FLORIDAVero Beach
Vero Beach at a GlanceVisiting Vero Beach: Travel and AccommodationsOur Favorite Things To Do, For AdultsOur Favorite Things To Do, For FamiliesDemographics and EducationRecreation in Vero BeachThe Indian River Lagoon National EstuarFlorida TaxesGovernance and Average TemperaturesFlora, Fauna, & CrittersVero Beach Weather: Where the Tropics BeginArts & CultureShopping & SpasDiningArea HistoryAbout the Daley Group at Douglas Ellimancontents01020304050607080910111213141516Table of
The Daley Group at Douglas Elliman was founded in 2006 to offerbuyers, sellers, investors and developers a marketing-centricapproach to real estate that’s focused on results and servicedelivery. A 2022 acquisition by Douglas Elliman has expanded ourmarketing reach for our clients.With decades of combined real estate experience, we’recolleagues in a collaborative, boutique consultancy of a differentilk who tap into success from careers as marketers, paralegals andconsultants in our role as advisor to achieve your real estate goals.ImmersedWe know the real time numbers, theinventory, and the trends.PersistentAbove or below the radar, MLS, privatesale, we know where the best bones areburied. While our home base is VeroBeach, we can and do manage propertysearches for clients from Vero to as farsouth as Palm Beach, Juno Beach and PortSt. Lucie.In-the-knowWe know who really needs to sell, whodoesn’t, what property’s great, what’srumbling about in communities of interestthat’s relevant to your property search orsale.We simply get it done.We understand the key rolestrategy plays in the processof getting you your idealproperty at the lowest price& best terms or selling yourhome for top dollar, fast.FIERCE NEGOTIATORS.SAVVY MARKETERSYour listing campaign iscustom crafted todetermine the profile of thelikely buyer of your property— wherever they may be,from Vero to anywhereacross the globe –to putyour property on their shortlist. Listings are supportedby cutting-edge Internettechnologies and 25 yearsof marketing and publicrelations know-how for firmslike Citibank and HyattHotels.
WELCOME TO PARADISEVero Beach, FloridaA charming seaside barrier island community, unpretentiously elegant Vero Beach is oneof Florida’s most idyllic locations. Known as The Hamptons of Florida for its laid back,small town ambiance & cultural landscape, Vero is divided to the West by the wide, brinywaters of the Indian River estuary with a 28 mile barrier Island to the East.Thanks to strict height and density codes, theisland’s housing inventory remains fixed,supporting appreciation while keeping awaysprawl. Comprised largely of single familyhomes and void of high rises, the barrier islandoffers an affordable, unparalleled quality ofliving, 28 miles of pristine, un-crowded,uninterrupted white sandy Atlantic beaches andland graced by canopies of live oaks, palms,and year long blooms. Restricted height condosare allowed on only a portion of the island.The Indian River is a briny estuary that’s the jewelof Vero Beach, offering wide vistas, mangrovefilled spoil islands that serve as home to dolphin,manatees, blue crabs, heron and an abundanceof other wildlife (Happily, ‘gators dislike its brinywaters!)
The barrier island village offers restaurants and boutiques, the nationally recognized VeroBeach Museum of Art and Riverside Theater, golf, banking, physicians, churches, and marketswithout traveling over either of two fixed bridges to the mainland.The mainland offers a downtown historic district filled with unique shops and restaurants, andthe Cleveland Clinic is just over the bridge. Shopping centers, theaters, and restaurants acrossthe mainland meet your every need.Gone is the stereotype that Florida is only home toretirees: Vero is haven for cultural and outdoorenthusiasts – a diverse, highly educated populace ofall ages and interests from young families throughretireesHome to more retired Fortune 500 CEOs thananywhere else in the world, Vero Beach is a havenfor those seeking value and luxury. 32963 is amongthe top 20 wealthiest zip codes in the USA, and 14%of all Vero Beach residents (including the mainland)are millionaires, cites Kiplinger’s: ‘Called the TreasureCoast for the shipwrecked riches washed up on itsbeaches centuries ago, there’s still plenty of wealthturning up in Vero Beach. With lower home pricesthan Miami and Palm Beach, this Atlantic Coasttown’s been a Mecca for investors, well-to-doretirees and families flocking to the area.”Say goodbye to Winter: With an average temp. of 73°thanks to the Gulf Stream, Vero’s known as ‘wherethe tropics begin.” Stately Live Oak canopies and ayearlong abundance of colorful oleander, hibiscus,and bougainvillea lend to Vero’s tropical atmosphere.The River is a glorious spot for birding, kayaking, fishing, sailing, or boating, with deep-watermooring available in many communities as well as the city marina.
With lower home prices than Miami and Palm Beach, thisAtlantic Coast town’s been a Mecca for investors, well-to-do retirees and families flocking to the area.”500HOME TO MORE RETIRED FORTUNECEO'Sthan anywhere else in the world, VeroBeach is a haven for those seeking valueand luxury. 2032963 IS AMONG THETOPWEALTHIEST ZIP CODES IN THE USA14%VERO BEACH RESIDENTS (INCLUDINGTHE MAINLAND) ARE MILLIONAIRESVero’s reputation as a hub for the arts—lauded as one of 100 Great Small Arts Towns—stems an array of high caliber literary, visual, theater, and music groups. Other stars ofVero Beach are citrus, boating, and golf, as Vero’s home to 18 golf courses, a myriad ofboat launches and groves that produce the world’s finest citrus. Traveling to Vero’s abreeze: almost equidistant to Orlando and Palm Beach International airports withhighway access, a drive most anywhere in the State’s no more than three hours, TheKeys or Tallahassee another hour. Vero’s municipal airport accommodates size-ableprivate aircraft and is serviced by Breeze Airlines to Hartford, CT and WestchesterCounty NY airports.
