Living in one of the most luxurious zip codes in America comes with its perks.
So in today’s article, we are going to be looking at the famous luxury island located in Miami, Florida, USA, named Fisher Island, which is one of the most expensive and most beautiful place to live in the world.
Fisher Island Florida is the place for you if you desire easy access to beaches, island living, privacy, intricately designed homes, and having celebrities and captains of industry as neighbors.
So before we dive into this article, do make sure to follow Simbad Ozibe on any of your favourite social media plantforms and also subscribe to our blog so you won’t miss out any of our updates!
First of all, let’s take a look at the history behind this wonderful island!
Watch on my Instagram account (The view of Fisher island, miami, Florida)!
The History of Fisher Island
In the beginning, Fisher Island was a wedge of land with coconut palms and mangroves that sat in Biscayne Bay.
Miami Beach founder and developer Carl Fisher purchased it from Dana Dorsey, South Florida’s first African American millionaire. When trying to expand the island and build deep-water docks, progress was delayed as Fisher experienced push back from the County. Later, construction of the Port of Miami served to separate the lush appendage from Miami Beach, creating an entirely distinctive island.
While Fisher Island was bought by Carl Fisher in 1919, only a year later it was traded to William Vanderbilt II. The heir interestingly received the island in exchange for a large boat and only ten dollars. Over the next two decades, the Vanderbilts owned Fisher Island where they constructed an airplane landing dock, many large houses, and their ornate mansion that is still the island’s centerpiece.
After Vanderbilt’s death in 1944, ownership of the island passed to U.S. Steel heir Edward Moore. Moore died in the early 1950s, and Gar wood, the millionaire inventor of hydraulic construction equipment, bought it. Wood, a speedboat enthusiast, kept the island a one-family retreat. In 1963, Wood sold to a development group that included local Key Biscayne millionaire Bebe Rebozo, Miami native and United States Senator George Smathers, and then former U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon, who had promised to leave politics. During his subsequent presidency from 1968 to 1973, and during the Watergate scandal, Nixon maintained a home on nearby Key Biscayne known as the “Key Biscayne Whitehouse” that was the former residence of Senator Smathers and next door to Rebozo, but none of the three ever resided on Fisher Island.
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) of the University of Miami maintained the Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory on Fisher Island from 1972 to 1990 under the leadership of Robert Ginsburg.
After years of legal battles and changes in ownership, further development on the island was finally started in the 1980s, with architecture matching the original 1920s Spanish style mansions. Although no longer a one-family island, in 2005, Fisher Island still remains somewhat inaccessible to the public and uninvited guests, and is as exclusive by modern standards as it was in the days of the Vanderbilts, providing similar refuge and retreat for its residents.
The island contains mansions, a hotel, several apartment buildings, an observatory, and a private marina. Boris Becker, Oprah Winfrey, and Mel Brooks are among the celebrities with homes on the island
The Fisher Island Lifestyle
Fisher Island is now a very exclusive private community. It’s often described as one of the best-kept secrets of Miami, and it’s home to many celebrities, heads of industry and wealthy residents. Fisher Island is home to about 700 families, but only about a third of them live there year-round. The majority of people enjoy their holidays or a few months per year on Fisher Island.
About half of the residents on Fisher Island Florida also own property in major cities like Manhattan, allowing families to take advantage of the amenities in both New York City and Miami.
In more recent years, families have started to make Fisher Island Florida their primary residence. One big appeal with homeowners on Fisher Island is the private island allows you to protect assets. Those who live on Fisher Island say the best part about living on the island is the protection, thanks to the tight security surrounding the entry process and the island itself.
Fisher Island Residents
It is said that around 700 families live on the 216 acre island. That is one family per 13,441 SF, speaking of privacy!! Although Fisher Island residents mostly use the island as a second, third or even fourth residence, in recent years more and more families have made it their primary residence. Many tax law refugees from states like NY and NJ are now flocking into the island, as well as many wealthy families from South America who value the safety and privacy.
How Self Sufficient is the Island?
When it comes to everyday needs on Fisher Island, one has access to a small bank, a post office, a grocery store, several dining facilities, a fire rescue station and emergency medical services. The island is also home to several playgrounds for kids, marinas and beaches. The island has no pharmacy however and although the supermarket offers a good amount of products, the variety of products is not as wide as on the mainland. The Fisher Island Public Safety Department and The Fisher Island fire station provide services 24 hours a day. There is no recorded/reported crime.
For children, there is a private accredited day school on Fisher Island; Fisher Island Day School is A-Rated and serves grades PK till grade 8. The school has currently over 80 students enrolled.
