Living in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Complete 2025 Neighborhood Guide
Key Takeaways Q&A Box
Q: What’s the median home price in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? A: The median home price is approximately $3.5 million, with waterfront estates often exceeding $6 million according to Redfin Fort Lauderdale luxury homes data.
Q: How safe is Harbour Isles compared to Fort Lauderdale average? A: Harbour Isles maintains crime rates 70% below Florida average with virtually no violent crime due to exclusive island setting and controlled access points.
Q: What are the top rated schools near Harbour Isles? A: Bayview Elementary School A rating, Sunrise Middle School B+ rating, and Fort Lauderdale High School A- rating serve the community through Broward County Public Schools.
Q: How long is the commute from Harbour Isles to downtown Fort Lauderdale? A: Approximately 28 minutes via Federal Highway US 1 or I 95, with Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport 25 minutes away.
Q: What’s the walk score for Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? A: Walk Score of 20/100 car dependent due to exclusive island location, though residents enjoy private yacht access to Intracoastal Waterway destinations.
Quick Facts About Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale
- Population: ~1,100 residents (Harbour Isles Census Reporter)
- Median home price: ~$3.5M (Harbour Isles Redfin)
- Average rent: ~$12,500 per month (Harbour Isles Apartments.com)
- Walk score: 20 out of 100 car dependent (Harbour Isles Walk Score)
- Crime rate: 70 percent below Florida average (Harbour Isles AreaVibes)
- Top rated school: Bayview Elementary A rating (Fort Lauderdale GreatSchools)
- Commute to downtown: ~28 minutes (Harbour Isles Google Maps)
- Median household income: ~$485K (Harbour Isles Data USA)
- Price per sq ft: ~$875 to $1,125 (Harbour Isles Realtor.com)
Overview & Location
Where is Harbour Isles located in Fort Lauderdale? Harbour Isles occupies an ultra exclusive island position in northeast Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, strategically positioned on private waterfront islands with direct frontage along the Intracoastal Waterway near Commercial Boulevard and Federal Highway intersections.
This luxury island community features Fort Lauderdale’s most prestigious waterfront estates, each positioned on finger islands and protected peninsulas that maximize water frontage while providing private yacht access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. The neighborhood’s unique island setting creates natural barriers and controlled access points, contributing to its reputation as one of South Florida’s most exclusive boating destinations.
The community’s location provides immediate deep water access to major waterways including the New River system and Port Everglades shipping channels, while maintaining convenient vehicular access to Fort Lauderdale’s business centers via Commercial Boulevard to I 95 and Federal Highway corridors. This strategic positioning allows residents to enjoy complete island privacy while accessing Las Olas Boulevard entertainment district and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport within reasonable commute times.
FAQ: Where exactly is Harbour Isles located in Fort Lauderdale? Harbour Isles is located on exclusive islands in northeast Fort Lauderdale with direct Intracoastal Waterway access, positioned between Commercial Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard corridors for convenient access to I 95 and Federal Highway transportation networks.
What Are Home Prices Like in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale?
Current Redfin Fort Lauderdale waterfront property data shows Harbour Isles median home prices at approximately $3.5 million, with direct Intracoastal frontage estates commanding premiums up to $6 to $8 million for mega yacht accommodating properties.
Over the past 12 months, approximately 3 to 5 luxury estates have sold within the community according to Broward County Property Appraiser records, with price per square foot ranging from $875 to $1,125 depending on water frontage positioning and architectural quality. Days on market typically average 160 to 220 days, which reflects the ultra luxury market segment that appeals to discerning yacht owners and island lifestyle enthusiasts.
Current Realtor.com Harbour Isles listings show inventory consisting exclusively of custom built luxury estates ranging from 5,500 to 15,000 square feet, featuring Contemporary, Mediterranean, and Modern architectural styles with extensive waterfront outdoor living areas and comprehensive yacht facilities.
Rental properties command premium rates of $15,000 to $30,000 monthly according to Apartments.com Fort Lauderdale luxury rentals, with rental yields typically ranging from 2 to 3 percent annually, reflecting the trophy nature of these island properties.
FAQ: Are homes in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale expensive compared to other areas? Yes, Harbour Isles represents Fort Lauderdale’s most expensive real estate market with median prices of $3.5 million, significantly higher than Fort Lauderdale’s overall median of $650,000, justified by exclusive island location and comprehensive yacht access.
Best Schools Near Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale
Bayview Elementary School maintains an A rating from GreatSchools Broward County rankings and serves Harbour Isles residents with excellent academic programs, strong parent involvement, and advanced learning opportunities located 15 minutes from the island community.