VISITING VEROTraveling to VeroVero is centrally located in Indian River County on Florida’s East coast between PalmBeach to the south and Cape Canaveral to the North. PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL (PBI)Located about one hour south of Vero Beach; major carriers offering direct flightsinclude AirTran, JetBlue, and Southwest. Head north on I-95 out of the airport. ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL (MCO)Located about 1.5 hours northwest of Vero Beach. A larger airport than PBI, most majorcarriers provide flights, both international and domestic. Head east on 528/The Beelineto connect with I-95 south. MELBOURNELocated approximately 45 minutes north of Vero, offering direct flights to Atlanta forconnections. Vero can be reached from the airport by taking either I-95 or A1A South.OTHER AIRPORTS:Ft. Lauderdale International (FLL) is approximately 2.5 hours south, and MiamiInternational (MIA) is about 3 hours south. We recommend taking the Florida Turnpike toreach both, as I-95 traffic can be unpredictable. Jacksonville International (JAX) is 3hours north, and Tampa International (TPA) is 3 hours to the west. Air TravelVERO BEACH MUNICIPAL AIRPORTLocated in the heart of Vero off Airport Drive, offering Breeze Airlines commercialservice and private aircraft service.
NORTH OR SOUTHI-95: Exit 149 (S.R. 60), approximately 20 minutes to thebarrier island. Take S.R. 60 East to junction with Indian RiverBoulevard; take a right, then a left at the next stoplight forthe 17th Street Bridge. Alternatively, take a left, go throughthree stoplights, then a right on the Barber Bridge. FloridaTurnpike (toll road): Vero Beach/Yeehaw Junction exit,approximately 50 minutes to the barrier island. Take S.R. 60East; follow above (I-95) directions. Highway A1A North orSouth (a lovely, scenic, slower drive)Rail ServiceThe auto train stop nearest Vero Beach is Sanford, Florida, approximately two hoursaway. Amtrak stations and Tri-County Rail serve West Palm Beach. High speed rail fromWest Palm to Miami is convenient, fast and affordable! Service to the Orlando airport(MCO) is in development!DriveWESTS.R. 60: Crosses the state from Tampa to Vero. Go East, follow I-95 directions.Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island: 1.25 hours Cape Canaveral: 2 hours Orlando: 1.5-2 hours Winter Park/Lakes District: 2 hours Tampa: 2.5 hours Jupiter: 1 hour Palm Beach: 1.25 hours Delray Beach/Boca Raton: 1.45 hours Ft. Lauderdale: 2 hours Miami: 2.5 hours Daytona Beach: 2.5 hours Jacksonville/Amelia Island: 3 hours Florida Keys: 3.5 hoursTravel Across the State of FloridaVero Beach is a great launchpad, no more than a three-hour drive from most Floridaattractions! Approximatedrive from Vero to:
VISITING VEROAccommodationsResorts and Hotels This luxurious, West Indies inspired hotel offers an oceanfront setting and pool deck,Cobalt fine dining and Heaton’s poolside casual dining and libations. It also offersextensive spa services, and is in the heart of Ocean Drive. $$$$THE VERO BEACH HOTEL AND CLUB, A KIMPTON PROPERTYVero’s newest oceanfront resort, also on Ocean Drive is owned by Gloria + Emilio Estefan.The modern resort offers luxurious accommodations, pool and bar, coffee bar, and TheWave Cuban restaurant. $$$COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORTThis oceanfront resort offers both traditional hotel accommodations and oceanfront villas forfamilies in need of more space. Character breakfasts and lunches available along with a hostof children’s programs, pool, and other activities. Located on the north part of the island nearthe Wabasso Causeway (SR 510), 15 minutes from the heart of Ocean Drive. $$$$DISNEY’S VERO BEACH RESORTThe newly renovated, intimate oceanfront resort offering 18 rooms with microwaves andmini-fridges on Vero’s south beach offering top notch cuisine at Maison Martinique andpiano bar, libations, and small plates at Havana Nights. $$$CARIBBEAN COURT BOUTIQUE HOTELOceanfront pool, accommodations, and Mulligan’s oceanfront restaurant servesbreakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in the heart of Ocean Drive. $$$HOLIDAY INN OCEANFRONT SUITES
MotelsOld fashioned, meticulously kept family motel with pool on Ocean Drive in South Beach. $$AQUARIUSLocated on Ocean Drive/Turtle Cove, this retro hip motel is meticulous, pet friendly, andoffers a pool. Units are complete with microwaves and mini-fridges. $$SOUTH BEACH PLACELocated in the heart of Ocean Drive acrossfrom the ocean. Complete with pool andtanning deck. $$THE ISLANDEREfficiencies, suites, and pool located ablock off the heart of Ocean Drive, onlovely Cardinal Drive. $$SEA TURTLE INNFour Key-West style oceanfront cottages onVero’s South Beach. All feature kitchens,living rooms, and decks. $$SEA HORSE BEACH COTTAGESInns/Bed and BreakfastsVero’s best-kept secret! Located in TheMoorings, the ocean to rivercommunity on the south island, whichoffers pristine beaches, golf, andtennis. Inquire about guest privileges,rules, and fees. Call The MooringsSales Office for rental advice andrates.HARBOR INN
Most gated communities on the barrier island only allow annual rentals. As a result, weeklyrentals are a rarity in Vero, but can be found occasionally on owner-run rental websites likeVeroHomesByOwner.com.WEEKLY RENTALSRenting Homes/CondominiumsMost communities will allow seasonal rentals of town homes, condominiums, and villas forperiods of one to three months. This, of course, depends on the individual community. Theserentals can be found on owner-run websites, the local real estate classifieds, and throughlocal rental agencies (see our recommendations below).SEASONAL RENTALAnnual rentals of homes, town homes, condominiums, or villas can be found owner-directthrough newspaper classifieds and through rental agencies (see our recommendationsbelow). Terms vary; check with your agent or owner.ANNUAL RENTALREMEMBER, THE MAINLAND OFFERS NATIONAL BUDGET CHAIN HOTELS, TOO!
