The Neighborhood of Allison Island

Community Info

The neighborhood of Allison Island in North Miami Beach in the Indian Creek Waterway, just south of Normandy Isles, between the La Gorce Neighborhood and North Miami Beach. It’s divided by 63rd street – to the south of the island are townhouses and condos and to the north are beautiful waterfront homes. A very private island with access to Biscayne Bay, it is one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods. Though first developed in the 1920’s, most homes are now contemporary or modern. Looking for privacy, inspiring bay views and proximity to the beach? This is your new home.

Here are just a few things that make the Allison Island neighborhood stand out:

Gated Community: The guardhouse is manned 24-7, with easy access off Alton Road and 63rd Street. The island has a reputation for its tranquil atmosphere and conscientious security.

A Hidden Neighborhood: Allison Island is one of Miami Beach’s least familiar neighborhoods, and because of that it is one of South Florida’s hidden gems. Hidden by 63rd streets foliage and accessible by only one entrance, most people drive by it every day without realizing it.

The Amenities: The island is almost self sustainable – you’ll never need to cross over the bridge to get the basics. There is a neighborhood store for convenience items, a fitness center and jogging path to keep active and heated pools to wash away your daily aches. There’s a children’s play center for the kids, and even a cafe for the days you want to avoid cooking a meal.

Location, location, location: Allison Island is perfectly situated for any lifestyle. North Beach is nearby for your tanning and swimming, luxury hotel events are within walking distance, a quick Uber to the 79th Street Causeway will take you to restaurants, shops and a movie theater. Satisfy your whims.

A short history of the Allison Island neighborhood:

  • Allison Island was named after Carl G. Fisher’s business partner, Jim Allison.
  • Before development in 1912, Allison Island was a swampy area populated by hundreds of alligators.
  • Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton, is a resident. Stylish.
  • The island was home to a world class hospital for the wealthy called Allison Hospital. Built on the southern tip of the island donated by Fisher for the site, it opened on New Year’s Day in 1926. Just so you get an idea of its lavishness, all meals were served on fine china with silver flatware. Who did the cooking? A French chef from the Waldorf Astoria in New York. This was not your typical hospital fare.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Allison Island:

Aquatica Cafe: Because we’re lazy, and it’s pretty good. The Aquatica Cafe is located on the island. Excellent pizza, sandwiches, sorbets and smoothies – all a short walk from where you live. There’s nothing better than having a bite to eat and take short, leisurely walk home.

Hakkasan: Named Top 50 Best in the World, this Cantonese inspired concept in the Fontainebleau Resort is a treat for the palate. Pricey? Yes. But definitely worth the experience. Try the Charcoal grilled honey Chilean sea bass, then sit and have a reflective moment on how it changes your ideas about food forever.

Nobu: Internationally famous Nobu serves sushi that transcends. Blending Japanese cuisine with Peruvian touches, Chef Nobu has created something wildly tasty and new. You have our permission to indulge yourself.

Prima Pasta: This family-owned Italian restaurant has been here for nearly 30 years – and it’s a local favorite. Let the Cea family show you what home-style Italian cuisine is all about. Definitely try out their Carpaccio Di Manzo, succulent slices of filet mignon with olive oil, lemon and parmesan. So good. Trust us. You’ll be here often.

Favorite things to do in and around Allison Island:

North Beach Open Space Park: One of our favorite beaches! The white sands along the blue-green Atlantic Ocean is a premium spot to enjoy beach activities, from volleyball to sun tanning. Behind the beach you’ll find shaded walkways and jogging paths, picnic areas and an excellent children’s playground. Does your dog like the beach? There is also a great dog park to experience with him or her.

The Spa at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort: This is your space to decompress. Here is a shortlist of what you can experience inside; a crystal steam room, experiential rain showers, Finnish sauna, herbal laconium, igloo, Jacuzzi, thermal loungers, and a rooftop swimming pool. Or, try a massage, facials, body treatments, acupuncture and energy healing. Still not enough? Talk to their onsite nutritionist, attend some wellness lectures, join a fitness class or use their state-of-the-art gym with a rock-climbing wall. That should take you a while.

Buenos Aires Bakery: You can’t become a Miamian unless you taste some basic food staples; pastelitos, empanadas and of course the infamous Cuban espresso. The Buenos Aires Bakery, an Argentinian bakery, is as Miami as one can get. Come by for a quick treat of a much necessary pick-me-up before or after a days work. You’ve earned it.

North Beach Bandshell: Built in 1961, this Miami Modern jewel is a magical performance space that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Weekly al fresco concerts from local and global talent make it a popular gathering space for performance art lovers and those who love to people watch. Past events include legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, Iranian sitar master Sahba Motallebi, and Chilean singer-songwriter Nano Stern.

Allison Island Demographics

  • The island is a mere 8.5 acres.
  • It is inside on the Indian Creek Waterway.
  • This neighborhood is part of North Beach.

Distance to popular areas
South Beach: 4.9 miles
Design District: 6.4 miles
Midtown: 6.9 mile
Wynwood: 7.3 miles
Downtown Miami: 10.3 miles
Brickell City Center: 10.7 miles
Miami International Airport: 12 miles
Aventura Mall: 9.5 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
North Beach Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Biscayne Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Nautilus Middle School (6-8)
Miami Beach Senior High School (9-12)

Private:
Lehrman Community Day School (K-5)

Are you in love with Allison Island?

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.