As Manhattan’s pace falters, a new generation of luxury developments—offering crystalline lagoons and private beach clubs—is luring New York’s elite not for a season, but for a new way of life.
As Manhattan’s pace falters, a new generation of luxury developments—offering crystalline lagoons and private beach clubs—is luring New York’s elite not for a season, but for a new way of life.
As the sun dips below the skyline, its final rays ignite the glass facades of towering condominiums in a blaze of orange and gold. On the street below, the rhythmic bass of a reggaeton track thumps from a passing car, and sirens wail in the distance. A delivery robot navigates the bustling sidewalk, deftly avoiding pedestrians fresh from spin class. Al fresco diners laugh under strings of lights, cyclists weave through traffic, and a corner gallery hosts a vibrant opening where the clink of wine glasses accompanies critiques of the art. The energy is palpable, a symphony of urban life. This is the relentless, cosmopolitan pulse one knows well. But this isn’t New York City. This is Miami.
“We’re seeing a real shift in mindset from New Yorkers,” observes Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties. “Miami is no longer just a seasonal destination; it’s becoming home. Many of our clients who once saw Miami as a second residence are now making it their primary address. They’re asking more strategic questions about timing, taxes, and lifestyle because they’re planning their lives here, not just vacations.”
This transformation is fueled by a powerful confluence of factors: a moment of hesitation in New York’s luxury market, Florida’s enticing fiscal landscape, and a post-pandemic redefinition of “the office.” But the true catalyst is the product itself—a portfolio of residential developments so sophisticated in their design and lavish in their amenities that they don’t just mimic a five-star resort; they become one.
“I’ve gotten to know Miami over the past few years,” explained a buyer at The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, who prefers to remain anonymous. “I first came to visit at the suggestion of a few colleagues who had decided to get places in different parts of the city. They said the only way to really understand Miami is to visit—explore the neighborhoods, tour the residential buildings, and get a feel for the lifestyle… I now think of Miami as a real, sustainable city—culturally, culinarily, and in terms of things to do. Ten or so years ago, a New Yorker might have said, ‘I’m in Miami, but…’ Now, they say, ‘I’m in Miami because I love it.’ It’s evolved into a world-class city.”
This perspective is confirmed at the highest levels of the industry. “We’re seeing a clear demographic and behavioral shift, particularly among New Yorkers,” says Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Many are no longer buying in Miami for seasonal use—they’re relocating entirely. Miami has seen one of the nation’s largest inflows of high-income residents, and that’s redefining buyer preferences and priorities. At Faena Residences Miami, buyers are seeking homes that balance sophistication with ease, full-service living, privacy, and cultural depth. Similarly, ORA by Casa Tua has resonated strongly with New Yorkers who are drawn to its design-forward residences, vibrant amenities, and focus on community and connection. With both Casa Tua and Faena having opened in New York within the past year, the synergy between the two cities has never been stronger – Miami has truly become an extension of the New York lifestyle.”
The data supports this shift. “New York buyers have been a steady presence for decades, traditionally for vacation properties, but over the past five years, we’ve seen a clear shift and an uptick in end-users,” shares Isabella Holgein, Director of Sales at The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach. In a telling sign of how seriously developers are courting this demand, many projects are now officially registered for marketing in New York State, allowing them to work directly with top-tier brokers and clients in the city.
The developments captivating the New York imagination are not monolithic. They are a curated collection of lifestyles, each with a distinct aesthetic and philosophy, offering a bespoke answer to the question of how one wishes to live.
Rising 77 stories in Brickell, ORA by Casa Tua delivers a New York-style residential ecosystem with a Miami sensibility. It appeals directly to those seeking a vibrant, restaurant-driven social scene, a draw underscored by Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz’s recent purchase. Designed by m2atelier, its refined residences are anchored by an unprecedented culinary program: four exclusive Casa Tua concepts, including the rooftop Vento lounge and 24-hour market Terra, all within the tower.
This integration of world-class dining and resort-style amenities creates the kind of self-contained, culturally rich vertical village that offers a compelling new answer to the urban living experience, making it a natural home for discerning New Yorkers.
Marking a vibrant new chapter, Faena Residences Miami is poised to become an iconic landmark along the city’s riverfront. The project represents the powerful final architectural vision of the late Rafael Viñoly—the celebrated mastermind behind New York’s 432 Park Avenue—creating an instant, profound connection for the discerning buyer. Developed in collaboration with Alan Faena, the project is the centerpiece of the new Faena Miami River District and the brand’s first standalone residential endeavor.
The tower’s sculptural, river-inspired form features a gracefully curved silhouette that captures the movement of its waterfront setting. This architectural legacy is matched by interiors from London-based Bryan O’Sullivan Studio (BOS), which translates the soul of Faena into a residential context. BOS has cooled the brand’s signature reds into deeper jewel tones, layering rich materials, art, and theatricality throughout. The residences are anchored by 45,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor amenity programming spanning three high floors, including a “Sky Bridge” connecting the two towers. Faena attracts buyers seeking cultural depth, privacy, and full-service living—a sophisticated oasis for those who view their home as both a sanctuary and a statement. This artistic sanctuary particularly resonates with New Yorkers from creative industries, offering a seamless transition from Chelsea galleries to Faena’s curated arts district.
Nestled on over two acres of rare Miami Beach frontage, The Perigon is a study in architectural deference to nature. Its crystalline form, designed by OMA and Gustafson Porter + Bowman, frames breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The experience is anchored by a residents-only beach club with curated offerings from Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt, transforming a day by the sea into a singular culinary event.