Favorite Things We Lovein Vero BeachFor AdultsBuy the wildest Lilly Pulitzer pants youcan find at The Lazy Daisy on AzaleaLane.LILLY PULITZERSip on a cosmo at the famed OceanGrill and indulge in fried oysters andblue cheese dip while marveling atarchitectural eccentricities of builderand Vero pioneer Waldo Sexton.OCEAN GRILLTour the Indian River Lagoon on aprivate boat with tour guide.INDIAN RIVER LAGOONGrab a muffin and coffee at Cravings on OceanDrive as you tour the art galleries and boutiqueslining the street. We dare you to leave emptyhanded! CRAVINGS ON OCEAN DRIVE Take a long, leisurely walk along our25 miles of beaches at low tidebe onthe lookout for bottlenose dolphinsightings!DOLPHIN SIGHTINGSShop ‘till you drop at the Vero Outletsat S.R. 60 by I-95.VERO OUTLETSPick a bright nail polish color and indulgein a pedicure and new sandals at themany shops along on Ocean Drive.POLISHEDStroll along the one-of-a-kind Village Shopslocated on North A1A, like J McLaughlin, CoastalComforts, Alimental Gourmet and more!VILLAGE SHOPSHit the links at Sandridge Golf Course, one of thetop ten public courses in the country! SANDRIDGE GOLF COURSEExplore historic downtown along 14th Avenue…visit Tea & Chi for a cup of exotic tea, then stopat The Kilted Mermaid for some chocolate andcheese fondue! ALONG 14TH AVENUEView world class exhibitions at the Vero BeachMuseum of Art then have a burger at Bobby’s onOcean Drive before seeing a show at RiversideTheater—the region’s only professional, actor’sequity theater. VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
For FamiliesHunt for treasure, sea glass, andseashells along our 25 miles ofpristine beaches—keep your eyespeeled for bottled nose dolphins!PRISTINE BEACHESUncover the most unusual boat nameand furthest home port (how do theboats from New Mexico get here?!),then catch a gorgeous sunset over theIndian River, or a dazzling sunrisealong the ocean.CITY MARINATour the Museum of Art, catch a playat Anne Morton’s children’s theater,play a game of tennis, or tour one ofthe many art, car, or boat shows!Don’t forget about the parks fitnesstrails and the lovely Memorial Island,which honors our veterans.RIVERSIDE PARKCheck out the surfers hanging ten on awindy day at Sebastian Inlet State Park,then play in the gorgeous mosaic floorwater fountains in Royal Palm Pointe!SEBASTIAN INLET STATE PARKBuy a kite from Corey’s Pharmacy onOcean Drive, then fly it on the beach or atJaycee or Humiston oceanfront parks. Ridethe swings, admire the view, and don’tforget to head to Boardwalk Ice Cream fora perfect end-of-day treat!COREY’S PHARMACY take a moonlight paddle along the IndianRiver, with a pit stop on a spoil island for apicnic dinner—bring a flashlight and bugspray! Another great spot for biking, kayak,or hiking adventures is Round Island StatePark, ocean and river sides, located onSouth A1A just before the county line.ADVENTURE KAYAKSSearch for manatees at the viewing station, located at the canal between theturquoise power plant on Indian River Boulevard.MANATEES
For the AdventurerKayak around the spoil islands in the Indian River and count how many Egrets, Heronsand Bald Eagles you see; try to figure out which are Black Mangroves, which are Redand which are volunteers that look like Mangroves but are not! KAYAKTake an airboat tour of Cypress Lake located West of I-95 and be prepared to see'gators!AIRBOAT TOURTry SUP paddling on either the Indian River or the ocean… Both are fun! And rentals areabounding, including at Captain Hiram's Resort in Sebastian. PADDLINGHit the links to hone your skills at Sandridge - our highly regarded 18 hole public coursethat's so well regarded it's often on national lists of top public courses.SANDRIDGE PUBLIC COURSEVisit the tennis complex at Riverside Park to get into a pick up game of doubles - theaction there's always on and will surprise you!TENNIS COMPLEX Hire a guide to take you flats fishing on the Indian River; they know the best spots andwhat's running and when.FLATS FISHINGConsider a weekend jaunt for deep sea fishing to the Bahamas or Key West -- eachonly around 3.5 hours by boat or car, respectively.DEEP SEA FISHING
Rainy day blues? Hit the retro chic and always fun Vero Bowl for an afternoon ofbowling.BOWLINGRide your bike along the beloved Jungle Trail that starts mid-island and goes up toPelican Island Preserve. Traversing the riverfront you may see boats and birds galore!JUNGLE TRAIL Go for a jog at low tide along our remarkably pristine and uncrowded 28 miles ofAtlantic beaches. Another idea? Paddleboard, surf, or SUP at our always free-of-charge public beaches. What a setting!JOGGINGTop Golf on US 1 is a blast with driving range, great food and lively ambiance forgolfers of all skill levels.DRIVING RANGE
