Your Vero Beach, FL Real Estate Questions Answered

In Vero Beach real estate, coastal charm and a relaxed lifestyle meet to create an alluring residential paradise. The city’s tropical climate, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural scene make it a sought-after destination for those in search of the quintessential Floridian experience minus vacation throngs.

What makes Vero Beach a great place to buy a home is its veritable treasure trove of properties. Find beachfront estates and historic homes to modern condominiums and master-planned suburban neighborhoods. Its waterfront estates are renowned for their architectural beauty and luxury, but also for affordable options. Learn about the Vero Beach real estate market in this profile.

About Vero Beach, FL

If you’d been standing in Vero Beach a century ago, you’d find a small citrus-growing hamlet on the Intracoastal waterway close to the beaches. Fast forward, and today’s modern town is shaped by its links to baseball, aviation, and agriculture, but is thoroughly modern with eclectic dining, big name retailers, and beautiful contemporary homes.

Like other Florida Treasure Coast towns, Vero Beach started as a small agricultural community. Officially established in 1925, its origins go back further when the Indian River Farms Company purchased land with the intent of building “one of the finest towns in Florida.” Henry Flagler’s famous train passed through on its way to Key West and helped stimulate Vero Beach’s growth. Back then, it was simply, “Vero.”

Development accelerated thanks to the World Wars. For the second one, a Naval Air Station was built on the north side of town. Then, the Los Angeles Dodgers picked the former station for their spring training facilities, a tradition maintained until 2008. Baseball fans would make the trek to Vero to watch their team play. 

The modern borders of Vero Beach stretch 13.1 square miles from inland Florida across the Indian River lagoon to North Hutchinson Island and its beaches. Most still consider it a small coastal town, and prize its laid-back vibes, access to the waterfront, and growing arts scene.

What county is Vero Beach, FL in?

Way back in its history, Town of Vero residents petitioned the Florida government for a new county. That led to the creation of Indian River County with Vero as its seat. 

Tourists may know this county for its oranges; black-and-neon signs advertise Indian River Oranges up and down the interstates. 

Agriculture is important to its economy, but there’s more to living here than that. Per capita, Indian River is the seventh-richest county in the state. Its beaches are prized for their old Florida vibes, with the tagline “sunrises, not high rises,” luring the wealthy in seek of relaxing oceanfront estates, not tourist-packed high-rise condos. 

Speaking of beaches, some of Florida’s best Atlantic beaches are along its shores. The famous Treasure Coast nickname is not from the golden sands, but the Spanish galleons that wrecked offshore in the hurricane. However, the county considers its natural wealth one of its most prized; it has 100,000 acres of conservation land, both seaside and inland around Blue Cypress Lake.

Other towns in Indian River County include Vero Beach’s neighbor Sebastian, another iconic seaside town, and historic Fellsmere. 

Is Vero Beach, FL growing?

Vero Beach’s expansion has been slow and steady over the last few decades. Part of that is it’s already highly developed inside the city borders. With an estimated 17,000 residents as of 2022, you’ll never feel crowded living in this small beachside town. And while we’ve touted it as not being as crowded with visitors, it does attract tourists who prefer a more chill beachside vacation. It’s just not as tourism-driven as Palm Beach or Miami. Around a third of its residents were over 65 years old.

What is the cost of living in Vero Beach, FL?

Normally living on or near a Florida beach costs more because of the high demand. Surprisingly, Vero Beach’s average cost of living is below the national average! You could live near the waterfront with a reasonable salary.

Why does the cost of living look so low? Vero Beach does have access to the Indian River lagoon, canals, and the Atlantic shore, but a large part of the city limits are more inland. That balances the overall cost of living. And because it’s not as well known as other Atlantic destinations, like the Miami suburbs or beaches around St. Augustine, there’s slightly less pressure on its housing.

Do expect to pay more in groceries and for miscellaneous costs, which are items like clothing, attraction tickets, and childcare. 

