Miami is home to some of the most exclusive gated communities in the Miami-Dade and Broward County suburbs(like Coral Gables or Weston) and the coastal and resort enclaves (such as Indian Creek Island in Miami Beach, Fisher Island, or The Reserve at Estero), offering residents a mix of luxury, privacy, and stunning coastal beauty. Known for its glamorous, international lifestyle, diverse culture, and global centers of finance and tourism, the region attracts homeowners who want a lifestyle centered on convenience and sophistication.
In this guide, we rank the Top 20 Most Expensive Gated Communities in Miami, based on exclusivity, location, and overall prestige. From prestigious South Florida suburbs to resort-style retreats on the Atlantic coast (like in Fort Lauderdale or Key Biscayne) or in the sun-drenched tropics, these communities represent the very best in Miami livingand continue to define the area as a premier destination for luxury real estate.
20. The Cloisters on the Bay
Nestled in the heart of the lush and historic Coconut Grove, The Cloisters on the Bay is an exclusive waterfront community that exudes a Mediterranean charm. This intimate enclave features a collection of multi-story villas, each boasting spacious layouts, high-end finishes, and private elevators. The meticulously landscaped grounds, complete with a stunning bayfront pool and a private marina, create a serene and resort-like atmosphere.
Residents of The Cloisters on the Bay enjoy a tranquil and secure environment, with 24-hour security ensuring utmost privacy. The community’s prime location offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, with the vibrant shops, cafes, and art galleries of Coconut Grove just a short stroll away. Its proximity to some of Miami’s top-rated schools makes it a desirable location for affluent families seeking both luxury and convenience.
19. Cocoplum
Situated in the picturesque city of Coral Gables, Cocoplum is a prestigious guard-gated community renowned for its sprawling waterfront estates and lush, tropical landscaping. The neighborhood is a boater’s paradise, with many of its homes featuring private docks and direct access to Biscayne Bay. A sense of community is fostered through its exclusive residents’ club, which includes a clubhouse, fitness center, and tennis courts.
The architectural landscape of Cocoplum is diverse, showcasing a mix of grand Mediterranean-revival mansions and sleek, contemporary designs. The community is divided into two phases, with Phase I offering a more established feel and Phase II boasting larger lots and newer construction. With its tree-lined streets and reputation for privacy, Cocoplum remains a top choice for those seeking an upscale, family-friendly environment.
18. Gables by the Sea
Another gem in the “City Beautiful,” Gables by the Sea is a waterfront, guard-gated community that offers a more relaxed yet equally luxurious lifestyle. Known for its picturesque canals and direct, no-bridge access to Biscayne Bay, it is a haven for yachting enthusiasts. The community features a mix of architectural styles, from classic Florida designs to modern architectural marvels.
Gables by the Sea provides residents with a strong sense of community and security, with an active homeowners’ association and a dedicated 24-hour guard at the entrance. The neighborhood’s proximity to top-tier schools, parks, and the upscale shops at Merrick Park adds to its appeal for families and professionals alike.
17. Hammock Lakes
Tucked away in Coral Gables, Hammock Lakes is a tranquil and exclusive gated community centered around two pristine lakes. The neighborhood is characterized by its large, acre-plus lots, mature oak trees, and a collection of stunning custom-built estates. This serene enclave offers a sense of seclusion and privacy that is highly sought after.
Residents of Hammock Lakes enjoy a peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere with the added security of a 24-hour guard-gated entrance. The community’s location provides easy access to some of Miami’s best private schools, making it a popular choice for families. The lush, natural setting and spacious properties make it a true oasis in the heart of the city.
16. Old Cutler Bay
Located in the southern part of Coral Gables, Old Cutler Bay is a prestigious waterfront community known for its large, elegant homes and deep-water canals. The neighborhood’s guard-gated entrance and 24-hour security provide residents with a high level of privacy and peace of mind. Many of the homes in Old Cutler Bay are situated on expansive lots with private docks, offering direct access to Biscayne Bay.
The community’s lush landscaping and wide, tree-lined streets create a beautiful and serene environment. Its proximity to excellent schools, parks, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden makes it an ideal location for families who appreciate both luxury and nature. The timeless elegance of its homes and its prime waterfront location solidify its status as one of Miami’s most desirable gated communities.
15. Snapper Creek Lakes
Snapper Creek Lakes is a private, guard-gated community in Coral Gables that offers a unique blend of luxury and a more rustic, natural setting. The neighborhood is characterized by its large, wooded lots, a private marina, and a network of canals that wind through the community. The homes in Snapper Creek Lakes are predominantly large, custom-built estates that offer a high degree of privacy.