Gone is the stereotype that Florida is home to retirees only. Vero Beach is made up ofan eclectic, diverse, highly educated populace of all ages—everything from youngfamilies to retirees. As the region continues to draw full time residents, snowbirds’migration to the area boosts the population November through April. Surrounded bywater, Indian River County has no less than 43 square miles of water. More formerFortune 500 CEOs call Vero home than any other place in the USA, and 32963 isamong the top 20 wealthiest zip codes in the country! Unpretentious, friendly, and laid back, Vero Beach is a haven for cultural and outdoorenthusiasts in search of a small town atmosphere filled with diverse and intellectuallystimulating persons of all ages, vocations, and interests. Kiplinger’s recently noted that 14% of all Vero Beach residents (including the mainland)are millionaires, 4th in the nation. Noting in its May 2006 issue: “Called the TreasureCoast for the riches washed up on its beaches centuries ago from shipwrecks, there’sstill plenty of wealth turning up in Vero Beach. With lower home prices than otherFlorida hotspots such as Miami and Palm Beach, this Atlantic Coast town on Florida’sIndian River has been a Mecca for real estate investors flocking to the area, making itone of the fastest growing populations in the country.”In addition to life-long residents connected to our world famous citrus industry, newerresidents enchanted by the Vero Beach lifestyle that keep full time and secondresidences frequently come from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts,Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario, Quebec, the MaritimeProvinces, the UK, Germany, and south Florida cities like Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Gables,and Boca Raton.Small town flavor with metropolitan advantages
Median Age of 56.8 AGEMedian Household Size of 1.98 HOUSEHOLDMarried, no children: 10%Married, grown children: 56%Single, no children: 32%Divorced: 7% Now Married: 74%FAMILYMedian home cost: $1,600,00 on the BarrierIsland, Kiplinger’s ranked Vero Beach ashaving the fourth highest concentration ofmillionaires in the country! HOUSINGSunny Days: 235 Avg. January High Temp: 72 Avg. January Low Temp.: 51 Avg. July High Temp: 90 Avg. July Low Temp: 74 Year Round Average High: 82Year Round Average Low: 64WEATHERCity of Vero Beach: 21,000 Indian River County: 140,000 POPULATIONA host of education options exist for children for Indian River County residents. Publicoptions include traditional elementary, middle, and high schools, along with morespecialized magnet and charter schools (which range in focus from science tointernational studies to performing arts). Alternatively, St. Edward’s offers a highlyregarded private college preparatory experience, and many parochial school optionsexist on the mainland.Education
RecreationNo matter what your passion, Vero Beach is guaranteed to suit you!
Beaches and Parks PUBLIC BEACHES WITH PARKING AND LIFE GUARDSIn addition to deeded beach access in many of our communities that provide residentswith private beach access to pristine, shockingly uncrowded beaches, Vero Beach alsohas public beaches/parks with access to the ocean or lagoon. One of the best surfing sites in the US. Includes camping, fishing pier, fishing equipmentand bait shop, nature walks, picnic tables, concessions, restrooms and boardwalk to thebeach. Admission $3.25 per car or $1 per walker. SEBASTIAN INLET STATE PARKThree (3) miles north of County Road 510 on A1A with lifeguards, restrooms, picnicareas, and showers. TREASURE SHORES PARKA short 1.4 miles north of County Road 510 on A1A with lifeguards, restrooms, picnictables, and showers.GOLDEN SANDS BEACH PARKOn County Road 510 and A1A, just north of the Disney Vero Beach Resort. Includesconcessions, lifeguards, covered picnic tables and showers. WABASSO BEACH PARKOne mile north of Beachland Blvd. on A1A, this beach offers lifeguards, restrooms,showers, and picnic tables. TRACKING STATION BEACHOcean Drive and A1A north of Beachland Blvd. This oceanfront park offers a largegrassy picnic area with playground equipment, covered picnic tables, bathrooms,concessions, and showers. A wooden boardwalk extends along the lifeguarded beachfor several blocks.JACYEE PARK
On Ocean Drive just 300 yards south of Beachland Blvd. Oceanfront park offering alarge grassy picnic area with playground equipment, covered tables, bathrooms,concessions, and showers. A wooden boardwalk extends along the lifeguarded beachfor several blocks. HUMISTON PARK17th Street just east of A1A. Widest beach in the areawith lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.SOUTH BEACH PARKOn A1A South just north of the county line. This newly refurbished ocean-riverfront parkoffers lifeguards, picnic tables, showers, and bathrooms on the Oceanside. Theriverside offers a boat ramp along with an observation tower, picnic area, bathrooms,and showers. ROUND ISLAND PARKSurfers of all ages love to catch a wave on the waters of our pristine beaches. Classesfor novices are taught daily on the soft flats of the Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park byrenowned surfer Lou Maresca. A host of dive shops in town like Deep Six can outfit youfor surfing, sunning, or scuba diving. Both shops run dive expositions to explore ourfamed wrecks; call for info and pricing. We aren’t called the Treasure Coast for noreason: in the 1700s a flotilla of Spanish ships was sunk during a hurricane on our coast.Legend has it that doubloons still wash ashore during strong storms! The Sebastian Inletis famed for its waves and also hosts professional surf competitions annually that arequite fun to watch. SurfingGolfIndian River County is home to no less than 18 courses to test your skill. Among our manywell-regarded clubs, Indian River Club enjoys an Audubon designation and SandridgeGolf Club is consistently named among the USA’s top 10 public courses. Now go get atee time!