Middle school students attend Sunrise Middle School, which holds a B+ rating and offers comprehensive academic programs including gifted and talented tracks, advanced placement preparation, and extensive extracurricular activities. High school students are zoned for Fort Lauderdale High School, an A- rated institution with International Baccalaureate offerings and strong college preparation programs.
Many affluent Harbour Isles families choose prestigious private institutions including Pine Crest School, a nationally recognized independent school serving grades PreK to 12 with exceptional college placement rates located 22 minutes away. University School of Nova Southeastern University offers comprehensive education with strong STEM and arts programs within 30 minutes.
Additional private options include Saint Anthony Catholic School providing quality K to 8 Catholic education within 20 minutes, while The Sagemont School offers PreK to 12 independent education with small class sizes and personalized attention for academically motivated students.
FAQ: What are the school ratings in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? Harbour Isles students attend A rated Bayview Elementary, B+ rated Sunrise Middle School, and A- rated Fort Lauderdale High School through Broward County Public Schools system, with numerous prestigious private school options available within 20 to 30 minutes.
Transportation & Commute from Harbour Isles
Commute times from Harbour Isles to downtown Fort Lauderdale average 28 minutes via Federal Highway US 1 or Commercial Boulevard to I 95 corridors according to Google Maps Fort Lauderdale traffic data, providing reasonable access for ultra luxury island residents.
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is approximately 25 minutes away via Commercial Boulevard and I 595, making business and leisure travel convenient for affluent residents. Access to I 95 northbound provides direct routes to Palm Beach 45 minutes and Miami 50 minutes for regional business connections.
The community’s unique advantage includes private yacht access to the Intracoastal Waterway system, allowing water based transportation to waterfront destinations throughout South Florida. Many residents utilize their private deep water yacht docks for transportation to Port Everglades cruise terminals, Las Olas Boulevard waterfront dining, and Bahia Mar Marina destinations.
Brightline high speed rail Fort Lauderdale station is accessible within 35 minutes, providing premium rail service to Miami and West Palm Beach. Broward County Transit serves the broader area, though the exclusive island location requires private transportation for most activities.
FAQ: How long does it take to get from Harbour Isles to Fort Lauderdale airport? Approximately 25 minutes via Commercial Boulevard to I 595 west, with Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport easily accessible from the exclusive island community through well maintained transportation corridors.
Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale Crime & Safety Statistics
Harbour Isles maintains exceptional safety standards with crime rates 70 percent below Florida average according to AreaVibes Fort Lauderdale crime data, attributed to exclusive island setting, controlled access points, and ultra affluent demographics creating inherent security advantages.
Violent crime is virtually non existent within the island community, while property crime rates remain minimal due to natural island barriers, comprehensive security systems, and limited access points that create defensive advantages. The exclusive character and high value properties contribute to enhanced security awareness and protective measures.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office provides comprehensive law enforcement services with specialized marine patrol units monitoring waterfront perimeters and island access points. Emergency response coordination includes both land based and water based services, ensuring complete coverage for the unique island environment.
Many island properties feature advanced security systems, waterfront surveillance capabilities, and private security services that enhance the already excellent safety profile. The combination of natural barriers, controlled access, and affluent demographics creates one of Fort Lauderdale’s most secure residential environments.
FAQ: Is Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale safe for families? Yes, Harbour Isles is exceptionally safe for families with crime rates 70 percent below Florida averages, controlled island access, and comprehensive security measures creating one of South Florida’s most secure luxury residential communities.
Cost of Living in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale
Median household income of approximately $485,000 according to Data USA Fort Lauderdale demographics reflects the ultra affluent demographics required to sustain luxury island lifestyle with substantial housing, maintenance, and operational costs significantly exceeding all Florida averages.
Annual property taxes typically range from $45,000 to $80,000 depending on estate value and available homestead exemptions through Broward County Property Appraiser assessments. Homeowners insurance costs are substantial due to island waterfront positioning, typically ranging from $12,000 to $22,000 annually including comprehensive flood and hurricane coverage.
Utility costs are elevated due to island infrastructure requirements and large estate sizes, typically ranging from $600 to $1,100 monthly for electricity, water, and specialized island services. Waterfront property maintenance represents significant ongoing expenses including dock maintenance, seawall upkeep, marine systems, and specialized island landscaping services.
Many residents budget $25,000 to $50,000 annually for comprehensive property maintenance including waterfront infrastructure, yacht facilities, luxury landscaping, and island specific maintenance requirements that exceed typical residential property costs.