The community’s amenities include a residents’ marina with a full-time dock master, providing easy access to Biscayne Bay. The lush, mature landscaping and the presence of native wildlife give Snapper Creek Lakes a distinct and charming character. It is a sanctuary for those who value privacy, nature, and a connection to the water.
14. Journey’s End
As its name suggests, Journey’s End in Coral Gables is a secluded and highly exclusive gated community that offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With only 18 expansive estates, this private enclave provides an unparalleled level of privacy and tranquility. The large, multi-acre lots are home to some of the most magnificent custom-built mansions in Miami.
Residents of Journey’s End have access to a private marina and tennis courts. The community is guard-gated 24/7, ensuring the utmost security for its high-profile residents. Its discreet location and the sheer scale of its properties make it one of the most prestigious and sought-after addresses in Coral Gables.
13. Bay Point
Located in Miami’s Upper Eastside, Bay Point is a historic and exclusive gated community that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets and a diverse collection of architectural styles, from mid-century modern homes to grand waterfront estates. Its private, winding roads are accessible only to residents and their guests.
Bay Point’s prime location provides stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The community is guard-gated around the clock and maintains a strong sense of privacy and security. Its proximity to the Design District and Wynwood makes it an attractive option for those who appreciate art, culture, and high-end dining.
12. Sunset Islands
The Sunset Islands are a group of four man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, located just north of the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach. These exclusive, guard-gated islands are known for their luxurious waterfront homes and stunning sunset views over the bay. The community offers a mix of architectural styles, from classic Art Deco to contemporary masterpieces.
Each of the four islands has a distinct character, but all share a commitment to privacy and security, with 24-hour guards manning the bridges to each island. The prime location provides residents with easy access to the vibrant social scene of South Beach while maintaining a tranquil residential atmosphere.
11. La Gorce Island
Situated in the northern part of Miami Beach, La Gorce Island is a private, guard-gated oasis known for its lush, tropical landscape and magnificent estates. The island is home to a mix of historic and modern architectural styles, with many of the properties boasting expansive lots and waterfront views. The prestigious La Gorce Country Club is located just off the island, offering world-class amenities to its members.
The 24-hour guard-gated entrance ensures a high level of security and privacy for residents. The island’s beautiful, canopied streets and serene atmosphere make it a highly desirable location for celebrities, executives, and other high-net-worth individuals seeking a secluded and luxurious lifestyle.
10. Allison Island
Allison Island is an 8.5-acre, guard-gated island located in the Indian Creek waterway in Miami Beach. The southern portion of the island, known as “Aqua,” is a master-planned community of modern, waterfront townhomes and mid-rise condominiums. The northern section of the island features a collection of spectacular single-family waterfront homes, each with its own private dock.
The island’s unique and colorful contemporary architecture, designed by a team of world-renowned architects, sets it apart from other Miami Beach communities. Residents enjoy a high level of security, as well as amenities such as swimming pools, a fitness center, and boat slips. Its central location provides easy access to both the beach and the mainland.
9. Palm Island and Hibiscus Island
Located in Biscayne Bay between Miami and Miami Beach, Palm and Hibiscus Islands are two adjacent, man-made islands that are guard-gated and connected to the MacArthur Causeway. These exclusive enclaves have long been a favorite of celebrities and the international elite, offering a mix of stunning waterfront mansions and luxurious non-waterfront homes.
The islands boast a variety of architectural styles, from historic Mediterranean Revival to ultra-modern designs. Residents enjoy amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and a children’s playground. The 24-hour security and prime location, just minutes from the excitement of South Beach and the cultural attractions of downtown Miami, make these islands a highly coveted address.
8. Venetian Islands
The Venetian Islands are a chain of six man-made islands in Biscayne Bay, connected by the Venetian Causeway. While not all of the islands are gated in the traditional sense, they offer a high degree of privacy and exclusivity, with limited access points. The islands are known for their beautiful waterfront homes, offering stunning views of the bay and the Miami skyline.
The architecture on the Venetian Islands is a mix of contemporary and classic Miami styles, with a focus on indoor-outdoor living. The causeway provides a scenic route for walking, running, and cycling, and the islands’ central location offers easy access to both Miami Beach and the mainland’s arts and entertainment districts.
7. Golden Beach
While technically its own municipality, Golden Beach functions as an incredibly exclusive and private gated community. This small, oceanfront town is unique in that it consists almost entirely of single-family homes, with a strict prohibition on high-rise construction. The town has its own private police force and a one-mile stretch of pristine private beach.
