Miami has become the undisputed capital of ultra-luxury real estate in the United States. With no state income tax, year-round sunshine, and an influx of wealth from the Northeast, Silicon Valley, and abroad, South Florida now claims seven of the ten most expensive neighborhoods in America. For buyers seeking the ultimate in privacy, security, and prestige, these six enclaves represent Miami's most exclusive addresses.
Indian Creek Island is the most exclusive residential address in Florida and arguably the entire United States. This 300-acre private island in Biscayne Bay contains just 41 waterfront home sites, a private 18-hole golf course, and a 13-person police force that patrols 24 hours a day via boat, jeep, and jet ski.
What You'll Pay: Home prices typically exceed $50 million, with recent sales setting national records. A waterfront parcel adjacent to Jeff Bezos's estate sold for $105 million in June 2025—a record for undeveloped land in Florida. A 28,000-square-foot mansion designed by Ferris Rafauli is currently listed at $200 million. Empty lots have traded for as much as $200 million given the extreme scarcity.
Who Lives There: Jeff Bezos owns three adjacent properties totaling $237 million—the most expensive residential holding in Miami. Tom Brady is building an "eco-mansion" on the island. Other residents include Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, investor Carl Icahn, DJ David Guetta, and music legend Julio Iglesias.
Character: Indian Creek is a fortress. The single guarded entrance provides maximum security, and the island maintains its own municipal government. There is no beach access (residents are minutes from Surfside Beach), but the trade-off is unparalleled privacy. This is where billionaires go when they want to disappear.
Best For: Ultra-high-net-worth buyers prioritizing absolute security, privacy, and exclusivity above all else. Indian Creek attracts global business leaders, tech founders, and celebrities who value being surrounded exclusively by peers of similar wealth.
Star Island is a 35-home man-made island just off the MacArthur Causeway, created in 1922 by developer Carl Fisher. According to Bloomberg, it is the most expensive neighborhood in the United States by median home value. The island is guard-gated with 24/7 security, yet remains publicly accessible—boat tours regularly circle the island showcasing its waterfront mansions.
What You'll Pay: Homes range from $25 million to well over $100 million. Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin sold his 22,000-square-foot estate for $120 million in early 2025—a record for Miami-Dade County. The former Rosie O'Donnell mansion at 43 Star Island was listed for $54 million in late 2024 and is now pending sale at $48 million.
Who Lives There: Jennifer Lopez owns a $45 million waterfront estate (purchased with Alex Rodriguez in 2020 for $32.5 million). Gloria and Emilio Estefan have called Star Island home for decades. Ken Griffin expanded his holdings by repurchasing 14 Star Island Drive for $45.5 million in 2024. Rapper Rick Ross purchased 37 Star Island Drive for $35 million in 2023 and is undertaking a $20 million renovation. Billionaire Philip Frost owns the massive six-acre estate at 21 Star Island Drive.
Character: Star Island carries the most name recognition of any Miami address. The combination of celebrity cachet, 40,000+ square foot lots, and proximity to South Beach makes it perpetually desirable. Homes feature private docks, resort-style pools, and direct Biscayne Bay views.
Best For: Buyers who want the prestige of Miami's most famous address with proximity to South Beach nightlife, dining, and culture. Star Island appeals to entertainment industry figures, athletes, and entrepreneurs who value both exclusivity and accessibility.
Fisher Island (33109) has officially surpassed every other zip code in the United States for median home price. According to PropertyShark's 2025 report, the median sale price reached $9.5 million, while Robb Report places median listings at $11.9 million. This 216-acre island off the southern tip of Miami Beach is accessible only by private ferry, boat, or helicopter.
What You'll Pay: Condos start around $2 million, but trophy properties regularly trade for $20 million to $85 million. Kayak co-founder Steve Hafner listed his 10,200-square-foot penthouse for $85 million in early 2025—nearly triple what he paid three years prior. A new development called The Residences at Six Fisher Island is offering units starting at $15 million with an average of 4,800 square feet. The first-ever collection of ground-up single-family estates, The Mansions on Fisher Island, represents the pinnacle of the market.
Who Lives There: Fisher Island has historically attracted those who prize discretion over celebrity. Past and present residents have included Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Jack Nicholson, and numerous hedge fund managers, shipping magnates, tech founders, and European royalty. The average resident declares $3 million in annual income.
Character: Fisher Island is a private club masquerading as a neighborhood. Amenities include a private beach with imported Bahamian sand, championship golf course, tennis courts, spa, and multiple restaurants. With only about 500 residents and 700 households, everyone is known but outsiders are kept at bay. Values have climbed more than 160% since 2010.
Best For: Buyers seeking condominium or villa living with resort-level amenities and maximum privacy. Fisher Island attracts an older, more established wealth demographic compared to Indian Creek's newer arrivals. Ideal for those who prefer the island lifestyle over single-family mansion ownership.
North Bay Road is a four-mile stretch of waterfront mansions along the western edge of Miami Beach, collectively valued at over $1.7 billion. Unlike the island enclaves, North Bay Road is not gated—yet it has become the single most expensive street in Miami, with record-breaking transactions occurring regularly since 2020.
What You'll Pay: Since 2020, the area has seen $1.19 billion in sales, with 24 transactions exceeding $20 million. David and Victoria Beckham set a new street record in October 2024, paying $72.25 million for a 12,500-square-foot estate. Land values have escalated from $500 per square foot to $1,000-$1,500 per square foot. Developer Todd Glaser is in contract for $105 million on a 2.3-acre property he may flip for $150 million or redevelop as a $300 million spec mansion. A $169 million mansion hit the market in September 2025.
