Edomae-style sushi chef, this restaurant is designed for those who want to explore their culinary senses. This is not your grandmother’s sushi.

Favorite things to do in and around Bal Harbour:

Beach Path Art Exhibit: This public beachwalk is not only for walking, running and cycling – it’s designed to be a one of a kind art showing. Who would have thought that your daily run could be a cultural experience? The path features three annual exhibitions of contemporary visual art placed thoughtfully along the path to encourage contemplation and reflection – cardio for the mind and soul.

Bal Harbour Shops: Florida’s first – and most legendary – luxury shopping mall. Home to the most exclusive brands in the world, this al fresco mall is a collection of design and fashion luminaries which is often compared to New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Paris’s Champs-Elysées. Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Tom Ford and many more call Bal Harbour Shops home. Just walk in and you can feel the ephemeral buzz of creativity and high couture.

Haulover Beach Park: Bal Harbour does not have a large recreational area of its own (the neighborhood is tiny) – but immediately across the bridge to the north you have one of South Florida’s most beautiful stretch of undeveloped beach. Waves, sandy dunes and a plethora of things to do; rent a bike, walk your dog at the Bark Park, fly a kite at the kiting area or practice some tricks at the skatepark. You can also reserve a fishing spot or tan au natural at the “clothing optional” section of the beach.

Bal Harbour Yacht Club: This exclusive cove/marina, with slips ranging from 50 to 160ft, is as picturesque as it is safe and convenient. A fantastic place to keep your boat and maintain access to the sea whenever the mood strikes you.

Location, location, location. Bal Harbour is small, exclusive and quiet – and close to all the things that makes living in South Florida awesome. For those of you who require 5-star living, this is your neighborhood. All the amenities of some of the world’s most exclusive resorts are nearby, on top of all the beautiful things that a seaside community offers. It’s a perfect community for those ready to enjoy the perks of their much deserved success.

Bal Harbour Demographics

  • There are 2,513 people living in Bal Harbour.
  • 9.2% of households had children under the age of 18
  • 36.1% of households were married couples living together
  • 4.8% of households had a female householder with no husband present
  • 57.4% of households were non-families

Distance to popular areas

South Beach: 9.5 miles
Design District: 8.7 miles
Midtown: 9 mile
Wynwood: 9.6 miles
Downtown Miami: 14.2 miles
Brickell Center: 14.7 miles
Miami International Airport: 15.9 miles
Aventura Mall: 6.1 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Mater Academy Miami Beach – Grades K-9
Biscayne Elementary School – Grades PK-5
W. J. Bryan Elementary School – Grades PK-5

Private schools
St. Joseph’s School – Grades PK-8
Yeshiva Elementary – Grades PK-8
Lehrman Community Day School – Grades PK-5
Le Petit Papillon Montessori School – Grades PK-5
Von Wedel Montessori School – Grades PK-2

Are you in love with Bal Harbour?

Email or call me (305.318.8557) to learn more, talk about what’s available and hopefully visit a few of these amazing homes. I can’t wait to show you around.