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10 celebrities and athletes who chose Miami as their home

10 Celebrities and athletes who chose Miami as their home

10 Celebrities and athletes who chose Miami as their homeMiami is a city that welcomes everybody with arms wide open and celebrities are very aware of this since this town has become one of the most inviting and popular destinations to settle in, thanks to the amazing weather, the stunning beaches, and especially the tranquility it offers to its residents.

One of the most important aspects for celebrities to live in Miami is the privacy and exclusiveness the impressive homes offer, giving them an enjoyable experience where they can hang out freely without having to worry about the paparazzi and the noise of chaos.

Here we present you 10 celebrities who chose Miami as their home, or at least, one of the select places they live in.

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber

The supermodel and her entertainment industry businessman husband bought in March 2021 one of the exclusive condos in the Ritz-Carlton Residences. This waterfront construction located in Miami Beach was purchased by the couple for $3 million, expanding their empire of luxury dwellings in South Florida.

They are also the proud owners of a magnificent, brand new waterfront property in an exclusive area of Miami Beach, which they bought at the end of 2020. This lavish 3,803-square-foot midcentury modern construction was sold to the celebrities for $9.625 million and it is strategically located very close to the residence owned by Josh Kushner and Karlie Kloss.

Serena Williams

Personally designed by her sister Venus, professional tennis player Serena Williams acquired an ultra-luxurious waterfront estate to the north of Miami, a fantastic enclave to enjoy the weather safely and on the sly. This 14,500-square-foot Spanish Mediterranean–style home is located just a few minutes away from Venus and her parents’ household.

Serena moved into the redesigned estate in June 2020 with her husband and her toddler, to delight in the breathtaking Intracoastal views, making Florida her primary residence.

Jennifer Lopez

The last purchase of the singer and actress was in August 2020 when she was with her then-fiancé former Yankees Alex Rodriguez. They put down $32.5 million on a waterfront 14,762 square feet mansion on Miami’s exclusive Star Island. These 10 bedrooms and 10 and a half bathrooms, in addition to a 100-foot-long wooden dock with private access to the Atlantic, were a delight to settle in, but now it remains unclear what will be the future of this property.

However, this is not the first estate of Lopez in the vibrant city. Back in 2002, the singer bought her first Miami home for an undisclosed amount, a Spanish-style beachfront mansion with 1.2 acres of land. She sold it for $13.9 million in 2005 and it was recently sold by singer Phil Collins for $40 million.

Victoria and David Beckham

The latest addition to the Beckhams is this extraordinary 10,335 square feet penthouse in One Thousand Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid. The price paid by the couple is unclear, but the asking price was set at $20 million. The luxury unit located in this futuristic tower was acquired in the first months of 2020.

The penthouse comprises five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms, with stunning views of the city and water that can be seen through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Pharrell Williams

The megaproducer’s real estate dropped $30 million for a dreamy mansion in 700 Casuarina Concourse, in the tropical Coral Gables. The estate was purchased just in time for last year’s lockdown under the stay-at-home order in Florida back in April 2020.

This 17,025-square-foot mansion sits on 3.3 acres and boasts 335 feet of waterfront, in addition to a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, a library, and a pub-style bar.

Derek Jeter

Following Pharrell’s footsteps, the Yankees legend reportedly secured a 2-acre waterfront lot in Coral Gables for $16.6 million last April. This striking dwelling features a waterway of 325 feet, among other awesome amenities. Jeter moved to South Florida after securing the Marlins in 2017 for $1.2 billion.

Lionel Messi

The soccer superstar shelled out $7.3 million to purchase an entire floor of Regalia luxury condominium in Sunny Isles Beach, in April 2021. This condo tower is located at 19575 Collins Avenue, and it is a four-bedroom property that overlooks the pristine beach.

The player is also the owner of a unit at the iconic Porsche Design Tower, also located in Sunny Isles, just ten blocks south of Regalia. This condo was bought for $5 million in 2019, about 2 and a half years before getting this new place.