FishingThe Indian River and Atlantic Ocean in Indian River County are noted for excellentfishing of all types. Inlets for Ocean access are north in Sebastian and south in Ft.Pierce. Tackle shops like The Wabasso Tackle Shop are generally considered the bestresources for what’s running and where. The Sebastian Inlet State Park is widelyregarded as one the area’s best fishing spots. It also holds annual professional fishingtournaments. In addition to fishing, Indian River County has a 3-day annual lobsterseason in July in which permitted fisherman can keep all of the lobsters they find, withcertain restrictions. BikingWhether you own your bike or rent from Orchid IslandRentals on Cardinal Drive, the island-long sidewalk orroad bike paths are perfect for a workout or a peddle tothe beach! PoloMatches are held January through March at Pointe West on the mainland. Spectatorsare welcome to cheer on local and guest teams and help replace divots during breaksbetween chukkers! Admissions vary, call ahead for details. TennisTennis remains popular in Vero, with a variety of court surfaces from which to choose.Public CourtsPart of the jewel we call Riverside Park,this riverfront complex features a dozenor so cement courts, always impeccablygroomed. Nominal fee; lessons andleagues available.RIVERSIDE PARK RACQUET COMPLEXTwo newly resurfaced courts by the14th Avenue park of the same namein historic downtown. They arebordered by a shuffleboard court, ifyou prefer it to tennis! No fee.POCAHONTAS PARK
SwimmingNo matter what the time of year, Vero is a perfect place for a leisurely swim or a toughworkout in the pool! Don’t forget about a swim in the ocean or river! Leisure Square off of 17th Street in VeroBeach and North County Aquatic Centeroff of S.R. 512 in Sebastian. PUBLIC POOL COMPLEXESSaint Edward’s Upper School on A1Aand The Jungle Club.PRIVATE POOLS BoatingAn array of purveyors offer daily rentals of sail boats, power boats, and kayaks for yourocean or river excursions, as well as guided tours of the Indian River to see dolphin,manatees, and birds. Inland, airboat purveyors’ tours of fresh water lakes offer achance to spot ‘gators! The City Marina is located just off the Barber Bridge on thebarrier island, with slips for boats and racks for kayaks. Fuel and other services are alsoavailable. Call the harbormaster for information; there is generally a short waiting listfor slips. Visit in season to see the array of boat styles and names. Communities withmarinas include: The Moorings, Seagrove West, Indian Trails, Marbrisa, Palm IslandPlantation, and Marsh Island. Remember that the Indian River is subject to tidal flow! Memorial Island at Riverside Park (Indian River) MacWilliam Park by City Marina(Indian River) Oslo Riverfront (Indian River) Round Island (Indian River) WabassoCauseway (Indian River) Ft. Pierce Inlet (Inlet to Indian River or Atlantic Ocean)Sebastian Inlet (Inlet to Indian River or Atlantic Ocean).LAUNCH SITES FOR YOUR BOAT OR KAYAK:WRITE US FOR OUR FAVORITE KAYAK PUT-IN SPOTS!Please observe channel markets and all manatee speed zones, as our river is an estuary that serves ashome to thousands of species. Manatees are particularly vulnerable to powerboats as they are slow-moving and colored similarly to rocks. The average adult manatee has seven scars from encounters withboat propellers.
INDIAN RIVER LAGOONtheNational EstuaryVERO’S JEWEL OF NATURE
The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary is aremarkably complex, dynamic, and variablesystem. It is 156 miles long and makes up 40% ofFlorida’s east coast. Commonly called the‘Indian River’, the waterway is not a river, but abriny estuary. Comprised of part fresh and partsalt water, the tidal lagoon is influenced byfresh water inlets and the seawaters that mix inat various inlets.Despite being an estuary, the waterway iscalled a lagoon because the river is a body ofwater separated from the ocean by a barrierisland, with limited exchange with the oceanthrough inlets. The lagoon varies in width fromone-half mile to five miles, and averages aboutthree feet in depth, serving as a spawning andnursery ground for both ocean and lagoon fish.It has one of the most diverse bird populationsanywhere in America, and nearly one-third ofthe nation’s manatee population lives here ormigrates through the lagoon.
The Indian River Lagoon is North America’s most diverseestuary with more than 4,000 animal and plantspecies, including manatees, dolphin, sea turtles,seahorses, and all seven varieties of sea grasses foundin the state of Florida. The river’s more than 2,200 species of animals include700 types of fish, 68 reptiles and amphibians, 370 birdsand 29 animals; the most of any North Americanestuary. In addition, there are 2,100 types of plants.Located in the zone where tropical and temperateclimates meet, its flora and fauna include sometropical and subtropical species. Some can survivecold weather, others cannot. Much of the area is acritical habitat for the many species of animalsclassified as threatened or endangered. The Atlantic Flyway, the route used by the millions ofbirds that migrate between eastern North America,South America, and the Caribbean, is located over theestuary. Some of the birds get as far as the lagoonand decide to forego the rest of the trip south, residinghere as happily as those of us who have chosen this asour home.
Another migration? You may not have heard of thesecritters—blue crabs! Along the island during thesummer and early fall months, you can expect to seegorgeous indigo blue crabs (that look a lot likesomething from Men in Black) migrating from theIndian River to the Atlantic Ocean to lay their eggs.These beauties are gorgeous but their claws pack apunch, reportedly able to puncture a car tire!The islands in the middle of the Lagoon are man-madespoil islands, created in the 1950’s from the dredging ofthe Intercoastal waterway. The lagoon extends fromthe Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County to theJupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County. The channelaverages 12 feet in depth. When the channel was created, sludge and muck weredug out and dumped in the water, and much of thesea grass was destroyed. However, over the years, theislands that formed have stabilized, and sea grasseshave colonized portions of the submerged areas.Mangroves, the glue of Florida, have helped form themany islands which now exist, providing nesting sitesfor terns and other shore birds whose natural nests oron beaches which have often been disturbed byhumans.
FloridaTaxesThe real estate tax is a combination of city, county, and school taxes and is based on aproperty’s assessed value, which will vary according location, type of construction, and ifresidential property is entitled to Homestead, Widow’s, or Disability Exemptions. It includesland, building, fixtures, and improvements to the land. Florida property taxes are relativelyunique because they are levied annually; taxes on each parcel of real property have to be paidin full and at one time (except for the installment method and homestead tax deferrals);substantial discounts are extended for early payment. A good rule of thumb for a buyer toestimate taxes is to calculate 1.4-1.5% of the property’s anticipated purchase price.Florida has no personal income tax, but does have a corporate tax.INCOME TAX Residents of the State of Florida have no state inheritance tax unless they are subjectto a federal estate tax, in which case the Florida inheritance tax is limited to an amountallowed as a deduction from the federal state tax.INHERITANCE TAXFlorida’s intangible personal property tax is an annual tax based on the current marketvalue, as of Jan. 1, of intangible personal property owned, managed, or controlled byFlorida residents or persons doing business in Florida. This tax applies to assets such asstocks, mutual funds, bonds, loans, money market funds, notes, certain accountsreceivable, and interest in limited partnerships registered with the Securities andExchange Commission.INTANGIBLE TAXState sales tax is 6% excluding medicines, medical services, and most food items.Counties may add a local option tax. Indian River County has added a 1% tax, makingthe total sales tax in Vero Beach 7%.SALES TAX ASK FOR OUR GUIDE TO ESTABLISHING DOMICILE RESIDENCY IN FL!