Who Lives There: Beyond the Beckhams, residents include Phil Collins (who purchased Jennifer Lopez's former mansion for $33 million), media mogul Barry Diller, the Von Furstenberg family, director Michael Bay, and developer Steve Witkoff. Fashion Nova founder Richard Saghian paid $30 million for a pair of neighboring estates.
Character: North Bay Road offers what the islands cannot: long, unobstructed views across Biscayne Bay without the constraints of island lot sizes. Many properties exceed 1.5 acres with 100+ feet of water frontage. The mix of architectural styles—from historic Mediterranean villas to ultra-modern spec mansions—reflects the street's evolution from old Miami money to new tech and entertainment wealth.
Best For: Buyers who want maximum lot size and water frontage without the limitations of island living. North Bay Road is ideal for those planning significant new construction or seeking direct bay access for large yachts. The street attracts spec developers and trophy home builders catering to the $50 million+ buyer.
Palm Island is an 82-acre guard-gated island containing approximately 140-160 homes, accessible via the MacArthur Causeway. Created in the early 1920s, the island has a storied past—Al Capone spent his final years here, and the legendary Latin Quarter nightclub once showcased Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett.
What You'll Pay: The current record is $45 million, set in March 2025 when online gaming entrepreneur Richard Skelhorn purchased a waterfront mansion at 40 Palm Avenue. A three-mansion compound spanning 35,000 square feet with 300 feet of water frontage is listed at $150 million. Most waterfront homes trade between $15 million and $40 million.
Who Lives There: Current and past residents include Nick Nolte, Barbara Walters, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (who sold his home for $22 million), and various music industry figures including Ana Gabriel and Scott Storch.
Character: Palm Island offers a more approachable entry point to Miami's island lifestyle compared to Star Island or Indian Creek. Architectural styles vary from Mediterranean Classic to Miami Modern (MiMo). The island shares a community park with Hibiscus Island featuring tennis courts, basketball courts, and a children's playground—making it more family-friendly than some competitors.
Best For: Buyers seeking guard-gated island living at a more accessible price point than Star Island. Palm Island attracts successful entrepreneurs, entertainment figures, and families who want waterfront living with community amenities. Ideal for boaters given the absence of fixed bridges.
Hibiscus Island sits north of Palm Island, accessible only through its sister island via the MacArthur Causeway guard gate. With roughly 140-160 homes and a mix of waterfront and interior lots, Hibiscus offers slightly more inventory than other exclusive islands while maintaining strong privacy credentials.
What You'll Pay: The island record was set in August 2024 when a 10,800-square-foot mansion at 101 North Hibiscus Drive sold for $40.3 million. Homes range broadly from $4 million for interior lots to $40 million+ for prime waterfront. According to recent data, the median price across Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands is approximately $16.9 million with an average around $14 million.
Who Lives There: Historically, Hibiscus Island was home to Al Capone during Prohibition. Today, it attracts successful business professionals and celebrities seeking privacy without the premium of Star Island pricing.
Character: Hibiscus Island features diverse architectural styles including Streamline Moderne, Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and contemporary construction. The island feels more residential and less celebrity-focused than Star Island. Lot sizes reach up to 7,000 square feet for interior properties and larger for waterfront.
Best For: Buyers wanting guard-gated island living who prioritize value relative to Star Island. Hibiscus is excellent for families given the shared park and community amenities. The variety of architectural styles and price points makes it accessible to a broader range of ultra-luxury buyers.
| Neighborhood | Entry Price | Top Sales | Homes | Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek | $50M+ | $200M+ | 41 | Private bridge | Maximum security and exclusivity |
| Star Island | $25M+ | $120M | ~35 | Guard gate | Celebrity prestige, bay views |
| Fisher Island | $2M+ | $85M | ~700 units | Ferry/helicopter only | Resort living, condos, privacy |
| North Bay Road | $10M+ | $169M | ~150 | Public street | Large lots, new construction |
| Palm Island | $5M+ | $150M | ~150 | Guard gate | Family-friendly, boating |
| Hibiscus Island | $4M+ | $40M | ~150 | Guard gate (via Palm) | Value, architectural variety |
Fisher Island holds the title of America's most expensive zip code with a median sale price of $9.5 million. However, Indian Creek Island commands the highest individual home prices, with properties regularly exceeding $100 million.
Indian Creek Island is known as the "Billionaire Bunker" and houses Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump, and Carl Icahn. Star Island is home to Jennifer Lopez, Ken Griffin, Rick Ross, and Gloria Estefan. North Bay Road counts the Beckhams, Phil Collins, and Barry Diller among its residents.
Indian Creek Island is nicknamed the "Billionaire Bunker" due to its extreme security (13-person private police force, 24/7 patrols), exclusivity (only 41 homes), and concentration of ultra-wealthy residents. Jeff Bezos's $237 million compound anchors the island.
Star Island is technically a public street, though a guard gate controls access. Boat tours regularly circle the island. Indian Creek Island is completely private—only residents and approved guests may enter via the single guarded bridge.
Star Island homes range from approximately $25 million to over $120 million. The 2025 record was set when Vladislav Doronin sold his estate for $120 million. The typical waterfront mansion trades between $40 million and $70 million.
Fisher Island offers a unique value proposition: resort-level amenities, absolute privacy (no bridge access), and America's wealthiest zip code as your address. For buyers seeking condominium or villa living rather than single-family homes, Fisher Island is unmatched in South Florida.
Star Island is more celebrity-focused with greater public visibility, while Indian Creek prioritizes absolute privacy and security. Star Island is closer to South Beach (minutes away), while Indian Creek is 15 miles from mainland Miami near Surfside. Star Island has approximately 35 homes; Indian Creek has 41.
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