South Beach Condos

Life in the lap of luxury comes to mind when you see South Beach Condos for sale.  Located in what has been known as the poshest section of Miami Beach, Florida, it’s been seen by millions for nearly a century as the place where extravagant modern living meets artistic inspiration, all surrounded by crystal blue waters. Millionaires and movie stars have vacationed and retired here, calling the lush area surrounding the Collins Avenue stretch of A1A home, and now in the new millennium, South Beach is enjoying regained popularity among those looking to buy a home at the heart of opulence, where anyone looking for luxury real estate can buy one of the many South Beach condos for sale.

South Beach is the region of Miami Beach spanning the 23 blocks from Bay Road along Biscayne Bay to Ocean Drive along the Atlantic coastline. South Beach is known as Miami’s posh haven for the rich and famous, and has been used as the backdrop for film and television. Known for its art deco architecture, South Beach boasts all things to all people: a relaxed style of living in a stunning metropolitan setting; artistic inspiration in historical landmarks; an exciting nightlife, and miles of white, sandy beaches. With the renovations and new construction spurned by a renewed interest in the area, the number of South Beach condos for sale has been on the rise for some time now.

What started as a coconut plantation in the 1870’s became the first area in Miami to be developed around 1910. Miami’s city founders originally wanted South Beach to eventually segment off into its own city.  The 1920’s saw incredible growth of mid-priced family housing in the region.  Its popularity grew, thanks to the millionaires of the day like J. C. Penney and Harvey Firestone deciding to build homes and buy land here. With the 1930’s came the world famous art deco architecture, second to none anywhere in the world. As the prime vacation spot in the nation, while the rest of the country experienced the great depression, South Beach achieved incredible growth during the 1930’s.  Jackie Gleason brought his TV show to South Beach in the 1950’s, solidifying the area’s notoriety in American Culture.

While the area saw a period of decline in the 60’s and 70’s, interest in the South Beach area was renewed thanks in part to the popularity of Miami Vice, which used South Beach for location filming due to its distinctive architecture.  The area underwent a huge restoration process, and today a number of South Beach condos for sale are located in the newly renovated art deco masterpieces, such as The Tides and The Breakwater, both built in the 30’s in that famed art deco style.  Also, structures like The Saxony - the once lavish playground for the rich - are still in the restoration process.  New construction in that same Nautical Streamline style is also underway, promising a great number of condos available for purchase as vacation or permanent dwellings.

The area known as South of Fifth, or SoFi, is the home of the world famous Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant, boasting an upscale nightlife weaved through this predominantly residential area of South Beach.  Located at the southernmost section of South Beach between Fifth Street and South Pointe, SoFi is home to some of the most expensive and luxurious real estate South Beach has to offer. With elaborate construction projects, such as Continuum, Continuum II, Apogee and Murano Grande, plus new high-rise luxury condos going up all the time, those in the market for a luxury condo would gladly call SoFi home.  Luxury South Beach Condos for sale in the SoFi area boast breathtaking views, spacious dwellings and countless conveniences.  SoFi’s ultra-luxury condo prices start at $500,000, climbing into the millions to live in the lap of luxury.

Art and History lovers flock to the world famous architecture that made South Beach famous in the Art Deco district.  While most of Miami Beach is peppered with the beauty of Art Deco architecture, this section of South Beach has the most concentrated collection of these streamlined and ornamented treasures.  Over the past twenty years, the Historical Society has taken great pains to renovate and maintain this world-renowned area. With Ocean Drive at its heart, the Art Deco Historical District gives South Beach its continuity through the trendy phases that South Beach real estate experiences.  Hotels like the Cordozo, the Carlisle, the Beacon, the Breakwater/Edison, or the Colony, all with their distinctive facades, make the Art Deco district of South Beach a whimsical place to call home without losing the luxurious amenities that South Beach living has to offer.  Luxury condo prices in the distinctive Art Deco District start at $250,000.

Collins Park, an up-and-coming area in South Beach, is currently being renovated from its less than glamorous recent past. Redevelopment projects are rejuvenating this section of South Beach, located conveniently across from the Miami Beach Convention Center. Most of the buildings up for reconstruction were built in the 1980’s, although quite a few Art Deco residences still stand there. Mostly residential, the property values are expected to increase in Collins Park as the renovations continue.

Real Estate agents specializing in South Beach condos for sale can help anyone looking to buy a luxury condominium. There are hundreds of qualified agents, all wanting to sell you that dream location. Before looking for a condo, decide on your price range, desired location, and how lavishly you want to live.  Determine whether you want the prestige - not to mention the view - of a spectacular high-rise condo or the understated opulence of a low-rise condo. Is your heart set on that ocean view, or do you desire seclusion? Either way, the perfect blend of artistry and extravagance await you in a stunning South Beach Condo.  If you are ever in the area, check out the South Beach condos for sale.  You just might decide that this is the way you want to live.