Vero Beach, FL Real Estate

Vero Beach homes have a little bit of everything you’d expect from Florida real estate. Right on the ocean front are condos used by visitors, part-time residents, and those who want the full beachfront experience all the time. You also have single-family homes that are overlooking the waves or facing the Indian River Lagoon. Some developments have canals for more access to the water. As you move inland, you’ll find more historic Florida homes, including those built in the old cracker style. It’s quite a mix of real estate options here.

To give you a snapshot in time, as of September 2023, Vero Beach real estate had a median list price of $450,000. It had 1,857 homes for sale, with the most affordable being a $9,000 vacant lot. The most expensive was a $60 million river-to-oceanfront property on five acres with over 23,000 sq ft in the main home.

Luxury Real Estate

For those seeking something truly special with incredible waterfront views, or otherwise, Vero Beach’s reputation for elegant real estate is well-deserved. As of October 2023, Vero Beach had 314 homes listed for $1 million or greater. As mentioned above, the top of the market was a $60 million listing with river and ocean frontage on five acres. Right behind it are two $27 million properties also with expansive waterfront. 

Condo or townhomes in Vero Beach

Vero Beach is a popular destination for escaping the colder northern climates, whether just for a week or for the whole winter season. Condo and townhome living is a way to affordably realize that dream. Vero’s condo and townhome properties come in all sizes and styles, from luxury oceanfront new construction to smaller studios perfect for renting as an investment.

The October 2023 real estate market had 386 listings in this category. The least expensive was a studio condo with 630 sq ft ready for your personal touch listed at $80,000. The most expensive was a new construction condominium priced at $4.495M with four bedrooms and 4.5-baths.

Areas you can look for condos and townhomes include:

•     Treasure Coast Isles
•     South Beach 
•     Oceanside

 A local real estate agent can walk you through all the individual local condo and townhome complexes available. Even more properties are available just outside of town in the unincorporated communities of Gifford and Vero Beach South. Many of these are facing the Indian River lagoon.

Vero Beach waterfront properties 

Waterfront living is one of the attractions of choosing to live in Vero Beach. It’s one of the more affordable waterfront communities, but it also features some incredible custom homes near the ocean.

The Vero Beach real estate market had about 724 homes with some kind of waterfront as a feature. Is the island lifestyle calling you? Vero Beach waterfront listings include those on North Hutchinson Island. But, you can also live on the mainland with access to the Indian River Lagoon if you prefer easier access to get around town. Properties are on lakes, canals, riverfront, and oceanfront.

The most affordable waterfront listing was $83,000 facing a retention pond. Of course, the top dollar listing was the one that’s already been mentioned twice at $60 million. But there’s plenty of properties in between those prices. As a home buyer, you could potentially find your dream waterfront home at your budget in Vero Beach.

Golf course living in Vero Beach 

Few golf course communities are as opulent and desirable as Vero Beach’s Grand Harbor. Located on the barrier island, the residents gain access to two world-class golf courses and the Atlantic Ocean front. The two courses are known as the River Course and the Harbor Course, and guess what views they have?

Besides being able to golf in the morning and walk the beach in the afternoon, Grand Harbor amenities include five-star dining, tennis courts, racquet complex, fitness facilities, and a private swimming pool. As for housing, the real estate choices include condominiums, villas, and single-family homes in multiple price ranges and footprints.

There is one tropical paradise on the mainland if you want a home right on the golf course. This is Oak Harbor, which is also a 55+ community. Being on the mainland means no long drives over the bridges to shopping, healthcare, or other needs. For boating, the neighborhood is close to the intracoastal.

The golf course is a nine-hole executive course exclusively for members. In addition, it is a no-maintenance, amenity-rich lifestyle, complete with tennis courts, Pickleball courts, a 42,000 square-foot clubhouse with fine and casual dining, and regularly scheduled social events. Housing includes condominiums and single-family homes. An assisted living facility is inside the neighborhood, too.