“At The Perigon, New York continues to be one of our most active markets outside of Florida,” says Michael Patrizio, Managing Director at Mast Capital. “Many New Yorkers are drawn to the rarity of true beachfront new development in Miami Beach, especially on a boutique scale. The starchitect design and limited collection of residences resonate with discerning buyers accustomed to exclusivity.” Patrizio notes a key trend: “We see a strong concentration of buyers creating primary residences here, particularly families and professionals who want the privacy of a beachfront home paired with resort-style amenities.”
In the heart of Brickell, Cipriani Residences Miami bestows its legendary Italian hospitality upon a soaring glass tower. The aesthetic is one of timeless glamour—polished marbles, sleek lines, and the social buzz of a dedicated Cipriani restaurant and poolside bar. It is for those for whom luxury is synonymous with legacy and effortless social currency.
“At Cipriani Residences Miami, New York consistently ranks as one of our strongest feeder markets,” confirms Michael Patrizio. “With approximately a quarter of our domestic buyers hailing from this state specifically, we’ve seen sustained interest from our clientele seeking an elevated, cosmopolitan lifestyle in Brickell.” The project caters to diverse needs. “Some buyers are choosing larger residences with the goal of making Miami their full-time home, while others are purchasing as second homes or seasonal escapes,” Patrizio shares. “We’ve seen a growing interest from buyers seeking multiple units to accommodate a multigenerational living experience.”
Tucked into the lush, bohemian enclave of Coconut Grove, this standalone residential tower offers a different kind of luxury: serene, unruffled excellence. Without an attached hotel, the full force of the Four Seasons service ethos is directed at residents, creating the atmosphere of a hyper-exclusive, private club. The expansive pool deck is a stage for quiet contemplation, serviced by the brand’s famously discreet staff.
“At Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove, Miami buyers remain our foundation, but New York leads the pack among out-of-state markets,” says Christine Martinez de Castro, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at CMC Group, which is co-developing the property with Fort Partners. “It’s where we’re seeing the strongest and most consistent interest beyond South Florida.” The development is attracting a mix of buyers rethinking their living situations. “We’re seeing a near even split,” Martinez de Castro notes. “Many are drawn to our two-bedroom homes as pied-à-terre or vacation retreats, while others are investing in larger four-bedroom layouts and prioritizing customization and functionality with a vision of creating their future primary residence.”
Set on a vast 184-acre site, SoLe Mia is less a single building and more a private, master-planned universe. Its crown jewel is a revolutionary seven-acre, swimmable Crystal Lagoon, a turquoise waterfront paradise that provides a year-round beach experience complete with paddleboarding and kayaking. The sheer size of the property allows for its very own seven-acre swimmable lagoon and sandy beaches which encourages moments of relaxation, meditation and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Offering waterfront access this landlocked part of Miami aside from its array of swimming pools, the Crystal lagoon features clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches as a true tropical paradise. Residents can enjoy year-round swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing in a resort-style setting. For New Yorkers, especially families, the sheer scale offers a sense of community and an array of amenities that make the transition from city life not just easy, but exhilarating.
For the creatives, The Cloud One Hotel & Residences injects a dose of sleek, German-engineered luxury into Wynwood’s pulsating heart. Its crowning rooftop retreat, with panoramic skyline views, is designed as a social sanctuary for those who thrive on cultural energy. It is the ultimate basecamp for exploring the city’s most dynamic art and dining scene.
“Despite recently launching sales, we’ve already begun to see steady interest from New York brokers and buyers,” says Sharon Novotny, Senior Vice President, New Developments at Douglas Elliman. “They’re drawn to the opportunity to own in a project that offers modern residences paired with hotel-style services, all in the heart of a neighborhood known for its art, culture, walkability, and flourishing culinary scene.” The project’s appeal is versatile. “Buyers are approaching the project in different ways. Some are looking at it as a convenient second home or pied-à-terre, while others are exploring it as an exciting, attainable longer-term option,” Novotny explains.
Venturing a bit north to Hallandale Beach, The Residences at Shell Bay, serviced by Auberge Resorts Collection, presents a 150-acre waterfront sanctuary. This is not merely a residence but a membership to a private realm, complete with a Greg Norman–designed golf course, world-class racquet facilities, and a stunning 14,000-square-foot rooftop pool terrace.
“We’re seeing a noticeable uptick in interest from New York buyers who want a South Florida home that feels like a true escape while maintaining the sophistication and connection they’re used to in the city,” says Norma-Jean Callahan, who leads sales for the Witkoff portfolio at Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. “Shell Bay delivers that balance with its championship golf course, world-class racquet facilities, private marina, resort-style amenities, and the signature hospitality that Auberge is known for. It has become the most compelling new destination for those seeking a private, active and elevated lifestyle.”
The true marker of this migration is found in the new daily rhythm: the morning paddleboard across a turquoise lagoon, the afternoon spent working from a poolside cabana, the evening stroll to a world-class restaurant without a winter coat in sight.
“What’s resonating most is Miami’s evolution,” concludes Peggy Olin of OneWorld Properties. “Buyers want sophistication, cultural depth, and world-class architecture, but with the warmth, accessibility, and ease that only this city delivers. The new wave of luxury projects is not just about real estate; it’s about redefining how people live. For many, it’s not about leaving one city behind it’s about choosing a better way to live.”
