Oceanfront living in Miami Beach usually comes with a massive side of pretension and a monthly HOA bill that looks like a mortgage. It's exhausting. But then you’ve got Burleigh House Miami Beach, sitting right there at 7135 Collins Avenue, quietly doing its own thing since 1970. Honestly, it’s one of those buildings that locals know about but tourists just drive right past on their way to some overpriced boutique hotel in Mid-Beach.
It’s real.
The building doesn't try to be something it’s not. It is a 22-story classic that captures that specific "Old Florida meets modern luxury" vibe without the $5,000-a-month "resort fees" you find elsewhere. If you're looking for a glass-and-steel monolith where the walls are paper-thin, this isn't it. This is concrete. This is space. This is actually being able to see the Atlantic Ocean without squinting between two other skyscrapers.
The Reality of Living at 7135 Collins Avenue
Most people assume that "older building" means "run down." That’s a mistake. Burleigh House Miami Beach has undergone some serious work over the last few years. You’ve probably heard about the 40-year and 50-year recertifications in Florida—they’re no joke. This building has been through the ringer of inspections and upgrades, which means the structural integrity is sorted.
The units here are huge. Like, surprisingly huge.
In a newer building, a one-bedroom might give you 700 square feet if you’re lucky. At Burleigh House, you’re looking at floor plans that often start around 1,000 square feet for a one-bedroom and go up significantly for the two-bedroom units. You get these deep, wide balconies where you can actually put a table and chairs and, you know, eat dinner. It’s a novel concept in 2026.
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The North Beach Vibe Shift
We need to talk about the location because North Beach is changing. Fast. For a long time, everything south of 41st Street got all the glory. But North Beach—specifically the area around the 70s—is seeing a massive influx of investment. You have the North Beach Oceanside Park nearby, which is basically a massive green lung for the city.
Living here means you're steps from the beach, obviously. But you’re also walking distance to some of the best "non-tourist" food in Miami. We’re talking about places like Sapore di Mare or the various Argentine steakhouses that haven't tripled their prices just because a celebrity breathed the air nearby.
What the Amenities Are Actually Like
Don't expect a DJ by the pool every Saturday. That’s not what Burleigh House is about. Instead, you get a very well-maintained pool deck that actually gets sunlight—a rarity when you're surrounded by high-rises.
- There’s a fitness center that has the basics you actually use, not just a bunch of flashy machines that are always broken.
- You have 24/7 security and a front desk that actually knows your name.
- The community room is used for actual community things.
- The beach access is direct. No crossing a four-lane highway with a cooler and an umbrella. You just go.
There’s a library too. A real one. People leave books; people take books. It’s sort of charming in a world that’s gone entirely digital.
The Money Talk: Assessment and Value
Let’s be blunt: buying into a Miami Beach condo right now requires due diligence. You have to look at the reserves. Burleigh House Miami Beach has had its share of assessments, just like every other building on the sand. But because they’ve already tackled a lot of the major "milestone" repairs required by newer Florida laws (SB 4-D), you aren't walking into a total mystery.
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Maintenance fees here generally cover your cable, internet, water, and trash. When you do the math, the price per square foot is often significantly lower than the "luxury" buildings five blocks away. You’re paying for the view and the square footage, not the branding.
One thing people get wrong is thinking these units are all "grandma's house." While some units still have that 1970s shag carpet soul, a huge percentage have been completely gutted and renovated. You’ll find open-concept kitchens with Sub-Zero fridges and porcelain floors that make the space feel like a $3 million penthouse for a fraction of the cost.
The "Hidden" Benefits of the 71st Street Corridor
The city is currently working on the North Beach Town Center project. This is a big deal for property values at Burleigh House. They are revitalizing the 71st Street corridor to make it more pedestrian-friendly, with more retail and better infrastructure. Basically, the neighborhood is catching up to the quality of the beach.
Common Misconceptions About Burleigh House
I hear it all the time: "Isn't it noisy on Collins?"
Actually, the building is set back enough, and the way the units are oriented—mostly East or West—means you either get the roar of the ocean or the sunset over the Intracoastal. The "city noise" is mostly blocked out by the sheer mass of the building itself.
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Another one: "Is parking a nightmare?"
Every unit usually comes with assigned parking. In Miami Beach, a dedicated parking spot is basically worth its weight in gold. If you’ve ever tried to find street parking near Ocean Drive on a Friday night, you know the soul-crushing reality of the situation. Here, you just pull in and you’re home.
Navigating the Buying Process
If you’re looking to buy here, you need a realtor who knows how to read an estoppel letter and understands the specific budget of this association. Because it’s an established building, the board is generally pretty diligent. They want to keep the building's reputation solid.
- Check the most recent meeting minutes.
- Look for any pending litigation (standard for Miami, but still).
- Ask about the "Schedule of Values" for upcoming projects.
- Check the balcony's structural status—most have been redone, but always verify.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Residents
If you’re serious about Burleigh House Miami Beach, don't just look at the Zillow photos. The photos never capture the breeze you get on the higher floors.
Visit the area at 10:00 PM on a Tuesday. See how quiet it is.
Walk from the building to the Publix on 68th Street. See if that’s a walk you’re willing to do (it’s about 10 minutes and totally doable).
Check the flood maps. While the building is elevated, North Beach is a barrier island. Understand the elevation and the insurance requirements (which are usually included in your monthly fees through the master policy).
Stop looking for the newest, shiniest thing. The smart money in Miami Beach is moving toward established buildings with large floor plans and completed structural work. Burleigh House fits that bill perfectly. It’s a solid investment in a neighborhood that’s finally getting the respect it deserves.