FAQ: What’s the average cost of living in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? Ultra luxury island living involves substantial costs including median home prices of $3.5 million, property taxes of $45,000 to $80,000 annually, insurance costs of $12,000 to $22,000, and maintenance expenses of $25,000 to $50,000 for island waterfront properties.
Lifestyle & Amenities in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale
What’s the Neighborhood Feel Like in Harbour Isles? Harbour Isles epitomizes ultra luxury island living with sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere attracting ultra high net worth individuals, yacht owners, and island lifestyle enthusiasts seeking complete waterfront privacy with world class yacht access and panoramic water views.
Waterfront & Boating Access The community’s premier feature includes exclusive island positioning with private deep water yacht access accommodating mega yachts up to 200 plus feet through protected channels leading to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. Lauderdale Marine Center provides comprehensive yacht services within 20 minutes for maintenance and repairs.
Shopping & Dining Near Harbour Isles The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale offers luxury shopping 18 minutes away featuring Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and high end boutiques. Fine dining includes Shooters Waterfront for waterfront dining and The Capital Grille Fort Lauderdale for premium steakhouse experience.
Parks & Outdoor Activities in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale Hugh Taylor Birch State Park provides 180 acres of coastal hammock and lagoon environments 20 minutes away. The island location offers immediate access to fishing, water sports, and ocean recreation directly from private yacht facilities with easy access to Fort Lauderdale Beach destinations.
Healthcare Near Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale Holy Cross Health Fort Lauderdale provides comprehensive medical services 22 minutes away, while Broward Health Medical Center offers specialized care within 30 minutes. Cleveland Clinic Florida provides world class healthcare services accessible within 35 minutes.
Arts & Culture Around Harbour Isles Broward Center for the Performing Arts and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale provide world class cultural experiences within 35 minutes. Las Olas Boulevard entertainment district offers galleries, theaters, and cultural events accessible within 25 minutes via land or water transportation.
Neighborhood Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | Median Price | School Rating | Commute to Downtown | Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbour Isles | ~$3.5M (Redfin waterfront homes) | A to A- (GreatSchools Broward) | ~28 min | Exceptional (AreaVibes safety data) |
| Coral Ridge | ~$2.1M (Redfin Coral Ridge listings) | A to A- (GreatSchools ratings) | ~22 min | Very Safe (AreaVibes Coral Ridge) |
| Rio Vista | ~$1.8M (Redfin Rio Vista homes) | A- Overall (GreatSchools Rio Vista) | ~18 min | Very Safe (AreaVibes Rio Vista data) |
Harbour Isles commands the highest premium among Fort Lauderdale luxury waterfront communities, justified by exclusive island setting, comprehensive mega yacht access, panoramic water views, and ultra luxury amenities that create South Florida’s most prestigious island living experience.
Pros & Cons of Living in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale
Pros: Exclusive island living with panoramic Intracoastal Waterway views. Deep water yacht access accommodating mega yachts up to 200 plus feet. Ultimate privacy and security through controlled island access. Trophy property investment potential in ultra luxury market. World class yacht facilities and comprehensive marine services. Sophisticated island lifestyle attracting ultra affluent demographics.
Cons: Extremely high acquisition costs limiting accessibility to ultra wealthy buyers. Substantial maintenance expenses for island waterfront infrastructure. Hurricane and flood exposure inherent to island waterfront properties. Limited inventory availability with very few annual sales opportunities. Car dependency for all land based activities and services. Island isolation requiring transportation for shopping and dining.
FAQ:
Is Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale a good place to raise a family? Yes, Harbour Isles offers excellent family living with A rated schools, 70 percent below average crime rates, safe island environment, and luxury amenities.
What’s the average home price in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale in 2025? The median home price is approximately $3.5 million with direct Intracoastal frontage estates often exceeding $6 million.
How walkable is Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? Walk Score of 20 out of 100 indicates car dependent lifestyle, though residents enjoy private yacht transportation options.
What’s the commute like from Harbour Isles to Miami? Approximately 50 to 60 minutes via I 95 south depending on traffic conditions.
Are there good restaurants in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? While the island community itself has limited dining, residents enjoy proximity to Shooters Waterfront, Capital Grille, and Las Olas Boulevard restaurants within 15 to 25 minutes.
How many homes are in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale? The exclusive island community contains approximately 85 to 100 luxury estates on various islands and peninsulas.
Living in Harbour Isles Fort Lauderdale: Your Next Home?
Harbour Isles represents the absolute pinnacle of island luxury living in Fort Lauderdale, offering residents ultra exclusive waterfront community experience with panoramic Intracoastal Waterway views, comprehensive mega yacht access, and sophisticated island lifestyle.
