Grand Harbor Homes: How to Choose the Right Village

February 19, 2026

Trying to decide which Grand Harbor village fits you best can feel overwhelming. The community offers everything from low-maintenance condos to riverfront estates with panoramic water views, so it helps to get clear on lifestyle, upkeep, and budget. In this guide, you’ll compare the main home types, see typical price bands with real examples, and use a practical checklist to narrow your shortlist. Let’s dive in.

Grand Harbor at a glance

Grand Harbor is a gated, master-planned waterfront community on the Indian River near Vero Beach with a resort-style club life. According to the club, you get two 18-hole golf courses, a Mediterranean-style clubhouse with dining, tennis and pickleball, fitness, and a dedicated oceanfront Beach Club that was recently renovated. You can review the club’s overview and the Beach Club details on the official site for the latest programming and amenities. Club membership is offered to residents and non-residents in several categories, so you can match your access to how you plan to live here.

Four villages, four lifestyles

Riverfront estate islands

If wide Indian River views and privacy top your list, the estate islands deliver the community’s premier lots. Many homes enjoy direct river frontage, private seawalls and docks, plus larger sites and high-end finishes. Expect to evaluate flood zones, seawall condition, and dock permitting as part of due diligence.

  • Price guide: recent listings often run about $1.5M to $5M+, with many in the $2M to $4.5M tier.
  • Example: St. Andrews Island home listed around $3.145M shows the caliber and setting of these properties. See a representative listing: 5110 St Andrews Island Drive
  • Who it fits:
    • Boaters who want private dockage or quick access to the marina
    • Buyers prioritizing panoramic water views and privacy
    • Owners comfortable with higher insurance and maintenance

Golf-course villas and townhomes

These attached villas and townhomes line or overlook the fairways, offering a golf-centric lifestyle with lower exterior upkeep than a large estate. Many are marketed for easy course access and a socially active club routine. Confirm what the HOA covers, since inclusions vary by enclave.

  • Price guide: approximately $400k to $900k depending on size, age, and direct golf frontage.
  • Example: St. Joseph’s Island townhome listings have recently appeared in the mid to high $600k range. See a representative property: 5050 St. Josephs Island Lane
  • Who it fits:
    • Golfers who want walkable access to the course and clubhouse
    • Owners seeking mid-range costs and lower exterior maintenance
    • Seasonal or full-time residents who value club life

Condos and low-maintenance townhomes

Condo and mid-rise clusters like Harmony and the Fairways aim for turn-key living. Some associations include broad services in the HOA, which can simplify ownership for seasonal residents and those who prefer a lock-and-leave home. Always confirm building insurance, roof history, and rental rules before you buy.

  • Price guide: roughly $180k to $400k based on recent listings.
  • Example: A Harmony Circle condo listed around $269,900 illustrates this segment’s value and HOA coverage style. See a representative unit: 5020 Harmony Circle #203
  • Who it fits:
    • Budget-conscious buyers and retirees
    • Seasonal owners who want simplicity
    • Buyers seeking club access without extensive maintenance

Interior single-family homes

On preserve, lake, or golf-inland lots, interior single-family homes deliver more space without the riverfront premium. Many are well-appointed and can include pools and guest spaces that suit full-time living. You still enjoy gated access and proximity to club amenities.

  • Price guide: about $500k to $1.2M for move-in ready homes based on recent examples.
  • Example: A Victoria Circle home listed near $635k shows the scale and value in this category. See a representative listing: 1765 Victoria Circle
  • Who it fits:
    • Buyers wanting a detached home footprint and yard
    • Full-time residents focused on space and comfort
    • Owners who prefer lower upkeep than waterfront estates

Quick buyer checklist

Use these prompts to match your lifestyle, budget, and upkeep preferences to the right Grand Harbor village.

Lifestyle and daily priorities

  • Do you want a private dock, or will the community’s marina access work for your boat and draft needs? Third-party directories often cite a large deep-water marina, but slip counts and rules can change. Verify availability, costs, and waitlists with the club or harbormaster. See a general marina overview on a community directory: marina communities summary
  • How much exterior maintenance do you want? Condos often include exterior components in the HOA, while detached homes usually do not. Review a listing’s HOA inclusions as a starting point.
  • Are golf, tennis, fitness, or the Beach Club non-negotiable? Membership is optional for many owners and offered in multiple categories to residents and non-residents. Review current categories and dues on the club’s site: membership options

Money and ongoing costs

  • Understand HOA dues versus club dues and any initiation fees. Ask for current HOA statements from the listing agent and current club dues directly from the club.
  • Check flood and insurance exposure, especially along the Indian River. Indian River County updated FEMA flood maps effective January 26, 2023. Request an elevation certificate and a flood insurance quote before you commit. County guidance is here: Indian River County flood information

Property checks by village

  • Riverfront estates: evaluate seawall condition, permitted dock size and access, and FEMA elevations.
  • Golf villas and townhomes: confirm course setbacks, cart access, and any rules on exterior changes.
  • Condos and townhomes: review roof history, whether the building’s master insurance is included in dues, and rental restrictions.

Club and governance

  • The club highlights a member-focused experience with professional management and active programming. If governance and capital planning matter to you, ask for recent HOA budgets, reserve studies, and relevant club financial summaries.

Put it together

If you crave privacy and water, start with the riverfront islands. If you want daily golf and easy upkeep, look at golf-course villas and townhomes. For lock-and-leave convenience at a lower price point, focus on condos and low-maintenance clusters. For space and comfort without riverfront premiums, interior single-family homes are a strong fit.

Dynamic items change. Before you tour, verify current asking prices, slip availability and rules, HOA documents, flood details, and club dues. If you want a curated packet with the latest MLS listings, HOA summaries, and membership information, reach out to Vero Premier Properties for a private consultation.

FAQs

What are current condo prices in Grand Harbor?

  • Recent listings often range from about $180k to $400k, with specifics varying by building, size, condition, and HOA inclusions.

Is club membership required to live in Grand Harbor?

  • Membership is available to residents and non-residents in multiple categories, and buying a home does not automatically require a club membership. Confirm any enclave-specific rules before you buy.

How do I choose between a marina slip and a private dock?

  • Start with your boat length, beam, and draft. Then verify marina slip availability, waitlists, and costs with the club. If you need guaranteed dockage at home, focus on riverfront estates and review permitting.

What should I budget for besides the purchase price?

  • Plan for HOA dues, potential club dues and initiation, property insurance, and, if applicable, flood insurance. Ask for current HOA statements and a flood quote as part of due diligence.

Are interior single-family homes good for full-time living?

  • Yes. Many offer comfortable square footage, pool options, and access to amenities without the maintenance demands of waterfront estates, making them popular with full-time residents.
Ben Bryk

About the Author - Ben Bryk

Lead Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is a very emotional experience, especially for those who have not done it very often. My experience in sales can help guide buyers with an analytical approach.

I am a top Vero Beach real estate agent, specializing in neighborhoods like Grand HarborVero Lake EstatesCitrus SpringsFort PierceNorth Hutchinson IslandJohn’s Island, and the surrounding areas.

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