Are there active adult communities in Vero Beach, FL?

Joining the Oak Harbor Club mentioned above are multiple adult-only communities. The lifestyle and amenity options vary greatly, with some just simply being condominiums for 55 and over while others have more lifestyle perks like a clubhouse or swimming pools. Here’s a small sampling to show the diversity of adult living:

Vista Gardens has 644 condo units built on land formerly managed by the McKee Botanical Gardens. Community residents live between two natural green spaces. The community amenities include a swimming pool, hot tubs, game room, and fitness center.

Oak Park Terrace condominiums are across the street from a Publix. Their units are laid out with a single-floor design.

Vista Harbor borders an Indian River nature preserve, and some of its units have waterfront views. It does have a clubhouse and pool but there are no dock spaces.

What is the property tax rate for Vero Beach, FL?

As you look at Vero Beach homes, keep in mind, your property taxes depend on where you live. Some addresses have a Vero Beach ZIP Code or postal address, but they’re actually outside the city limits.

Your property taxes further adjust if you have homestead or other special exemptions. And paying early can gain you as much as a 4% discount, with a receding amount as it gets closer to the March 31 due date. 

The Vero Beach millage rate as of 2023-2024 was 2.768 mils, a 13% increase from the prior year. Indian River County charged 7.0512 mils as of the 2022-2023 taxing year.

What neighborhoods are in Vero Beach, FL?

Vero Beach truly has some incredible neighborhoods to pick from on both sides of the Indian river. Here’s a few of the most popular:

• Central Beach: The heart of the Vero Beach oceanfront can’t be missed, with its swaying palm-tree lined streets and charming historic homes and buildings. Gain easy, walkable access to the beach and the shopping district.
• South Beach: Vero Beach’s southerly oceanfront option has a laid back vibe, but a higher concentration of condominiums.
•  Orchid Island: Feel a world away in the gated barrier island community, with its private beach club and upscale homes.
• Castaway Cove: A gated community with sections on both sides of the A1A, choose from oceanfront or riverfront. Many on the riverside have private dockage.
• McAnsh Park: Close to the community center and parks, this well-established mainland neighborhood is ideally placed near the city’s geographical center.
•  Vero Isles: Live mainland and waterfront here, with private dockage on your lot and canals leading to the Indian River Lagoon.

Vero Beach Attractions

Home isn’t just four walls, but what else the community has to make it a great place to live. Of Vero Beach’s many perks, a few stand out as exemplifying the local culture.

Probably Vero Beach’s most well-known attraction outside the beachfront, the lush and tropical McKee Botanical Garden features exotic plants, water lilies, and scenic landscapes. It’s a tranquil and beautiful spot for spending a day.

Another peaceful outdoor escape is the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The islands, marshlands, and waters are critical habitat for these birds and also nesting sea turtles.

Vero Beach’s arts culture is both elevated and contemporary. One highlight is the Vero Beach Museum of Art with its works by American artists and rotating exhibitions.

Popular Ocean Drive is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s a prime stretch to savor local cuisine and enjoy a lively atmosphere in the high season. Listen to live music, or come for one of the street fairs or parades when the main thoroughfare shuts down. 

What to know about living in Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach’s seaside relaxed atmosphere makes it an attractive place to live. It’s worth considering it for retirement, raising a family, or seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle.

As for your weather, this is southern Florida, which means hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a lot of sunshine. And be prepared for hurricanes during the summer and fall. Have an emergency plan, hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows, and a supply kit in case of severe weather.

Traffic congestion is relatively low in Vero Beach compared to larger cities. The city is served by US Route 1 and State Road A1A, making it relatively easy to get around by car. Public transportation options are limited.

Before making your decision, thoroughly research the Vero Beach real estate market, explore the neighborhoods, and consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure that Vero Beach is the right fit for you. Search available Vero Beach listings today.