Jeff Bezos, the second richest person in the world, has been making headlines for his recent real estate purchases in Miami. After announcing his plans to move to the Sunshine State last November, Bezos has acquired three luxury homes on Indian Creek Island, each costing upwards of $65 million. The most recent purchase, a $90 million estate, adds to his impressive property portfolio, including a $165 million estate in Beverly Hills and homes in Washington D.C., Manhattan, and Maui.
Indian Creek Island, a man-made barrier island with just 41 homes, boasts high-profile residents and billionaire landowners. Bezos’ newest acquisition, a 6-bedroom, 9-bath mansion, sits on the Biscayne Bay waterfront and will be his primary residence in Miami. The location has attracted other wealthy individuals, including retired NFL superstar Tom Brady, who also owns a property on the island.
Bezos’ move to Miami is seen as part of a trend of billionaire transplants to the tax-friendly state of Florida. With 46 members of the Forbes 400 list already calling Florida home, Bezos’ arrival brings the total to 47. The appeal of Miami for Bezos includes its proximity to family, as well as the operations of his aerospace company, Blue Origin, which are shifting to Cape Canaveral. In a social media post last year, Bezos expressed his emotional connection to the city where he attended high school.
The billionaire enclave on Indian Creek Island is home to a number of notable residents, including Colombian banker and real estate developer Jaime Gilinski, NFL legend Tom Brady, and billionaire art collector Norman Braman. Other residents include former CEO of US Airways Group Rakesh Gangwal, activist investor Carl Icahn, and investor and hedge fund manager Edward Lampert. In addition, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump own a property on the island.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, is also among the high-profile residents of Indian Creek Island. He purchased a mansion for $49.9 million in 2019, setting a county record for single-family home sales at the time. With property values averaging in the millions, the exclusive island community continues to attract wealthy individuals looking for luxury living and privacy in a prime waterfront location.
