Why I Love Living in Vero Beach, FL – From a Local Realtor

Living in Vero Beach, FL has given me a connection to a place that feels rare. The pace, the natural beauty, the caliber of architecture, and the sense of community all align in a way that never feels manufactured. As a local Realtor and partner with the O’Dare Boga Dobson team at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, I spend every day helping clients discover what makes this town special. Our team has led the luxury market since 2015, with record-setting sales in oceanfront estates, riverfront homes, and premier land parcels.

With our team doing over $2 billion in career sales, I still find myself grateful to call this area home. Here is what keeps me rooted in Vero Beach, and why the experience continues to deepen year after year.

The coastline is the anchor of my daily life. I can walk onto the beach at Sexton Plaza or Jaycee Park before work and feel like the shoreline belongs to the community rather than to tourism. The sand is soft, the water remains clear for most of the year, and the absence of high-rise buildings means the beach environment feels open and natural. I’ve shown luxury oceanfront homes steps from the dune line and still notice how quiet the mornings remain. 

While the Atlantic draws attention, the Indian River Lagoon shapes the identity of Vero Beach just as much. You can drive along Indian River Boulevard at sunset and watch sailboats anchor near Memorial Island. The lagoon supports an entirely separate lifestyle: paddleboarding near mangroves, boating to local islands, and enjoying calm water views that never look the same twice. Many of the waterfront estates I represent offer private docks and riverfront views  that make everyday life feel serene. Those properties often become favorites among clients who prioritize privacy and nature over surf and sand.

What I appreciate most about the dining scene here is its balance. You can stop at Citron Bistro for lunch on the terrace, visit The Tides for a refined dinner, or meet friends at Trattoria Dario for a relaxed evening, all within a short drive. Each restaurant feels deeply rooted in the community, rather than being designed for short-term tourism. When clients move here, they often expect a small selection of coastal classics, then realize they have access to thoughtful menus and polished hospitality. Living in Vero Beach, FL, gives me the chance to enjoy local restaurants that feel genuine and consistently good.

The size of the cultural community is ideally suited to the town. I love attending performances at Riverside Theatre, where the productions are polished yet intimate. The Vero Beach Museum of Art hosts exhibitions featuring national-level work in a local setting, and its sculpture garden remains one of my favorite places to walk during the cooler months. The community supports the arts in a steady and engaged way, providing residents with frequent opportunities to stay connected without battling long lines or high-season congestion.

Natural spaces are integrated into daily routines in a way I rarely see elsewhere. You can visit the McKee Botanical Garden early in the morning, when the ponds are calm, and the air feels thick with tropical greenery. On weekends, you can take the Scenic Florida Highway A1A drive toward the Wildlife Refuge, where the landscape transitions between dunes, palms, and wetlands. These experiences make outdoor living a central part of life without requiring elaborate planning.

One of the reasons my work feels meaningful in this market is the distinctive architectural fabric that surrounds it. Oceanfront estates often feature clean coastal lines, deep porches, and expansive windows designed to frame the water rather than overpower it. Riverfront homes lean into classic configurations with expansive lawns, mature Live Oaks, and deep verandas. The lack of visual noise (no towering beachfront high-rises or extreme modernist clashes) helps preserve the character of the area. Many clients seeking properties in Vero Beach, FL, who are living there, tell me they value this sense of harmony as much as the homes themselves.

One of the most rewarding aspects of living in Vero Beach is the consistency of community relationships. Shops along Beachland Boulevard and Royal Palm Pointe are run by owners who know their customers well. Events like local art festivals, the Christmas Boat Parade, and charity galas create regular opportunities to stay engaged. Even lifelong residents maintain a welcoming attitude toward newcomers, which helps ease the transitions for clients I assist in relocating here.

Living in Vero Beach continues to shape my work and my personal life in meaningful ways. The coastline, community, architecture, and steady cultural rhythm combine into a lifestyle that feels both grounded and elevated. When you’re ready to explore homes in Vero Beach, reach out to Kristin Dobson.