Having the opportunity to live in one of Florida’s best coastline cities is for many a dream come true. Owning a waterfront property that offers the most breathtaking view of the ocean and being able to enjoy the beachside year-round because of the great weather of Florida sounds like the perfect place to live.
Altogether, we understand why many people love Florida, but what most people don’t know is the fact that the coast is more exposed to unstable weather than any other inland continent or state. We all love great weather, sunshine, and the ocean, but we also like to know that we are safely out of harm’s way, especially when it comes to sea level and flood risks in Florida.
However, do not panic! We are here to tell you that there are many StormReady cities throughout the state of Florida. One, in particular, that is located on the coast of a small barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon is the residential gem of Indian Harbour Beach FL. This small town was deemed to be the “Florida’s Greatest little city” and it is also known for being the first StormReady city on the East Coast. Curious to find out why?
What is a StormReady community?
Before we actually get into more details about the city of Indian Harbour Beach FL, let’s find out what qualifies a city or community as StormReady? Because in the US there is an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and an average of two deadly hurricanes, the StormReady program was initiated. The program is a community disaster preparedness program that encourages commercial gathering sites and government entities to prepare for severe storms.
In order to be StormReady, a community must:
- Establish an emergency operations center and a 24-hour warning point.
- Have or create a system that monitors the weather conditions
- Have communication systems through which they can receive severe weather forecasts as well as warnings and be able to alert the public.
- Create more public awareness and prepare the community through seminars.
- Develop a hazardous weather plan, that is also including training sessions for severe weather spotters and emergency exercises.
The city of Indian Harbour Beach FL is definitely meeting those standards and that is why it was declared an NOAA Tsunami Ready community. Therefore you can enjoy the great weather conditions on some of Indian Harbour’s best beaches and stay safe when bad weather conditions arise.
Weather conditions in Indian Harbour Beach Florida
Now that you know what criteria needs to be fulfilled in order to qualify as a StormReady community, you are probably wondering about the weather conditions in Indian Harbour Beach Florida? How often does this small town get severe weather conditions?
The least comfortable months of the year are the months of July and August, and this has to do with the comfort index that is below 5 out of 10 during those months. However this is not an indication of bad weather in Indian Harbour Beach FL, but it only has to do with the comfort index.
As you probably already know the hurricane season usually starts in June and it lasts for 5 months. Storms typically peak in August and September, but if you know the essentials on how to prepare during the Hurricane season in Florida, this could be a lifesaver.
According to the tourism scores, the best time of year to visit Indian Harbour Beach Florida is during late February and mid-May and from late October to early December. Therefore, as a tourist, if you aim to visit the city during this time you avoid the hurricane season. If you are a local, you shouldn’t worry too much because most hurricane-prone areas are the Southwest and Southeast coast of Florida. The Northeast Coast of Florida is less prone to hurricanes and the weather conditions in Indian Harbour Beach Florida are more forgiving.
Things to do in Indian Harbour Beach
When storms are not threatening to hit the coastline, the ocean and the Indian River become one of the main attractions for tourists and locals. Without storms, the calm and warm waters leave a lot of room for fun things to do in Indian Harbour Beach FL especially when it comes to water activities.
Surfing and Paddleboarding
Feeling like you are at one with the sea is a great experience and swimming should do just that but, if you want to experience the ocean vibes in a unique way then grab a board and surf your way back to the shore. It takes a bit of time to get the hang of it if you have never surfed before but, surf lessons are available if it’s something you want to get into. In a few hours you should be able to stand up on the board and ride your first ocean wave back to the shore.
If you feel like you are not ready to ride the rough waters and it seems too intimidating for you, it is always a good idea to enjoy the water through paddleboarding. This activity is getting more and more popular with people of all ages, and it is a very relaxing and a stress-free way to enjoy the water.
See the Manatee and Dolphins
Having a StormReady city such as Indian Harbour Beach FL can ensure the safety of its people. However, the marine life that flourishes in the Lagoon and in the Ocean might be affected by hurricanes or, in certain situations, it might actually help it. One way that the hurricane season affects marine life is through the red tide which also impacts the real estate market. Away from the hurricane season and during the warm, sunny days of summer, one of the best ways to experience marine life is by getting close to the Dolphins and Manatees that populate the Lagoon.
