In San Diego real estate and beach homes searches, we often have Europeans, Canadian Snowbirds and others who just have a hard time deciding whether to buy beach homes or condo in San Diego–or Miami Beach.
In Miami Beach and San Diego, when you think second home, think beach front and beach homes.
Where do you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to second homes in San Diego and Miami Beach?
I’m always astounded at similarities in certain real estate markets, even if they are in completely separate parts of the United States. When a client asks where is the most sound Miami Beach real estate investment? The answer is always where you have sand under your feet – OCEAN FRONT!! and although we have a lot of different types of water-front properties in Miami, having direct access and views of the beach is the absolute best.
When it comes to ocean front condos, there are the ultra-luxury ones like this private retreat at The Fontainebleau Resort (a condo-hotel) that is currently listed for$11,750,000. – It has 5,673 square feet, 5 bedrooms / 6.5 bathrooms, direct ocean views, over 4,000 square feet of balconies, impeccably decor, private elevator, full steam room and spa, private terrace with pool, jacuzzi and BBQ. Monthly maintenance runs $8,814.
Or a more modest beach front condo at The Sterling, listed for $699,000. – It’s a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom, 2-story penthouse with 1,700 square feet of living space, 2 oversized balconies in a newer building on 67th Street and Collins Avenue (built in 1992). Monthly maintenance of $871.
Keep in mind that “beach-front” is limited to condos in Miami Beach and most will be high-rises, where in San Diego, it’s not so. Our beaches are “swimmable” year round which attracts vacationers from all over the world! No wonder we always make “best beaches” lists. A lot of second home owners choose to rent their properties, and buying in condo-hotels makes that easier.
The next best type of vacation home when it comes to desirability in Miami Beach are bay front properties and these can vary from single-family homes, smaller density condos to high-rises. The advantage of not living on the ocean is the fact that you can have a boat. Boating in Miami is popular, so we get a lot of second home buyers asking about dockage for their vessels (no matter the size). Some buildings will have full-service marinas, others will have docks available, and in some cases, some will have deeded dock space which means you will own and maintain the actual dock space. Here are some examples of Miami Beach bay front properties:
If your budget doesn’t allow for a water-front property, then you’ll want to be close to the water and the choices are endless. Because Miami IS in fact a metropolitan city with a very diverse population, you’ll have to narrow down your parameters according to proximity to entertainment, shopping, restaurants, easy-living …. and pretty much any lifestyle of your choice.
Funny differences about the two cities when talking to Roberta are Mojitos versus Margaritas! And since I’m known locally as “the Mojito Queen”, I can tell you where you can get the best ones in town! Whatever you do, please do not ask me about Palmetto Bugs….they are few and in-between, but you are lucky not to have to deal with those pests in San Diego, OR our humidity! 🙂