Sunset Islands
David set benchmarks — $14.3M waterfront & $5.775M non-waterfront
The Sunset Islands are four residential islands (Sunset Islands I-IV) located in the heart of Miami Beach, offering a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with waterfront and interior lots. David set early benchmarks on Sunset Islands: a $14.3 million waterfront sale on Sunset Islands III and IV, and a $5.775 million non-waterfront sale — at the time, the highest for a dry-lot home below 63rd Street.
Four Private Islands in the Heart of Miami Beach
Sunset Islands I, II, III, and IV sit in Biscayne Bay just west of the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, connected to the mainland by short bridges off Bay Road. Built as residential enclaves in the 1920s and 1940s, these four islands have remained exclusively single-family for nearly a century. There are no commercial properties, no condo towers, and no through-traffic — just tree-lined streets, private docks, and some of the most desirable waterfront lots in Miami Beach.
Sunset Islands I and II are the original pair, developed in the 1920s with slightly smaller lots and a tighter street grid. Sunset Islands III and IV were added in the 1940s, offering larger parcels and wider waterfront frontage. Together, the four islands contain roughly 300 homes, making this one of Miami Beach's most intimate residential communities. The islands are not gated, but their dead-end street layout and limited bridge access naturally discourage non-resident traffic.
The Sunset Islands Lifestyle
What sets Sunset Islands apart from other luxury enclaves in Miami Beach is the combination of total privacy and immediate access to everything the city offers. Residents are a five-minute walk from the restaurants and boutiques of Sunset Harbour — one of Miami Beach's best dining neighborhoods, home to Pura Vida, Icebox Cafe, and Sushi Garage. Lincoln Road's shops, galleries, and nightlife are a short bike ride east. The neighborhood is zoned for Miami Beach's top-rated public schools, including Normandy Isle K-8 Center and Miami Beach Senior High.
The vibe on the islands is decidedly family-friendly. You will see kids riding bikes, neighbors walking dogs, and families kayaking off their backyard docks on any given weekend. It is a striking contrast to the energy of South Beach just a few miles south. For families who want island living without the isolation of Fisher Island or the formality of Star Island, Sunset Islands deliver a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in Miami Beach.
Sunset Islands Real Estate: What to Expect
The Sunset Islands market breaks down into two distinct categories: waterfront and interior. Waterfront homes — those with direct Biscayne Bay frontage, private docks, and open water views — typically trade between $10 million and $20 million depending on lot size, frontage, and condition. Most waterfront lots range from 10,000 to 18,000 square feet with 75 to 100 feet of water frontage, though some corner parcels offer significantly more.
Interior homes on the islands offer one of Miami Beach's best value propositions in luxury single-family real estate. Non-waterfront properties typically trade between $3 million and $7 million, delivering the same island address, the same quiet streets, and the same proximity to Sunset Harbour and Lincoln Road — without the waterfront premium. Lot sizes for interior properties range from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, and many have been recently renovated or rebuilt as modern luxury homes.
New construction and major renovations have accelerated across all four islands in recent years. Buyers are tearing down older ranch-style homes and replacing them with 5,000- to 8,000-square-foot contemporary residences featuring rooftop decks, summer kitchens, and resort-style pools. The result is a neighborhood that feels increasingly upscale while retaining its laid-back residential character.
David's Record-Setting Sales on Sunset Islands
David Hunt Solomon has been active on the Sunset Islands for over two decades, and his track record here speaks for itself. He previously held the record for the most expensive single-family home sale on Sunset Islands III and IV at $14.3 million — a waterfront estate that set a new benchmark for the islands. That benchmark has since been surpassed — a waterfront estate on Sunset Islands sold for $32 million in November 2023.
David also previously held the record for the highest non-waterfront sale below 63rd Street at $5.775 million, proving that interior lots on the Sunset Islands carry serious value when the right home meets the right buyer. That mark has since been surpassed — a non-waterfront Sunset Islands home sold for $12.5 million in April 2022.
These are not just numbers on a page. They reflect a deep understanding of what drives pricing on each island, which lots command premiums, and how to position a property to attract the right buyer pool. With over $500 million in career sales and 20 years of experience in Miami Beach's luxury market, David brings a level of market intelligence that translates directly into results for his clients.
Why Sunset Islands Over Star Island or North Bay Road
Buyers shopping in the $5 million to $20 million range for waterfront in Miami Beach inevitably compare Sunset Islands to Star Island and North Bay Road. Here is the insider take: Sunset Islands offer the same island lifestyle and Biscayne Bay access at a significantly more accessible price point.
Star Island's 34 homes rarely trade below $25 million and have recently pushed past $50 million. North Bay Road's waterfront estates between 40th and 63rd Street routinely close between $15 million and $75 million. On Sunset Islands, a renovated waterfront home with 80 feet of frontage and a private dock can be had for $10 million to $15 million — and interior lots start under $4 million.
The trade-off is lot size. Star Island and North Bay Road offer significantly larger parcels. But for buyers who prioritize location, walkability, and a family-oriented community over sheer acreage, Sunset Islands deliver more lifestyle per dollar than almost any other waterfront address in Miami Beach. The islands' central location — minutes from Sunset Harbour, Lincoln Road, the beach, and the Julia Tuttle Causeway to I-95 — is an advantage that neither Star Island nor North Bay Road can match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunset Islands
Q: Are the Sunset Islands gated?
No. Unlike Star Island or La Gorce Island, the Sunset Islands are not gated and do not have guard houses. However, the islands' dead-end street layout and limited bridge access naturally limit non-resident traffic, creating a private atmosphere without the formality of a staffed gate.
Q: What is the price range for homes on the Sunset Islands?
Waterfront homes typically trade between $10 million and $20 million, while interior (non-waterfront) homes range from $3 million to $7 million. Lot size, condition, and island location all affect pricing. David can provide a current market analysis for any specific property or lot.
Q: Which Sunset Island is the most desirable?
Each island has its own character. Sunset Islands III and IV tend to command slightly higher prices due to their larger lot sizes and wider waterfront frontage. Sunset Islands I and II appeal to buyers who prefer a tighter-knit community with slightly more compact lots. The best island for you depends on your priorities — David can walk you through the differences in detail.
Q: Can I dock a boat at my home on the Sunset Islands?
Yes. Waterfront homes on the Sunset Islands have private docks with direct access to Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Most docks can accommodate vessels up to 50 or 60 feet, and the bay depth allows easy access to the open ocean via Government Cut.
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David Hunt Solomon has 20 years of expertise in Miami Beach luxury real estate and has closed more than $500 million in career sales.
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