Novak Djokovic

The tennis pro paid $5.77 million for his Miami Beach condo in the illustrious Eighty Seven Park, which was designed by architect Renzo Piano, and in fact, this was one of the main factors for buying this home. The purchase of this estate was announced in December 2019, but it was reportedly bought two years before, in 2017, just a few months after the development was launched.

Marc Anthony

Even though the singer just sold his breathtaking Coral Gables Villa for $22.4 million last month, he acquired it in 2018. Before Anthony, this impressive 20,546-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion located in the exclusive gated community of Cocoplum belonged to heiress Hilda Maria Bacardi, the great-great-granddaughter of Bacardi founder Facundo Bacardí Massó. At the time, he paid $19 million for the 12-bedroom, 13- and two-half-bathroom luxury household, built in a 1.3-acre area.

Rob Gronkowski

The three-time Super Bowl champion sold his Boston penthouse in 2019 and moved to the Sunshine State, more specifically to a double-condo which was previously owned by soccer player John Carew. This residence is in the luxurious Marquis Miami on the 39th floor, in Downtown Miami and The Gronk paid $1.7M for this dazzling unit.

This stunning pad includes five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, offering gorgeous ocean views in multiple rooms thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that bring out natural light.

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The day Tom Brady and the Kushners made Florida their home

Florida’s arms are always open for new visitors and especially for new residents, and in the past few weeks, the state has received with arms wide open its newest locals: Once New Yorkers Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump and football quarterback Tom Brady and his wife supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

The Kushners have started building their new home on the 1.8-acre lot at 4 Indian Creek Island Road, which they have recently purchased for $30 million, and they will shortly share this splendid community with equally famous neighbors.

Indian Creek Island, a jaw-dropping village located in Miami-Dade County in Florida, is home to an eclectic group of some of the world’s wealthiest people in diverse fields such as entrepreneurship and investment, which the Kushners are part of; and in the recent days Tom Brady and his wife have joined this select group.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen were revealed as the buyers of a stunning waterfront property on exclusive Indian Creek Island. Brady and Bundchen paid $17 million for the lot located at 26 Indian Creek Island Road, which they plan to demolish to build their dream home: a new, eco-friendly residence with all the amenities. This property will be very close to the Indian Creek lot that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner reportedly bought to build a new mansion, according to The Real Deal.

Clearly, these prices are higher for the developments comparing it to other estates in other neighborhoods of Florida. However, those funds have a specific purpose: Since Indian Creek Island is a public municipality, some of these resources go to the private police and marine patrol forces that protect and safeguard the luxurious homes and the wealthy people who live in them, making Indian Creek Island one of the safest places in the entire state, as it boasts a 13-man police force for just 29 residences.

Indian Creek Island, dubbed as “Miami’s Billionaire Bunker”, has established itself as one of the hottest properties for celebrities and high-profile individuals, who are relocating from iconic places like The Big Apple and even Los Angeles: Joshua Kushner, Jared Kushner’s younger brother, and his supermodel wife Karlie Kloss have also reportedly bought a waterfront Miami Beach mansion that was sold over the summer for $23.5 million.

This property, was built in 2009, and it includes an array of great amenities that feature a splendid wine cellar, gym, a private dock and a majestic pool, the perfect spaces for living the best luxury experience offered in Florida to both residents and visitors.

It is definitely not a coincidence that big names in the celebrity and entrepreneurship worlds in America, which are out-of-state buyers, are announcing their relocation to Florida in the last few years and especially in recent months. This phenomenon may be due to the tax-friendly policy in the state that means significant money savings that can be used to reinvest in the business and even in the state, as well as other benefits buyers can take advantage of, resulting in high-end sales like the ones from The Kushners and Tom Brady.

Furthermore, it seems this trend of moving to Florida is far from being over because these high-end sales, which take place mainly in Miami Beach and Palm Beach, are making more and more companies wanting to buy a piece of land in Florida to expand their business and open a new branch there, like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase did, not too long ago.

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Factors that Lure Celebrities to Star Island in Miami Beach

Factors that Lure Celebrities to Star Island

Some areas are relatively attractive to celebrities due to their compatibility with the type of life they need to live. Some seek a calm ambiance, while others want a vibrant atmosphere. Despite the difference in preferences, you will find that the common thing is the need for privacy and personal space. When looking for such a property in Miami Beach, most celebrities are drawn to Star Island.