The homes in Golden Beach are some of the most spectacular in South Florida, ranging from contemporary oceanfront masterpieces to sprawling Mediterranean estates. The town’s commitment to privacy and security, along with its idyllic beachfront setting, has made it a haven for celebrities and billionaires seeking a tranquil and secluded lifestyle.
6. Gables Estates
Located in the southernmost part of Coral Gables, Gables Estates is one of the most prestigious and exclusive waterfront communities in the country. This guard-gated enclave is comprised of large, multi-acre lots, each with a custom-built mansion and deep-water frontage, providing direct access to Biscayne Bay.
Entrance into this elite community is highly restrictive, with a 24-hour guard gate and a homeowners’ association that maintains the neighborhood’s high standards. The sheer scale and opulence of the homes, combined with the unparalleled privacy and waterfront access, make Gables Estates a top choice for the ultra-wealthy.
5. Bal Harbour
Similar to Golden Beach, Bal Harbour is a village that operates as a highly secure and exclusive community. Renowned for the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, this oceanfront enclave offers a mix of opulent high-rise condominiums and magnificent single-family homes. The village has its own police department that provides a strong security presence.
The waterfront properties in Bal Harbour offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The community’s pristine beaches, world-class shopping, and fine dining establishments create a sophisticated and glamorous atmosphere. Bal Harbour is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity on the northern tip of Miami Beach.
4. Star Island
As its name implies, Star Island is a man-made island in Biscayne Bay that is home to a dazzling array of celebrities and business magnates. This small, guard-gated island is accessible via a single bridge and features a limited number of sprawling waterfront estates, each with its own private dock. The large lots and lush landscaping provide a high degree of privacy.
Star Island has a long and storied history of attracting the rich and famous, and its real estate is among the most expensive in the world. The stunning views of the Miami skyline and the constant parade of yachts passing by contribute to the island’s glamorous and exclusive allure. An address on Star Island is a definitive statement of status and wealth.
3. The Moorings
Nestled within Coconut Grove, The Moorings is a highly exclusive and secluded gated community with a rich history. This bayfront enclave features a small collection of magnificent estates, many of which are situated on large, waterfront lots with private docks. The neighborhood is known for its mature oak trees and lush, tropical landscaping, which create a sense of timeless elegance.
The Moorings is one of the most private and secure communities in Miami, with a 24-hour guard-gated entrance and a strong sense of community among its residents. Its understated luxury and prime location in the heart of Coconut Grove make it a coveted address for those who value privacy and a connection to Miami’s history.
2. Fisher Island
Accessible only by private ferry or yacht, Fisher Island is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the United States. This 216-acre private island paradise offers a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and seclusion. The island features a mix of Mediterranean-style condominiums, villas, and a limited number of single-family homes.
Residents of Fisher Island enjoy a host of world-class amenities, including a private beach, a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a marina that can accommodate large yachts. The island has its own day school, post office, and fire station, creating a self-contained and highly secure environment. The level of privacy and the array of amenities make Fisher Island the epitome of exclusive island living.
1. Indian Creek Island
Dubbed “Billionaire Bunker,” Indian Creek is a 300-acre barrier island in Biscayne Bay with just over 40 waterfront estates and its own private 18-hole championship golf course. The island is accessible by a single, heavily guarded bridge, and it has its own police force that patrols the island by land and sea, making it one of the most secure places on the planet.
The residents of Indian Creek are a veritable who’s who of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals. The massive estates, each situated on multiple acres of prime waterfront property, offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury. With its unparalleled security, exclusivity, and the sheer concentration of wealth, Indian Creek Island stands alone as the most expensive and exclusive gated community in Miami.
Miami’s exclusive, gated communities highlight the region’s reputation as a hub for luxury living, particularly in the prestigious suburbs of Miami-Dade and Broward counties and along the Atlantic coastline and tropical islands. Each neighborhood offers its own distinct advantages, whether it be breathtaking ocean views and waterfront settings(like at Fisher Island or Star Island), private yacht and deep-water access (such as at Indian Creek or Port Royal), world-class amenities (often in the tradition of the region’s top private clubs like The Ocean Reef Club or La Gorce Country Club), or a strong sense of private, estate-style living. Collectively, they form a landscape where privacy, security, and sophistication are a way of life.
For those considering a move to Miami, these communities represent not only desirable places to live but also lasting investments in one of the nation’s most sought-after markets. Whether nestled among the celebrity estates near Coral Gables and Miami Beach or situated in an exclusive club community in the financial hubs of Brickell and Downtown Miami, these neighborhoods showcase the very best of what Miami has to offer.