Think Palm Beach is Florida’s top luxury market? Think again.

Just 30 miles north lies Riomar, a barrier island enclave in Vero Beach with only 14 oceanfront estates, no HOA, and over 100 years of quiet prestige.

I’m Sally Daley, and after 22+ years in Vero Beach real estate, I can tell you: once buyers understand Riomar, they’ll wait years for the right home. In this guide, I’ll take you through all three Riomar neighborhoods—from shell-road elegance to deep-water exclusivity—so you can decide if this is your place on the island.

🏘️ What is Riomar?

• Located on the barrier island of Vero Beach, between the Alma Lee Loy Bridge and SR A1A

• Composed of three distinct neighborhoods:

  • Old Riomar

  • Riomar Bay II

  • Riomar Bay

• Renowned for:

  • Quiet streets

  • Walkability to Ocean Drive

  • Golf cart lifestyle

  • Mature landscaping

  • No HOA in two out of three areas

🌳 Old Riomar: Timeless Elegance & No HOA

Vibe:
A peaceful, shell-road neighborhood shaded by 100-year-old live oaks. Originally developed in the 1910s as a quieter alternative to Palm Beach.

Why People Love It:

• No HOA or architectural restrictions

• Historic homes with Dade County pine, pecky cypress, arched doorways, and shaded porches

• Strong renovation ethic: façade preservation + rear expansions

• Golf cart distance to Ocean Drive shopping and dining

Quick Facts:

• ~160 homes total

• ~14 oceanfront properties

• Homes range from 1920s cottages to custom estates

• Renovated homes: $5M–$9M

• Oceanfront estates: $12M–$20M+

• Some homes priced at $2,600+ per square foot

Who Buys Here:

• Privacy-focused buyers

• Those who want walkability + character

• Architecture lovers

• Barrier island buyers who value charm over HOA-managed uniformity

Cost of Living Snapshot:

• Property taxes: $15K–$50K+

• Insurance: $8K–$10K+/year

• Pool + landscaping: $500–$1,000+/month

• Homes use septic systems (standard here)

📝 Interested in how this compares to other barrier island areas?
See our full breakdown of Vero Beach vs Naples here [← Link to: "Vero Beach vs Naples: Which is Better?"]

🏡 Riomar Bay II: Gated, Modern, and Quietly Exclusive

Vibe:
A small, gated community with newer homes, manicured streets, and controlled access. Think structure and security, without losing Riomar’s laid-back charm.

Quick Facts:

• ~25 homes total

• Homes: 3,000–7,400+ sq ft

• Pricing: $1.3M to $9.5M+

• HOA: $200–$400+/month

Who Buys Here:

• Buyers who want modern homes + gated access

• Those who appreciate order, landscaping, and architectural uniformity

• People who like the Riomar vibe, but prefer something newer

If you're coming from a metro area and want barrier island luxury without the unknowns of a 100-year-old home, this neighborhood could be your match.

🌊 Riomar Bay: Deep Water Luxury Without an HOA

Vibe:
Ultra-private, deep-water living—without gates, without an HOA. Every property backs up to water with its own dock. This is boater's paradise, but with elegance and peace.

Quick Facts:

• Just 53 homes

• Every home is on deep water

• Private docks + lifts at each property

• No HOA, no gates

• Golf cart lifestyle still fully functional

• Homes: 2,500–4,500 sq ft

• Pricing: $4M–$13M+

  • Double lot land values alone can hit $10M–$15M

Who Buys Here:

• Boat owners and water lovers

• Buyers who want unmatched privacy

• Those looking for sunset views, wildlife, and rare real estate

Indian River Lagoon Perks:

• 156-mile long estuary

• Protected waters great for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing

• Regular sightings of dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds

Cost Considerations:

• No HOA dues

• Additional costs: dock + lift maintenance, seawall upkeep

• Similar tax and insurance profile as Old Riomar
  

🧭 So, Which Riomar Neighborhood Fits You?

Feature	Old Riomar	Riomar Bay II	Riomar Bay
Total Homes	~160	~25	~53
HOA	❌ None	✅ Yes	❌ None
Gated	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Water Access	Some homes	Near water	Every home
Walkable to Ocean Drive	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Home Styles	Historic, custom	Newer, uniform	Custom, waterfront
Price Range	$3M–$20M+	$1.3M–$9.5M+	$4M–$13M+
Best For	Architecture lovers, walkability	Structure + security	Waterfront privacy + boating

📌 Final Thoughts: Why Riomar is Florida’s East Coast Hidden Gem

Riomar isn’t just one neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle spectrum. From historic charm to gated peace to deep-water luxury, this Vero Beach enclave delivers what no other east coast Florida market can.

The barrier island is fully built out, which means homes here rarely hit the market—and when they do, serious buyers move fast.

If you’re exploring Riomar or just getting familiar with barrier island living, I’d love to help.
📩 Email me at sally.daley@elliman.com to find out what’s available and what fits your lifestyle.