Scenic views are one of the many aspects that influence the phrases that can be used to describe the attractiveness of this beautiful island. It is endowed with an incredible green environment that creates breathtaking scenery when combined with the beautiful blue water surrounding it. The draw of this island is not only based on the aesthetic appeal, but it is also influenced by the beautiful features that make up the homes.

Factors that Lure Celebrities to Star Island

The Advantage of Few Properties

It is a well-known fact that when something is in low-supply, it becomes more popular and highly sought after. Star Island is no different. The whole island contains 34 properties, which are rarely in the market. This creates a frenzy every time there is a listing as more people wish to be a part of the enclosed island that has limited occupational spots.

Only One Access

Other than having few properties, the fact that the island is only accessible through one bridge increases its points for exclusivity. This factor also influences the security since it is easy to monitor those that come in and those leaving.

Adequate Space

The limitations set on the number of properties contribute significantly to the type of residency available. The homes on Star Island have enough space for different activities. They offer owners the luxury to perform various activities both indoors and outdoors. This vast working space increases the essence of the property for celebrities. It is perfect for those who seek to find a creative space to work on their art or an adequate way to pull-back from the hassle of their world.

Exemplary architecture

Homes in Star Island are designed and built within regulations using the highest standards on the market. All the homes portray the exquisite atmosphere of class and luxury, not to mention the stellar status of the island.

You also get to add-on to your house and custom-make it into what you want it to be from adding a deck, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a private dock.

Beach Access

The island has 34 waterfronts which means every property has access to the beach. This makes the properties even more attractive as they offer freedom to enjoy the beautiful scenery without interference. This, in turn, is essential in maintaining a private life and avoiding run-ins with people, which is what celebrities essentially look for.

Also, those who have boats can dock them on their waterfronts which saves on expenditure and is highly-convenient whenever you want to use your boat.

Growing Property Value

The need to live in chic environments and splendid homes is a growing culture. Star Island continues to gain popularity from different wealthy groups. Owning property on the island is a smart investment move, since real estate in the area is assured to increase in value, and the island is growing in popularity.

When you purchase a house on the island, you have the option to enjoy the sanctity of your dream home forever or make the most of it until you decide to sell, at which point you should make a profit.

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Why Professional Athletes Find Miami Beach an Excellent Choice

Why Professional Athletes Find Miami Beach an Excellent Choice

For most people, looking for a home is informed by issues such as accessible amenities, price, safety, and location. While these factors come to play for professional athletes, there are many more things that affect the decision-making process. Miami is incredibly attractive as a real estate investment destination due to its nature and aesthetics.

Therefore, you will find that many celebrities, particularly professional athletes, are fascinated by the excellent options. Other than being one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the idea that it offers a sense of exclusive reach makes it an ideal choice. Some of the things that form the selling point of Miami include the vibrant nightlife, serene environment and essential high-end amenities such as docks.

Why Professional Athletes Find Miami Beach an Excellent Choice

Over time, there have been several professional athletes that have immersed themselves in absorbing the luxury that Miami Beach has to offer. Each athlete, including, Lebron James (who sold his property after he stopped playing for the Heat), Dwayne Wade (who just put his home in the market), and Floyd Mayweather, have embraced different aspects and created a home.

Tremendous Space

Homes in this area are endowed with enough space to provide you with the level of luxury you crave. There is a vast array of choices on what type of house you want and the choice is determined by several factors, such as the number of people to inhabit the space.

The diversity in structure and composition is evident in the celebrity’s homes. Lebron James’ home contained six bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms, while Floyd Mayweather’s home has five bedrooms and bathrooms.

Customization

The essence of buying any dream home is to turn it into the perfect manifestation of your vision. The homes owned by these celebrities depict a specific sense of uniqueness which expresses who they are and the activities they enjoy.

Dwayne Wade invested incredibly in renovating and crafting his home to reflect his dream home. His house has a wine room, game room, home theater, swimming pool, tennis, and a basketball court. His home showcases his athletic side.

