Miami Gold Coast: The unassuming beachfront enclave offering the epitome of Gold Coast living
There's very little in the way of comparison when looking at Miami in Florida and Miami on the Gold Coast.
As a matter of fact, they're polar opposites.
Miami in Florida has the third highest city skyline in the US, after New York and Chicago, while its Gold Coast namesake is at completely the other end of the spectrum. It flies under the radar in the grand scheme of the Gold Coast, and that's just how locals like it.
Miami is the only beachside Gold Coast suburb with a strict three-level height limit on buildings, which essentially puts a cap on density and how much new development can occur.
When there's a cap on supply, there's always long-term price growth, something which is not lost on property investors.
What the two do have in common however is their ability to draw both locals and visitors through culture, convenience, and climate.
It was the combination of liveability and the opportunity to develop in a tightly held location that drew prolific townhome developer Highlife Homes to Miami, sandwiched between the more well-known suburbs of Mermaid Beach and Burleigh Heads, two suburbs where the number of apartments has skyrocketed in the last 15 years.
Highlife Homes secured a site on Hythe Street, 160 metres from Miami Beach, the beachside cafe Piccolo's Espresso Café, and the Miami Surf Club.
The location, and the laid-back Gold Coast lifestyle that has been preserved in Miami compared to some of its now built-up neighbours, has been a major factor for purchasers of Highlife's four villa development, Harmoni on Hythe.
Only one townhouse remains in Harmoni on Hythe, which recently welcomed its new residents.
The remaining townhouse has four bedrooms, however, it's been cleverly designed so the top level bedroom could be used as a mulit-purpose space or a second living room, given it opens onto the outdoor roof terrace which features a full barbecue kitchen and views over the beach.
All up the townhouses have 245 sqm of living space including balconies, with a further 60 sqm of terraces and courtyards. Each courtyard has its own shower, an added feature designed for residents to wash off the sand, rinse the surfboard, or clean the dog.
Highlife, always one step ahead, future-proofed the townhouses for those looking long term, installing an internal private lift in each home.
Residents at Harmoni are ideally located to take in the very best of what Miami has to offer.
Dotted with open green spaces, Harmoni benefits from being just a five-minute walk from beachside parks such as Don MacSween Park and Ed Hardy Park.
Harmoni is also strategically positioned close to both the Burleigh Golf Course and Pizzey Park, with the multipurpose facility offering rugby, tennis, swimming, netball, gymnastics, and even an athletics track. There's also a skate park and a dog exercise facility.
Miami Aquatic Centre, featuring two heated Olympic 50-metre pools, an indoor training pool, and a children's play area, is just five minutes away, as is Miami Tennis Club, which has ten synthetic grass courts, two air-conditioned clubhouses, and a pro shop.
Residents of Harmoni on Hythe are also well-connected to the broader Gold Coast area. The nearest bus stop is only a two-minute walk away, while the future light rail will further benefit residents.
The Gold Coast Highway is also home to several dining and retail options. ALDI is just 650 metres away south of the property, while in the other direction, there's the Miami Fish Market, four minutes away.
The Esplanade is also within walking distance, with highly rated dining establishments like Miami Tavern and North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club.
Miami Marketta, just one kilometre from Harmoni, brings the suburb to life at night every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The indoor and outdoor night market features a diverse selection of street food, cocktails, and craft beer, all accompanied by the backdrop of live music.
The sole remaining villa at Harmoni on Hythe is one of just five four bedroom-plus homes for sale on the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway near the beach.