Living in Vero Beach, FL: Your Local Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods & Lifestyle

Atlantic beaches and the Indian River Lagoon

Miles of public beaches, plus boating, fishing and kayaking on the lagoon.

Small-town pace

No high-rise skyline, light traffic by Florida standards and a walkable downtown and beachside village.

Arts and culture

Riverside Theatre, the Vero Beach Museum of Art and a full calendar of local events.

No state income tax

Florida has no state income tax, which matters to many buyers moving from out of state.

Beaches

• South Beach Park

  Wide beach at the end of 17th Street with parking, restrooms and a boardwalk.

• Humiston Park

  Beachside park in the Ocean Drive shopping district with a playground and picnic areas.

• Wabasso Beach Park

  Quiet county beach north of town, popular for surfing and shelling.

• Round Island Beach Park

  Ocean and lagoon access, with manatee viewing on the river side.

Restaurants

• Ocean Grill

  Vero Beach landmark serving seafood and steaks over the dunes since 1941.

• The Tides

  Upscale beachside dining on Ocean Drive with a seasonal menu.

• Cobalt

  Oceanfront restaurant at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel, open for breakfast through dinner.

• Riverside Cafe

  Casual waterfront spot on the Indian River with live music most nights.

Parks & Outdoors

• McKee Botanical Garden

  18 acres of tropical gardens, waterlilies and historic stone bridges.

• Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

  America's first national wildlife refuge, with trails and lagoon overlooks.

• Indian River Lagoon

  Boating, kayaking and fishing along one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America.

• Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

  Shaded trails through hammock and mangrove along the lagoon.

Events & Downtown

• Riverside Theatre

  Professional producing theatre with main stage shows, comedy and concerts.

• Walking Tree Brewery

  Craft brewery in the historic power plant with regular live music and events.

• Downtown Vero Beach art galleries

  Monthly gallery strolls and independent galleries along 14th Avenue.

Schools & Healthcare

Schools

• •Public schools are part of the School District of Indian River County, and assignments can change year to year.
• •Check the exact address with the district's zoning locator before you buy.

Healthcare

• Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

  The area's main hospital, with emergency care, surgery and specialty practices in Vero Beach.

• Cleveland Clinic Indian River Medical Group

  Primary care and specialists at offices around the county.

• Sebastian River Medical Center

  Hospital just north in Sebastian, serving the northern end of the county.

• Urgent care and walk-in clinics

  Several urgent care centers in Vero Beach for non-emergency visits.

Getting Around

• Melbourne Orlando Intl Airport45 min
• Palm Beach Intl Airport1 hr 15 min
• Orlando1 hr 40 min

Approximate, from downtown Vero Beach. Traffic varies.

Property taxes

Roughly 1% of value in Indian River County, though millage varies by district. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence.

Homeowners insurance

Typically $3,000 to $6,000+ per year, varying widely by home age, roof, construction and distance from the coast. Get quotes early in your search.

Flood zones

Flood insurance is required by lenders in high-risk zones. Many inland homes need none; barrier island homes should budget for it.

HOA & CDD fees

Many established neighborhoods have no HOA. Gated and amenity communities charge monthly or quarterly fees, and some newer communities add a CDD on the tax bill.

Utilities

Around $200 to $350 per month for electric, water and internet in a typical single-family home. Summer air conditioning pushes electric bills up.

Is Vero Beach a good place to live?

It depends on what you want day to day. Vero Beach offers beaches, the Indian River Lagoon, golf and a slower pace without a high-rise skyline. Trade-offs include hurricane season, insurance costs and fewer big-city amenities. Call us to talk through your priorities.

Is Vero Beach a good place to retire?

Many buyers who are retiring look at Vero Beach for its healthcare options, 55+ communities, golf and beaches. Florida also has no state income tax. We can walk you through specific neighborhoods and costs.

What is the cost of living in Vero Beach?

Home prices, property taxes and insurance drive most of the cost of owning a home here. See the cost section above for current figures, and ask us for a breakdown on any home you're considering.

Is Vero Beach safe?

We don't rate neighborhoods for safety. For current crime data, check the Vero Beach Police Department, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

How far is Vero Beach from Orlando?

Orlando is about 100 miles from Vero Beach, roughly a 1 hour 40 minute drive depending on traffic.

Where should I live in Vero Beach?

It comes down to budget, commute and the type of home you want, from barrier island homes near the beach to mainland neighborhoods and new construction west of I-95. Browse our Vero Beach neighborhoods page or call us to talk it through.

Pete White has lived in Florida for 42 years and knows Vero Beach street by street. He and Kate Ward help buyers and sellers across the Treasure Coast with RE/MAX Gold.

Pete White 772-284-1419 Kate Ward 772-342-4006RE/MAX Gold