The Pros and Cons of Living in Vero Beach, Florida

Many people would like to own properties in front of the beach for the always-present ocean view. However, there are also many factors to consider before deciding to stay on a beachside. While it is nice and peaceful to live near the sea, it is also where constant weather changes happen.

The pros and cons of living in Vero Beach, Florida:

Pros:

  • Improved mental health with breathtaking ocean view
  • Serene and peaceful living
  • Higher value of property
  • Great amenities to choose from
  • No state income tax
  • Cheaper cost of living
  • Historical places to visit

Cons:

  • Apart from the high value of the property, insurance is costly
  • Natural calamity damages
  • Weather threats such as hurricanes
  • The weather could be potentially hot during summers

Vero Beach is a seat city in Indian River County, Florida. Demographics reveal that there are 17,236 people living in Vero Beach — 84.1% of the community are white, while 9.4% are Hispanic, and 3.8% are Black. Statistics also reveal that the median age of residents is 53.9 years old, and its households are earning a median income of $40, 771 annually.

Vero Beach, Florida

Economy

It is in Vero Beach where the Piper Aircraft is located and the Indian River County’s largest private company employer. Tourism is also the center of Vero Beach economy, which includes service sector activities and the citrus industry. More than 750 employees are working for Piper Aircraft, the aviation manufacturer of Florida.

There are also numerous dining options, art galleries, and stores available in Vero Beach. The downtown has been re-energized to boost the economy. Two main shopping centers are located in State Road 60. Both malls, the Vero Beach Outlets, and the Indian River Mall are considered the largest in Vero Beach.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort holds the most contribution in Vero Beach tourism industry.

Places Of Interest

Driftwood Inn, Vero Beach, Florida
Driftwood Inn

From the name itself, Vero Beach is home to beautiful beaches and long coastlines. The three public beaches are where most people visit. These beaches are Humiston Park, Jaycee Park, and South Beach. All of its public beaches have lifeguards who are available between 9 am to 5 pm. It also has walkways along the shore and trails such as the Sea Grape Trail and Turtle Trail.

There are also many water activities available, like fishing, boating, kayaking, diving, and water skiing. Vero Beach holds a portion from the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a hub for recreation and relaxation.

There is also a large number of historical places in Vero Beach where anyone can visit. They are the following:

Driftwood Inn:

Developed in 1937, originally a private beach started by Waldo E. Sexton and is currently added to the U.S National Historic Registry as a historic place.

Old Indian River County Courthouse:

Built by James T. Vocelle and was used as a Courthouse Executive Center.

Maher Building:

A historic architecture built in 1914 but was burned down by a fire in 1919. It is home to pleasingly priced apparel.

Old Palmetto Hotel:

Constructed by George V. Gray in 1921 and has been the social center and lodging site of the community and guests. The USNRHP added the hotel as a historic place in 1991.

Old Community Building in Vero Beach:

A project built in 1935, right in the middle of the New Deal Period, the place was used for visitors and residents for social entertainment during the economic crash. It was used as a place for social gatherings; including a playhouse, meetings, and social activities. Currently, it is known as the Vero Beach Service Center.

Vero Railroad Station:

It has served hundreds of train passengers before the termination of operations in the 1950s and 1960s. It is now known as the Vero Beach Station.

Vero Theatre:

It was the first motion picture theatre of Florida and was opened in 1924. The first movie played in the theatre was The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is now known as Florida Theatre or Florida Theatre Plaza.

Reasons Why Vero Beach Is A Nice Place To Live In

Black Grouper, Vero Beach, Florida
Black Grouper

Vero Beach is unique in the sense that it is opposite to other overdeveloped and crowded cities in Florida. Buildings are restricted up to 4 stories only and is considered a perfect place for the seaside community. Its sophistication is apparent as it is a place where even billionaires can coexist with the working class. There are top-notch historic places and eccentric architectural designs, along with a charming community. Check out some of the reasons why Vero Beach is an excellent place to visit.