Floyd Mayweather’s home is unique in its build, especially since it is not considered to be in adherence to the Mediterranean and Pacific inspiration trend in the area. He has a beautiful floating staircase, vaulted interiors, and a magnificent chef’s kitchen.

Breathtaking Views

The glory of Miami Beach is embedded in its fantastic view and meticulous environment. There is an inclusion of several outdoor features to ensure that the real estate industry adequately showcases the beauty of the city. These may range from the high-end kitchen in Floyd Mayweather’s house or the infinity pool in the Lebron James house. Dwayne Wade’s home has a great pool that overlooks the beauty of the beach.

All in all, the added advantage of a deck and a dock in the homes give them a boost in the real estate market.

Great Market Growth

The increasing number of people that are interested in living in Miami Beach contribute to bringing up the property value. For instance, Dwayne Wade bought his home at $10.65M and put it in the market for $32.5M. However, it is essential to note that this massive increase in pricing is because he invested incredibly in renovations.

The desired level of luxury for the buyer determines how much they pay for the home. While Floyd Mayweather purchased his home for $7.7 million, Lebron’s was worth $13.4 million. The difference in pricing is also based on location and size.

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A-List Amenities Athletes Want in Their Luxury Homes

A-List Amenities Athletes Want in Their Luxury Homes

Homes of athletes are some of the most opulent and famous in the Miami Beach area. It’s hard to forget massive mansions like Shaquille O’Neal’s Star Island former home or Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s ultra-modern, golf-course adjacent home in the La Gorce neighborhood. However, more than just the elite athletes choose the warm climate of Miami Beach for their luxury homes. Between Miami athletes (like LeBron James, back in the days when he played for the Heat) and those who choose to spend their offseasons here, plenty of pro athletes called Miami home. What are the most desired amenities these athletes look for in Miami Beach luxury real estate? Some of the answers may surprise you.

A-List Amenities Athletes Want in Their Luxury Homes

No In-Home Athletic Facilities

Of course, the first thing you may think of a pro athlete needing in their luxury home is training facilities. However, this is often not the case. Especially in the middle of a season, the work-life balance of a professional athlete is very much skewed towards work. That means that many athletes feel a strong desire to return to their luxury home and leave work at the gym. There is one caveat, however; athletes do like their high-end homes to have easy access to the top training facilities, to remove a part of their commute.

Gourmet, Chef’s Kitchens

As people whose livelihood relies on their body, pro athletes tend to be incredibly conscious of what they put into their bodies. Even more than the average Joe, food is the fuel for success for an athlete, and that starts at home. Many athletes hire personal chefs or other professionals to help make sure their body stays in peak condition. Having a chef’s kitchen in your luxury home makes the job of preparing the right food much more comfortable.

In-Home Theaters

As part of the idea of a luxury home as a retreat from the day-to-day hard work of being a professional athlete, another common request in these high-end homes is an incredible in-home theater setup. Many athletic contracts prohibit players from doing dangerous physical activities that could harm their body, and many more athletes choose to refrain from these activities. That makes multimedia and a full movie theater atmosphere in the house a big plus for many pros. It gives them a deluxe and luxurious space in their homes to relax with their families.

Guarded Communities 

With the days of social media and TMZ, the effect of cameras and paparazzi being everywhere has had its impact on professional athletes of all levels. Especially for those with families, privacy is essential for athletes shopping the luxury real estate market in Miami Beach. And, for these athletes, a gated community itself doesn’t cut the mustard. Instead, athletes have been leaning towards residential communities with a 24-hour guarded gate. This can help keep the paparazzi out and keep family life private for these athletes.

While these are some of the common requests for the uncommonly luxurious homes selected by athletes, there is no set template. Some athletes have their own unusual requests. One example would be Olympic diver Greg Louganis’ home in Malibu, where he put in a personalized pool and diving platform, complete with the instantly recognizable logo of the Olympic rings. However, the trend in the luxury real estate market for pro athletes in Miami Beach, and around the country, is towards a high-end retreat from the rigors of athletic training and public life. The goal is for athletes to leave their professional life on the field and in the gym and let their hard work pay off in incredible, opulent homes, full of relaxing amenities.