The Neighborhood of Bay Harbor Island

Community Info

Bay Harbor Islands (otherwise known as BHI) is a town between Miami and Miami Beach. Consisting of two islands (called East and West) that are connected by the Broad Causeway, this unique neighborhood is home to the largest cluster of Miami Modern architecture typical of the 1940s and 1950s. Bay Harbor Islands is very walkable and the township provides a free bus service that shuttles residents and visitors about. It is a wonderful place to raise a family or retire. Life in BHI is enhanced by community center programs, nearby schools and beaches, an active downtown and the town’s proactive management. It’s a beautiful, sun-kissed, highly desirable place to live. We recommend BHI highly.

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

Close-knit Community: We love small communities – the upside is quality-of-life-enhancing security of knowing your neighbors and having one-to-one communication with the business community. It makes a neighborhood special. Dig in.

Main Street (AKA Kane’s Concourse): One of the great things about Bay Harbor Islands is the walkability factor – and a big part of that is Kane’s Concourse. Practically spanning the two islands with shops, bars, restaurants, doctor’s offices, parks, and more – a resident can take care of basic errands and entertainment needs on foot. A skateboard would work too.

Community Center and Parks: Bay Harbor Islands has an amazing community center, an 8,000 square foot library and 3 small parks. Mile for mile, the town has more gathering spaces than most. It is a great place for kids and active adults.

Location, location, location: Small towns are the best. Small towns wedged between two vibrant cities is even better. To the east you have Bal Harbour, Surfside, North Beach and beyond. To the west you have North Miami, Aventura and Miami Shores. You have endless opportunities for fun and excitement – just across some very short bridges.

A short history of the Bay Harbor Island neighborhood:

  • The Bay Harbor Islands were incorporated by lawyer/developer Shepard Broad in 1947. He went on to serve as mayor for 26 years.
  • St. Louis Cardinal’s infielder Garrett Nicholas Wittels has a home in Bay Harbor Islands.
  • Shakira and Alejandro Sanz recorded parts of their “La Tortura” video at the historic Coral Sea Towers building.
  • In the television series Dexter, Bay Harbor Islands was not only his home, but where they found the remains of his victims – and so the “Bay Harbor Butcher” was born.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Bay Harbor Island:

The Palm Restaurant: The first Palm Restaurant opened in 1926 in New York City. Now with a location in Miami, this storied (and delicious) steakhouse is one of the cornerstones of fine dining on the islands. Famous for their signature dish – surf and turf – we think you should spoil yourself with what they do exceptionally well.

Emilio’s Trattoria: Chef Emilio Di Carlo has been fronting some of the east coast’s most prominent Italian restaurants for decades. Now, he runs his own homage to Tuscan cuisine; homemade pasta and lovingly crafted traditional recipes that will satisfy. Time to knosh in style.

Asia Bay: Japanese and Thai cuisine is often paired, but rarely this well. This will be where you satiate your sushi and pad Thai cravings – so you better be on a first name basis with the waiting staff that will turn your cravings into controlled dive rather than a feeding frenzy. We hope you enjoy your meal.

O’Lima Signature Cuisine: Peruvian fusion cuisine on the Concourse. We love ceviche as much as the next human, but the real joy comes from exploring multiple tiraditos and saltados that take you around the smells and tastes of Lima. Wash it down with some amazing Pisco or whiskey to get the full experience.

Favorite things to do in and around Bay Harbor Island:

Kane’s Concourse: Shopping and eating. It’s that simple. This pedestrian friendly strip has great places to get a meal, have a drink and pick up some cool impulse items. Not to mention scooping up some edible goodies at the Bay Harbor Gourmet Market.

Morris N. Broad Community Center & the Bay Harbor Islands Library: It’s a good thing when the community has a place where the entire family can congregate. The Community Center has yoga, computer classes and tai-chi for seniors wanting to keep up with the kids. The kids of course get cheerleading, soccer, and zumba to keep them active. There are also outdoor movie nights and events so you have no excuse to miss out on family-time.

Bal Harbour: Walk across a short bridge and you’re in the Beach’s luxury mecca, Bal Harbour Shops. If you’re heading out in the day, you can use the Bay Harbor Islands Shuttle – it’s free – Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It runs through both East and West islands and stops in Bal Halbour, Surfside and North Miami. Score.

Bay Harbor Island Demographics

  • The Bay Harbor Island had a population of 5,628 residents. (2010)
  • The median household income was $38,514. (2010)
  • The median age was 42 years. (2000)

Design District: 8 miles
Midtown: 8.4 miles
Wynwood: 11.7 miles
Downtown Miami: 13.6 miles
Brickell Center: 13.9 miles
Miami Beach (South Beach): 9.1 miles
Miami International Airport: 15.1 miles
Aventura Mall: 6.8 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor Kindergarten to 8 Center
Nautilus Middle School (6-8 grades)
Miami Beach Senior High School (9-12 grades)

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 Bay Harbor Island 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.