Food is the best:

If food is the topic, Vero Beach seafood staples are considered the best in Florida. Grouper fish is found in excellent dishes throughout Vero Beach and which can also be found in local markets. The Tides have garnered awards for the best staples which is why the food served there is something you shouldn’t miss. Aside from that, some restaurants offer Asian Cuisine like the Siam Orchid, Italian dishes in Amalfi Grille, Tratorria Dario, and Pomodoro, and Jamaican dishes which can be found in Mo-Bay Grill.

Must-see wonders:

There’s no way Vero Beach can disappoint guests who would like to take a break from city skyscrapers. It is also the home to different wonders and naturals spots. The long coastline is hard to beat and currently holds places for turtle nesting.

The northern hemisphere located in the Indian River Lagoon is also home to the most biodiverse ecosystem. Exploring the lagoon and watch different species of animals and plants can be done through kayaking. Wildlife is also present in Vero Beach where swamps with cinematic views and majestic marshy waters are abundant.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping:

Apart from the beach life, shopping centers and boutiques in Vero Beach can also compete with Palm Beach. The Indian River Mall is the largest with over 70 stores like Macy’s and Dillard. Unique shops are also available in the Vero Beach Outlets, and most offer big discounts and savings from 60 designers.

Not just that, Ocean Drive Farmer’s Market is open weekly for different kinds of dishes, fresh products, different types of seafood, baked products, and local gifts.

Culture:

Vero Beach is the home to many historical places in Florida. It has the best and cheapest theatre and cinema, art galleries, and old hotels and sites. There are also many collections of sculptures and paintings in museums, art classes, and impressive exhibits.

The Best Beach Hotels:

Developed beach houses and hotels are what Vero Beach boasts about. Compared to the other cities in Florida, some of the 4 or 5-stars beach hotels can be found in Vero Beach, like the one built by Walt Disney and Gloria Estefan. Some hotels provide a panoramic view of the Atlantic and have tranquil fortress and beautiful garden landscapes.

Why Some People Left Vero Beach

Although Vero Beach is an excellent place to live in, not everyone will be satisfied. Vero Beach may be gleaming with positive reasons, but there is also an underlying fact why some people left Vero Beach. Their reasons may not all be the same, but almost everyone has these in common. Here are the reasons:

Hot Climate:

Not all people want to live in a place with hot weather. Whether you like it or not, Vero Beach is a place with hot temperatures. The weather can be somewhere from 10° to as high as 32° Celsius. That said, electricity bills are can be high due to its humid surroundings.

Natural Calamities:

There is a storm all year round in Vero Beach and even the other parts of Florida. Intermittent and casual rains are also present. There are also torrential rains that can last for long hours.

Driveways:

Accidents happen all the time because of the roads. The storms that usually hit the place can cause low visibility.

Mortality Rate:

There are lots of old people living in Florida, which is why it is one with the highest numbers of mortality in the country.

Seasons:

Some people want to experience different seasons; something which Vero Beach does not have. Vero Beach only has sunny and rainy seasons.

Giant Reptiles:

It is also a place where giant alligators and occasional crocodiles can eat your pets and destroy homes as well.

Bad Drivers:

Although there is a bigger space for roads and highways, bad drivers tend to ruin the day. Sharing roads is often a problem here, which can cause accidents.

Drugs:

There are also vast numbers of drug laboratories which are mostly transported from Southern America to Florida.

Final Thought

Overall, Vero Beach is the perfect place for people who want a life of peace and quiet. People who also want to experience life in the tropics are welcome in Vero Beach. There’s also no problem for those looking for other activities as it can be found in Vero Beach. Aside from that, if historical places are what you’re looking for, then there are plenty of well-preserved historic sites in Vero Beach.

Food and cuisine are also not a problem because of its vast and wide selection of dishes. Local products and plates of seafood are also served fresh, and Vero Beach has the most beautiful beach hotels to date. However, just like other cities, there are also disadvantages which depend on the situation. Although there is no state income tax, bills could potentially blow up, especially when using the air cooler because of the hot weather.

Kris Peter

A positive individual enjoying the journey, and always searching for adventure. I created Sunlight Living to help my parents (and eventually myself) prepare for retirement. About Kris

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