&Indian River Shores is a small section on the northern portion of the barrier island. It hasa mayor-council form of government. Business is conducted at the town office locatedat 6001 N. A1A. 772.231.1771.The City of Vero Beach also has a mayor-council government. Daily operations are theresponsibility of the City Manager, a full time city employee with offices at City Hall on20th St. Indian River County is governed by a County Commission and managed by a CountyAdministrator.Ideally located on Florida’s East Coast, Vero Beach is the perfect balance of tropical,without being stifling. Warm winters and relatively moderate summers give us the bestof both worlds. Check chart for more info.GovernanceAverage Temperatures in Vero Beachhttps://weatherspark.com/
Flora, Fauna, & CrittersVero’s unique climate provides for a diverse and colorful landscape of plantsindigenous to both the tropics and lower Eastern seaboard. Some of these include LiveOak trees, several species of Mangrove (which are referred to as the ‘glue’ of Florida),Hibiscus of every color of the rainbow, Bougainvillea, Banana plants, Oleander,Gardenia, Bird of Paradise, Jasmine, and a host of Palm Tree species! The warmweather and mild seasons make Vero a gardener’s dream; you can grow fruit, veggies,herbs, and flowers with ease. Most gardeners report having a crop every month of theyear!INDIGENOUS LANDSCAPE CRITTERSBeyond our beloved Manatees, Sea Turtles, and Blue Crabs, other critters that call VeroBeach home include Bobcats, Bunnies, Geckos, lots of Snakes (rarely poisonous), FloridaPanthers (which are endangered, with only 75 left in existence), Pelicans, Sandpipers,and, yes, Sharks and Alligators. Found in the deeper troths of the ocean (especially atdawn or dusk), our sharks are usually Bull Sharks; they are not known for aggressiontowards humans. Locals quickly become familiar with the presence of yellow-bellied‘bait’ fish, which lure sharks closer to shore than normal. Alligators prefer fresh water,making our briny (i.e. partially salt water, partially fresh water) Indian River unappealingto 'gators. Their presence is not unheard of, though they are far more common inirrigation lakes and ponds. Most frequently, they are found in our intricate canal systemalong the mainland and in larger bodies of inland freshwater, such as Cypress Lake.
VERO BEACH WEATHERWhere the Tropics Begin! Known as where the tropics begin, Vero Beach is the northernmost town on Florida’seast coast with weather moderated by the warm, tropical waters of the Gulf Stream.Vero is also the southernmost town in which our fabled live oaks will thrive, gracing theisland with moss-laden canopies that shade neighborhoods. Vero’s fortuitousplacement between Palm Beach and Cocoa Beach provides lucky residents with balmywinters and scant day in January dipping below 40 degrees. Frosts are a rareoccurrence; snow flurries the stuff of legend! Ocean breezes maintain islandtemperatures year round at an average high of 82°. Transplants and non-residents often presume incorrectly that there is no seasonality toFlorida weather. Quickly, however, residents come to discern subtle changes in ourweather patterns that mark transitions from season to season. Winter: Decemberthrough February, winter promises highs in the 60’s with lower humidity, and lows canoccasionally dip into the 40’s. Once or so a season, dire warnings are conveyed for afrost, usually for an hour predawn. Growth of grass and landscape slows, requiring onlybi-monthly clipping. The ocean hovers around 60-70°. Spring: February through April,highs begin to increase to the 70’s with lows in the 50’s, and growing season begins.Verdant green growth prevails, and groves blossom, scenting the air. Scant rain.Summer: May to September, Summer means increased heat and humidity, usuallyaround 90°. The lows hover in the 70’s, and it is heavy growing season. A rainy,‘changeable’ time, there are frequent afternoon thunderstorms with drenching rain. Theocean stays above 80, and ocean breezes help to cool the air. Fall: From October toDecember, Autumn means decreased humidity and growth, with temperaturesmoderating from the peak of summer. SEASONS, IN FLORIDA?
&ARTSCULTUREBeyond its idyllic locale, nestled between theAtlantic Ocean and the wide waters o the IndianRiver Lagoon estuary, Vero Beach is well knownfor its remarkable cultural landscape—offeringvisitors and residents alike high caliberperformances, classes, lectures, shows, andfestivals from cultural groups and institutions.
Some of our great resources include:The Vero Beach Museum of Art The Vero Beach Art Club Riverside Theatre Riverside Children’s Theatre McKee Botanical Garden Vero Beach Theatre Guild Vero Beach Choral Society The Treasure Coast Jazz Society Indian River Symphonic Association Vero Beach Opera Guild Environmental Learning Center Indian River Youth Symphony Community Church Concert SeriesAtlantic Schola Cantorum Annual Festivals and Events January: Frog Leg Festival, FellsmereFebruary: Boston Pops at Riverside Park, Garden Fest!March: Under the Oaks art show, St. Edward’s Trunk Show, The ELC’s Eco-FestApril: Hibiscus Festival, A Taste of VeroMay: Mother’s Day Pops at Windsor, Firefighter’s Chili Cook-off October: Halloween Parade, Riverside Theatre’s season begins November: Festival of the Trees, Community Church Concert Series begins, Indian RiverSymphonic Assoc. Concert Series begins, Vero Beach Opera Guild season begins. December: Ocean Drive Christmas Parade
&SHOPPINGSPABeyond its idyllic locale, nestled between theAtlantic Ocean and the wide waters o the IndianRiver Lagoon estuary, Vero Beach is well known forits remarkable cultural landscape—offering visitorsand residents alike high caliber performances,classes, lectures, shows, and festivals from culturalgroups and institutions.