What is the average rent in Fisher Island?
Fisher Island rentals average $19,700 for a 3-bedroom rental to $45,000 for a 4-bedroom rental. The median price of all currently available listings is $23,750, or roughly $100 per square feet.
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What is the median home price in Fisher Island?
The median home price in Fisher Island is $4,250,000 with a median price per sqft of $2,179.
The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Fisher Island to be 142.2% of the national average. This makes it one of the most expensive cities in the US.
How to get to Fisher island, F1?
Residents in Fisher Island Miami are used to efficient ferry transportation, which is the only way to get to and from the island unless you have your own boat or a helicopter. To get to Fisher Island, you take the MacArthur Causeway between Miami and Miami Beach and drive to Terminal Island. You can then drive your car onto a ferry that will take you to Fisher Island in just a few minutes. Residents have some personal parking spaces after arriving on Fisher Island, but they mainly travel around the island by golf cart.
The ferry leaves every 5 minutes and takes up to 7 and a half minute to reach Fisher Island. Ferries are available all year round and new ferries are expected soon with more capacity to transport residents and their guests. Commercial traffic to and from the island will be separated from residents’ transport.
On the island you will see most transportation is done with golf carts, courtesy to the residents. An off-island parking lot and trolley is provided for employees.
Golf Cart Buyer’s Guide: How To Buy The Right Golf Cart
Fisher Island Florida Amenities
Amenities on the tropical retreat of Fisher Island include great restaurants and bars, and the infamous Fisher Island Club. The Vanderbilt mansion, golf course, beach club, hotel accommodation, pool, tennis center, and private marinas were all thoughtfully restored and renovated during the Rebirth of Fisher Island, which was completed in the summer of 2013. There are now plenty of amenities to take advantage of on Fisher Island that creates a wholly unique and unparalleled lifestyle, making it one of the best places to invest.
Let’s take a look at some of the most well-sorted amenities on Fisher Island!
Fisher Island Club
The uber-exclusive Fisher Island Club, also referred to as the heart of the island, is an exclusive membership available only to island residents. While being situated under one roof, the club provides a diverse range of facilities and services.
Vanderbilt Mansion
The historic Mediterranean-style Vanderbilt Mansion was designed by renowned Palm Beach architect Maurice Fatio in 1935. It houses the Garwood Lounge and Piano Bar, the Snooker Club Billiards, the City View Café, the Library Drawing Room and Salon, Café Tangier, the Grand Ballroom, and a heated saltwater pool.
Book a visit to Vanderbilt mansion
Recreation
On Fisher island, you can enjoy the P.B. Dye-designed championship fairway, which is South Florida’s most coveted seaside golf course and club and is described as 18-holes in 9. The racquet club also has 18 tennis courts with professional-level surfacing, and the island has its own state-of-the-art fitness center with holistic nutrition coaching. The enclave’s stunning scenery and spectacular ocean vistas are interspersed with a myriad of scenic biking and hiking trails.
Shopping & Spas
The Island Market, Spa Internazionale, The Links Golf Shop, and Tennis Pro Shop on Fisher Island offer a quaint range of high-end wares. Gourmet food and drinks are very accessible, as well as organic produce, natural beauty lines, and luxury sportswear and equipment. The acclaimed Spa Internazionale and Salon di Bellezza is an elegant escape that promotes health and relaxation. Here resort visitors and locals can take advantage of Miami’s most innovative holistic wellness facilities.
Education
Fisher Island Day School, (FIDS) is regarded as one of South Florida’s finest independent schools. Founded in 2004, the school is dedicated to preparing children for entrance into competitive high schools, for responsible citizenship, and for ongoing learning to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
It was designed with private funds from islanders and offers creative classes for students in grades 2 through 8. Many community-centered projects are included in its interactive curriculum, such as a fun design competition for Palazzo Della Luna’s on-site kid’s playroom.
Visit Fisher island day school
Live Luxury on Fisher Island Florida
In a hot spot like Miami, there’s nothing quite like living on Fisher Island Florida. Fisher Island is second only to South Beach in terms of name recognition among a real jet-set crowd of the international elite. Whether you’re looking to buy a vacation home or a permanent residence, you can benefit from a truly exclusive home with all of the island amenities you’re looking for. Fisher Island, with all of its serenity, is where true luxury can be found.
Find hotels in Fisher Island, Miami from $59!
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All About Fisher Island & Palazzo Della Luna – RICHEST ZIP CODE IN AMERICA
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