Living in South Beach: What to Know
Reviewed
South Beach includes Atlantic-facing condos, South of Fifth's marina-side towers and bayfront addresses around West Avenue and Belle Isle. These offer different versions of waterfront living. Decide whether direct beach access, a quieter residential setting or proximity to restaurants matters most, then compare the specific apartment and building services.
10 South Beach Apartment Buildings to Consider
1. Continuum South Beach
Continuum's two South of Fifth towers share direct beach access, pools, tennis courts and a substantial fitness and spa complex. Reviews praise the setting, views and amenities. Valet waits and uneven front-desk service also recur, making daily service a useful comparison alongside the apartment and its ocean exposure.
2. Bentley Bay
Bentley Bay's two towers overlook Biscayne Bay on South Beach's western side, with a pool, spa, gym and marina. Front-desk staff and views receive praise. Parking relies on valet, and the building restricts ordinary pets in tenant-occupied apartments, a significant difference from many nearby rental buildings.
3. Murano Grande
Murano Grande sits on South of Fifth's bayfront, with a pool, two-story gym, spa, tennis and concierge service. Reviews praise staff and views. A 2026 account describes disappointing front-desk availability and responses. Its marina-side setting offers a different waterfront experience from buildings directly on the Atlantic beach.
4. Yacht Club at Portofino
Yacht Club at Portofino overlooks the marina in South of Fifth, with a bayfront pool, tennis and fitness facilities. Reviews praise the location, views and staff. Elevator reliability remains a recurring complaint in accounts from both 2024 and 2026, making access to the apartment an important practical consideration.
5. Roney Palace
Roney Palace offers oceanfront condos alongside 1 Hotel, with beach service and access to two ocean-facing pools. Rentals include seasonal and shorter stays as well as longer leases. Gym access carries a separate membership cost, and laundry arrangements vary; residents also describe slow valet service, elevators and key-card problems.
6. Icon South Beach
Icon South Beach combines Philippe Starck-designed common spaces with pools, a spa, fitness facilities and concierge service on Alton Road. Reviews praise staff and upkeep, with some complaints about visitor valet practices. Its waterfront setting faces the bay, so beach access differs from oceanfront buildings on Collins Avenue.
7. Murano at Portofino
Murano at Portofino is a South of Fifth bayfront condominium with a private bayside beach club, pools, tennis and a two-story gym. Reviews praise staff and the lobby. Guest and delivery interactions receive some criticism. The beach club faces the bay rather than providing direct Atlantic beach access.
8. Nine Island Avenue
Nine Island Avenue sits on Belle Isle, with a marina, pool, tennis and fitness facilities. Reviews emphasize water views and the island setting, while charges around rentals draw complaints. Laundry equipment differs between apartments. Its Venetian Islands location offers a different South Beach experience from the oceanfront or South of Fifth.
9. Capri South Beach
Capri South Beach is a small, three-building bayfront condo complex near Sunset Harbour, with a marina, pool, spa and concierge. Residents praise staff, sunset views and the quieter setting. Maintenance experiences differ between its buildings, making the specific address and apartment important alongside the shared waterfront facilities.
10. The Waverly
The Waverly combines two bayfront condo towers on West Avenue with a lagoon-style pool, tennis and valet service. Residents praise views and the quieter, walkable location. Complaints describe reduced gym facilities and inconsistent management responses, including in 2026. Its bayfront address offers a different setting from South Beach's oceanfront towers.
Renting a Condo in South Beach
The featured buildings are condos leased by individual owners. Furnishings, laundry and parking vary between apartments, and some buildings include seasonal or shorter rentals. Compare minimum lease lengths, association approval and tenant pet rules. Shared access to a pool or hotel facility does not necessarily include every gym or club membership.
Comparing Rental Costs
Compare apartments with similar floor areas, furnishing and lease lengths. Add utilities, parking and separate memberships to rent. Keep move-in charges distinct, and compare seasonal asking rents with leases of the same duration. Bayfront and oceanfront addresses offer different benefits even at similar prices.
Other Areas to Consider
- Mid-Beach offers more oceanfront condo towers farther north.
- North Beach adds oceanfront and creek-side alternatives.
- Edgewater provides mainland bayfront living closer to Downtown.