Sassy Boutique on Ocean Drive is a lovely, with brands like Milly, Issa London, KateSpade, and Rebecca Minkoff. Kemps' on Ocean has the cutest shoes around! Whileyou’re there, get a pedicure to look your best in your new kicks! Kemp’s and Kemp’s Toohave a great women’s shoe selection. The Lazy Daisy is your one-stop shop for LillyPulitzer! J. McLaughlin is one of our favorite clothing stores in town. Twig has swimwearto suit very nearly everyone!WOMEN’S CLOTHING, SHOES, AND ACCESSORIESVernon Scott on Beachland, Tusk on Azalea and J McLaughlin in the Village Shopscarries great menswear options. The mainland also offers great women’s andmenswear options with an array of local merchants through the 14th Avenue DowntownDistrict.MEN’S CLOTHINGWe love The Beached Whale, and Corey’s Pharmacyfor beachy souvenirs. Deep Six is a great surf anddive shops!BEACH, SURF, AND SOUVENIR SHOPS We love The Gifted Cook and M Maison on Ocean Drive! The Laughing Dog gallery is amust see; offering hand-crafted works from North American artisans.HOUSEWARESA Pampered Life on Ocean Drive is our favorite for facials, waxing, and massages. Theyalso sell great beauty and skincare products. Polished on Cardinal Drive is a great spotfor a pedicure! The Vero Beach Hotel and Spa has a full service spa, as does CostaD’Este Resort.SALONS AND SPAS REMEMBER, THIS IS JUST A SMALL SAMPLING OF THEGREAT SHOPS IN VERO BEACH!
The Tides on Cardinal Drive is always stellar.Fire and Wine is our absolute favorite!The Wave at Costa D’Este Resort offers delicious local fish options. Riverside Cafe offers great fish and fabulous people watching from its waterfront locale. The Ocean Grill is a Vero Beach institution and must visit, with charm galore and fresh fishand fine dining of all varieties.The Green Marlin on US 1 has incredible, fresh seafood.FISHDiningScampi Grill is always a favorite for an array of Italian offerings!Franchesa's offers delicious Italian—they even make their own pasta! Pomodoro Grille on Cardinal Drive has great Italian options.ITALIAN The Wave, in Costa D’este, serves Cuban food in a lovely setting. Havana Nights has a great bar, live music, and Cuban tapas.CUBANLa Tabla on Royal Palm is delicious and serves meat-free options. VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FRIENDLY Havana Nights at the Caribbean Court Hotel has a great bar, frequent live jazz, anddelicious Latin-influenced tapas. The Wave at Coste D’Este serves small plates in a lovely setting. The Vero Beach Hotel and Spa serves small plates in their gorgeous, oceanfrontoutdoor dining area.Vinz Wine Bar in Pelican Plaza offers small plates + interesting wines with live musicin a covered, open air courtyard setting.TAPAS
Fujiyama is a great local Japanese steakhouse/hibachi. Kata on 13th Ave. is our favorite sushi spot! Sumo House serves delicious sushi and Thai. THAI & JAPANESE The Oar serves exceptionally delicious French cuisine. Southern Social on 14th serves classic southern fare with a gourmet twist!FRENCH & SOUTHERNAy Jalisco! In Miracle Mile offers Mexican and Tex-Mex options. Bombay Masala is our only Indian option, but it’s a great one! #1 Wok, though not the most glamorous, has the best Chinese takeout. Shandong Noodle House is authentic and fantastic!MEXICAN, INDIAN, & CHINESE Baci Trattoria serves unbelievably good breakfast, all day long! TooJays in Miracle Mile is so good, the line frequently extends around the building!Michael's on 7th and 1420 Coffee House are both fabulous with beautiful, hand-madecoffee, teas, breakfast and lunch options!BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Chive in Miracle Mile offers a DIY array of bowls, wraps, salads, tacos - made exactlyas you wish. One of our favorites in town! Cravings offers great sandwiches and salads. Our favorite salad is the Californiachicken salad! The Red Onion on Ocean has unbelievable sandwiches and salads. We love the CrispyGrouper Rueben! SANDWICHES, SALADS, & SOUPS
Fire and Wine is truly one of the best dining experiences in town. The Tides offers a tremendous menu and specials- we love their fish! The Oar + River Twist are making waves on the mainland with their food, serviceand presentation.The Ocean Grill is a Vero institution with a gorgeous view and a to die-for steak!FINE DINING Ryder’s on Cardinal is one of our favorites for everything from poached salmon tobaguette sandwiches to edamame hummus. Also offering wines, cheeses, anddesserts, it’s a one-stop-shop! The Village Beach Market on A1A is a wonderful gourmet grocer. The Fresh Market in Miracle Mile has a great prepared foods section, with everythingfrom sandwiches to sushi.PREPARED FOODSCravings, on Ocean Drive, bakes delicious muffins, cookies, brownies, scones, andother assorted baked goods. Frosting’s on Cardinal drive has decadent cupcakes, gelato, and lovely cakes.BAKERIES
Havana Nights is a great piano bar in the Caribbean Court Hotel Vero Beach Hoteland Spa has a lovely, oceanfront bar. Costa D’Este Resort has comedy nights and a DJ on the weekends - a hot spot! The Ocean Grill bar is known for its ocean views and cosmos! Bodega Blue onhistoric 14th Ave. specializes in artisan cheeses, wine, and microbrews. We love it!American Icon, Walking Tree and Sailfish microbreweries offer handcrafted brewsand bites; The Indian River Distillery and The Cellar on Flamevine offer tastings bythe glass.COCKTAILS/ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC/BAR The 14th Avenue District Downtown offers several options from Post and Vine,Armani's Cucina, and Kilted Mermaid.The Tides, one of our favorites, has a large patio. Casey’s Place provides only outdoor seating. With burgers this good, you won’t careif it’s raining! The Osceola Bistro has a great patio… where even your favorite canine is welcome!Top Golf on US 1 is always fun with outdoor seating, casual food and driving range.Bobby's on Ocean also has a rear patio.AL FRESCO DINING REMEMBER, THIS IS JUST A SAMPLING OF THE GREAT RESTAURANTS VEROBEACH HAS TO OFFER—PICK UP OUR ‘DINING GUIDE TO VERO’ FOR A FULLLISTING OF ALL OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT!
