Vero Beach and the two small communities of Indian River Shores and Orchid are located on Florida's East Coast approximately 75 minutes north of Palm Beach.

While most of the population of Vero Beach lives on the mainland, the luxury real estate featured in this guide is primarily located on Orchid Island (in red) -- the northernmost of three barrier islands that run along Florida's so-called Treasure Coast.

Orchid Island -- which is connected to the mainland by three bridges that span the Indian River Lagoon and Intercoastal Waterway -- consists of the island portion of Vero Beach, the town of Indian River Shores (which includes the private community of John's Island), the town of Orchid and some unincorporated sections of Indian River County (county line marked in pink).

While tough zoning and height restrictions have preserved the residential chacter and natural beauty of Orchid Island for generations to come, residents are only a few minutes drive across a bridge away from supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations and all 21st Century necessities (including malls).

Also located only minutes from the island is the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, where a 7,300-foot runway safely handles the largest private jets .

The closest airport for scheduled commercial flights is the Melbourne International Airport served by Delta -- a 45-minute drive to the north. The larger Palm Beach International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes to the south.

Vero Beach

The City of Vero Beach, only seven years shy of its centennial, is the county seat of Indian River County. Greenery, open space, unspoiled beaches, and ocean vistas characterize the community, which is the commercial and cultural center of the county.

The beachside section of Vero Beach offers quality restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques, and the nationally recognized Center for the Arts. Riverside Park is also the home of the 615-seat professional Riverside Theatre, and the Anne Morton Theatre which houses the Riverside Children's Theatre.

Indian River Shores

The town of Indian River Shores, which has just celebated its 50th anniversary, is an exclusive residential community located between the ocean and Indian River Lagoon. It has an estimated population (depending on time of year) of between 3,000 and 4,000, and is four miles long, end to end, bordering Vero Beach’s northeast city limit. Approximately half of the residents of Indian River Shores live in John's Island, a 3,000-acre club community featuring three championship golf courses (two Pete Dye and one Tom Fazio).

Orchid

The relatively new 600-acre Town of Orchid, known as one of the “best little beach towns in Florida,” is home to the residential Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. The West Indies-inspired club community features an Arnold Palmer golf course, and gracious estate homes, villas and oceanfront condominiums in a Caribbean island seaside setting.