There is even a Manatee and Dolphin tour where you get to kayak with a professional guide down the Indian River and have an up-close encounter with the playful dolphins. The manatees are also very sociable and while paddling down the warm waters of the lagoon, you can spot them bathing in the sun on the river banks as they really represent the highlight of the tour.
Cast your fishing rod for the big catch
Storms tend to drive away fish, but during calm weather conditions, fishing is one of the main activities and one of the most fun things to do in Indian Harbour Beach FL. The Indian River holds a variety of fish such as sea trout, black drum, mangrove snapper, snook, and redfish. Either you are an experienced fisherman or you are just doing it for recreation purposes this is the place for it.
If you want to get a bit more adventurous, you should go for deep sea fishing. This way you can hope for an even bigger catch and explore the coastal area at the same time. Along with the spectacular views of the scenic coastline, you have the opportunity to reel in a variety of fish such as wahoo, tuna, kingfish, grouper, mahi, marlin, snapper, and many others. This requires a bit more experience and better equipment but it is worth it if you are a passionate fisherman, who is looking for a bit of a challenge.
Many of the activities mentioned above as well as other fun places to explore can be experienced right here in Indian Harbour Beach FL or in cities nearby, that offer tourists and locals a bang for their buck in terms of attractions and things to do.
Restaurants in Indian Harbour Beach Florida
While we are at it, we might as well talk about some of the best restaurants in Indian Harbour Beach FL, for a fun and complete experience of the coastline. Since we are one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world you won’t be surprised to find out that there are plenty of seafood specialties on restaurant menus and a lot of other delicious treats.
If you want to get a properly cooked steak then Djorn’s Steak & Lobster House is the restaurant you should visit. They serve Angus Beef steaks, veal chops, lamb chops, as well as seafood dishes. Some of their iconic dishes are steamed lobster, filet mignon and other comfort foods that are a big hit with the locals are lobster mac ‘n cheese as well as Jumbo stuffed shrimp.
If you are looking for a buffet-style restaurant where you can fill up your plate with a variety of foods that you can enjoy, then Green Turtle is the right place for you. They have a nice selection of meat and seafood that you can combine with a vegetable of your choice or other side dishes that you prefer.
For a hearty breakfast and a great cup of coffee, you can choose the Scrambled Egg Cafe where you can get your favorite breakfast dish such as omelets, pancakes, or eggs benedict. If you want to spoil your taste buds with some amazing desserts and cakes you can choose the Green Turtle Market where they serve some of the best desserts and cakes in town and you can have a full meal here, if you prefer.
The real estate market in Indian Harbour Beach FL
Now that we have mentioned some of the best restaurants in Indian Harbour Beach Florida, it is a good idea to take a look at the real estate market in the area. Since it is considered by many to be a residential gem on the East Coast of Florida you might be wondering what is the average home price in Indian Harbour Beach FL? Since it is a StormReady city, does that impact prices as far as the real estate market goes?
The median home value for homes in Indian Harbour is about $320,000 and according to Zillow the price for homes in the area almost doubled since 2012. The average price per square foot is about $161 which is showing evidence of a buyers market. With help from the top local real estate agents in Indian Harbour Beach FL, as a home buyer, you will be able to land a pretty sweet deal and become a proud homeowner on the beautiful Atlantic Coast.
Home prices are far more accessible compared to prices you find on the Southeast or Southwest Coast of Florida, in areas such as Tampa and Miami. In Indian Harbour Beach you get the same coastline vibes and beautiful views of the ocean as you do with the major cities in Florida. That is one of the reasons why many people consider Indian Harbour Beach FL a great place to live.
In terms of rentals, the average rent price is about $1,200 and it is significantly increasing. The average apartment size is about 920 square feet but it varies depending on unit type. The overwhelming majority of apartments which is about 92% of apartments available for rent are priced within the $1,000 to $1,500 range. Therefore, the booming real estate market in Indian Harbour Beach FL is favorable for people who are looking to rent, buy or sell property in the area.
Conclusion
The coast of Florida is probably one of the most exciting places where you can live. You can experience the beautiful weather and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean year-round. The great quality of life can come at the cost of having to deal with turbulent weather, but when you are located in a city that is StormReady you can rest assured that you are safe and you can enjoy your life in the city of Indian Harbour Beach FL.
Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Indian Harbour Beach Florida? Let us know what impressed you the most about the city in the comment section below. If you like our article, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends on your social media accounts.
