Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Low Key Indian Harbour Beach Sits on a Barrier Island on Florida's Central East Coast and Has Waterfront Homes and a Long White/Tan Oceanfront Beach
Like many of the towns on Florida’s mid-east coast, Indian Harbour Beach sits on a barrier island between the calm Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It was developed more than 50 years ago as a residential community for workers at the Kennedy Space Center.
Today, Indian Harbour Beach is known for its long stretch of powdery white/tan oceanfront sand, which is often uncrowded. The beach is, though, popular with nesting sea turtles.
Not much of a downtown exists, but shopping centers sit along busy Eau Gallie Boulevard. More shopping and services are in neighboring Melbourne.
The exclusive Eau Gallie Yacht Club, sponsor of the International Moth Class Regatta, is based here. Gleason Park has an outdoor year-round heated pool and is home to the Senior Leisure-Time Club. The well-trained police department and volunteer fire department are particular points of pride.
On the Atlantic side of town, both modest and elegant condominiums line the beach, while on the river side single family homes back to canals that manatees often frequent.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, 20 miles to the south, has swimming and scuba diving areas, as well as some of the best saltwater fishing in Florida. Snook, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are in good supply.
Population: 9,000
Median Home Price: $475,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. On average, the area receives 52 inches of rain per year.
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Age 45 or Better: 52%
Hospital: Holmes Regional Medical Center, five miles away
Public Transit: Yes, although it mainly travels along the main boulevard and Route 1A along the water.
Political Leanings: Conservative
Is Florida Retirement Tax-Friendly: Yes
Drawbacks: Hurricanes can happen. In fact, Irma in 2017, Dorian in 2019 and Nicole in 2022 flooded some streets, uprooted trees and eroded the beach.