AREA HISTORYSettlement-1920’s History begins with John LaRock purchasing John’s Island in the late 1800s. Hesubdivided the land and resold it to small farmers to raise beans. Before the turn of thecentury, the island had a church, school, and post office. By the 1930s, the farmers hadabandoned John’s Island and all that was left was their cemetery. By the 1960’s, the LostTree Development gathered barrier island land, John’s Island, and other land for a new,prestigious development and a new town, Indian River Shores. Today, the town limitsstretch up and down A1A between Wabasso Beach and the city of Vero Beach. Home tomany retired corporate executive, it has an estimated population of 4,000.INDIAN RIVER SHORESIn the 1890’s, Captain Frank Forester settled on the barrier island east of what was tobecome Wabasso. Surrounded by costal maritime hammock and the tiny wild orchidsin the live oaks, Captain Forester named the island Orchid Island in 1887. A post officewas also established that year, and in the 1960’s, Orchid was incorporated andbecame the smallest town in the county.The name selected by Henry Gifford to establish a post office on his homestead in 1891.It served area families. By 1913, the Indian River Farms Land Development Company hadpurchased 50,000 acres of land adjacent to the Gifford homestead and laid out atown site for Vero, west of Gifford’s land. The town of Vero was incorporated in 1919,but not until 1925 did the name change to Vero Beach. Vero Beach became the countyseat of the newly established Indian River County. Pioneer Waldo Sexton is widelyattributed as a key visionary responsible for Vero’s early development, as he was thefirst farmer to discover our climate was perfect for citrus groves. Sexton also built thefamed Ocean Grille and Driftwood Resort, still gracing Ocean Drive today. Industrialistslike Henry Flagler were key to Vero’s development, as he and his friends frequentedVero’s barrier island as a laid back stop while en route to Palm Beach—a place wherethey could be assured of dining without donning formal attire (establishing Vero’slaidback atmosphere early on!)VERO
AREA HISTORY1920’s-Present DayA group of Ohio residents established the Riomar Club as a showcase resort in the1920’s. Homes had no kitchen by design, ensuring residents would dine at the club.The famed McKee Gardens also opened during this time period, serving as a keytourist attraction. The was the case until the 1970’s, when the onset of Disney Worldchanged the tourism landscape, shuttering iconic sites like McKee and CypressGardens until their restorations in the late 1990s.Post war affluence—and the Florida land rush—fueled Vero Beach’s growth as buyersin search of the good life snapped up land. Vero Beach saw its fair share of actionduring World War II, with U boats just off our shores and our airport used as a navalstation. Helped put Vero Beach on the map by founding its Spring Training facility here in the late1940’s. Though the Dodgers no longer train in town, Holman Stadium remains a mecca forbaseball enthusiasts. Central Beach was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, as the islandpopulation grew. For years, the historic Jungle Trail was the only North-to-South route alongthe northern end of the barrier island, and A1A south of the 17th street area was largely agrass path. Club communities John’s Island and The Moorings were developed in the 1960sand 1970s. THE BROOKLYN DODGERSToday’s population is approximately 18,000, swelling during ‘the season’ to 53,000 withsnowbirds seeking respite from winter. While Vero Beach has clearly been discovered—thebarrier island has the most retired Fortune 500 CEOs in the world, is routinely ranked in thetop 20 wealthiest zip codes, and has the fourth highest concentration of millionaires in thecountry—our stringent zoning controls ensure that our laid back lifestyle dominated bysingle family homes will remain a treasure for generations to come.TODAY'S POPULATION
Daley & Company Real Estate was founded in 2006 to offer buyers, sellers, investors anddevelopers a marketing-centric approach to real estate that’s focused on results and servicedelivery. With decades of combined real estate experience, we’re colleagues in acollaborative, boutique consultancy of a different ilk who tap into success from careers asmarketers, paralegals and consultants in our role as advisor to achieve your real estate goals.Immersed. We know the real time numbers, the inventory, the trends.Persistent. Above or below the radar, MLS, private sale, we know where the best bones areburied. While our home base is Vero Beach, we can and do manage property searches forclients from Vero to as far south as Palm Beach, Juno Beach and Port St. Lucie.In-the-know. We know who really needs to sell, who doesn’t, what property’s great, what’srumbling about in communities of interest that’s relevant to your property search or sale.Fierce negotiators. We understand the key role strategy plays in the process of getting youyour ideal property at the lowest price & best terms or selling your home for top dollar, fast.Savvy marketers. Your listing campaign is custom crafted to determine the profile of thelikely buyer of your property — wherever they may be, from Vero to anywhere across the globe–to put your property on their short list. Listings are supported by cutting-edge Internettechnologies and 25 years of marketing and public relations know-how for firms like Citibankand Hyatt Hotels.We simply get it done.That’s Daley & Company Real Estate. We’re delighted to have you visit a place we love, andthink is the jewel of Florida. Come see us in the paradise affectionately known as Vero Beach,Florida!SALLY DALEYBROKER + OWNERTHE DALEY GROUP AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN772.538.4503sally.daley@elliman.comVero Beach