If you’re thinking about moving to Florida and want to settle down on the state’s Treasure Coast, which has 26 miles of uncrowded beaches, moving to Vero Beach, Florida, is the perfect option for you.
Vero Beach has tranquil charms, sunrise skies, urban escapes, seasonal ebb, and a distinctive lifestyle. It’s got more than just endless beaches, though. Known to be the 7th best small beach town, Vero Beach also offers water sports and eco-exclusions for outdoor enthusiasts, sophisticated art scenes, cultural offerings, and unique attractions that make it called the Hamptons of Florida.
To help you make a decision, here’s a list of essential things to learn before relocating to Vero Beach, Florida. Keep reading!
Quick facts before moving to Vero Beach, FL
Where is Vero Beach, FL, Located?
Vero Beach is on the eastern coast of Florida along the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as the county seat of Indian River County.
It forms part of Florida’s Treasure Coast and is about 34 miles south of Melbourne, Florida.
The coordinates for Vero Beach are approximately 27.6386°N latitude and -80.3973°W longitude.
Population in Vero Beach, FL
As of 2023, the population of Vero Beach, Florida, is estimated to be around 17,376 people.
The city’s median age is reported to be around 53 years.
Diversity in Vero Beach, FL
Vero Beach has a predominantly White population, with approximately 81.9% to 85.2% of residents identifying as White (non-Hispanic).
The Hispanic or Latino population accounts for about 3.25% to 8%, while Black or African American residents comprise about 5.47% to 5.5%.
Other racial groups, including Asians, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and those identifying as two or more races, make up smaller percentages of the population.
The diversity score for Vero Beach varies, with one source scoring 66 out of 100, indicating it is more diverse than other US cities.
Cost of Living in Vero Beach, FL
The cost of living in Vero Beach, Florida, is a little lower than the national average, making it a great place to settle down for those moving to Vero Beach, FL, for affordable living.
- Vero Beach has a median household income of $54,311 per annum.
- The average annual household income in Vero Beach is higher at $106,360 per annum.
- To lead a comfortable life in Vero Beach, a single person needs around $46,000 annually, while a family requires approximately $66,960.
The table below indicates Vero Beach’s cost of living index for different categories in comparison with the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
| Index | Vero Beach | Florida | National average |
| Cost of Living | 101.8 | 99 | 100 |
| Goods & Services | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 105 | 100 |
| Health Care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 106 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 101 | 100 |
How Is the Housing Market in Vero Beach, FL?
The Vero Beach, FL, housing market isn’t very competitive. Homes receive an average of one offer and sell after 79 days on the market, making it easy for people moving to Vero Beach, Florida, to find a new home or rental apartment and settle in.
- The average house price in Vero Beach was reported to be $350K.
- The median home cost in Vero Beach is $411,452.
- The median list price for a home in Vero Beach varies between $469.5K and $1.75M.
- The homeownership rate in Vero Beach is reported to be either 58.89%, 66.5%, or 67.2%, indicating that a majority of residents own their homes.
- The cost to build a house in Florida, Vero Beach, is $295,000-$445,000.
Average rental price in Vero Beach, FL
- The average rent for an apartment in Vero Beach ranges from $1,408 to $1,492.
- The average rent for a studio apartment in Vero Beach is approximately $1,150.
- The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vero Beach is around $1,850.
- The average rent for a 3-bedroom home in Vero Beach varies between $2,260 and $9,500.
- The average rent for a 4-bedroom home in Vero Beach varies between $2,400 and $35,000.
How is the job market in Vero Beach, FL?
Since you’re thinking about moving to Vero Beach, Florida, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:
- The job market in Vero Beach, FL, grew by 1.8% in the last year, and it’s predicted to expand by 38.4% in the next decade, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
- There are 9,942 job opportunities in Vero Beach, FL, with 4,165 new careers added daily.
- The unemployment rate in Vero Beach, FL, is 5.2%, lower than the US average of 6.0%.
- The average income for a Vero Beach resident is $35,595 per year, higher than the US average of $28,555.
What are the top employers in Vero Beach, FL
- Piper Aircraft
- Indian River County
- City of Vero Beach
- CVS Distribution
- Disney Resort
- Flight Safety
- Treasure Coast Community Health
- Indian River Charter High School
- Proctor Construction
- Coastal Interiors
What are the most common job titles in Vero Beach, FL
- Retail Sales Associate
- Registered Nurse
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Server
- Crew Member
Highest paying jobs in Vero Beach, FL
- Engineering
- Nurse Practitioner
- Attorney
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapist
- RN (Registered Nurse)
- Nursing
How safe is it to live in Vero Beach, FL?
Living in Vero Beach, FL, increases the chance of being a crime victim compared to the national average.
- The overall crime rate in Vero Beach is 17 per 1,000 residents, with a 1 in 60 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
- The violent crime rate is 2.09 per 1,000, resulting in a 1 in 477 chance of being a victim of crimes like aggravated assault, rape, or murder.
- Property crime is more common, which includes motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, with a rate of 14.60 per 1,000 residents, leading to a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim.
- Crime rates can vary within different parts of the city, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime ranging from 1 in 64 in the west neighborhoods to 1 in 697 in the northwest part of Vero Beach.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Vero Beach, FL
- Seagrove
- Veromar / Surf Club
- Riverwind / Diamond Court Village
- Timber Lake
- Florida Ridge
- South Beach
- Verolago / Ashley Lakes North
- Grovenor Estates / South Lakes
How Fast Can You Commute in Vero Beach, FL?
In Vero Beach, Florida, the average commute time is 23.4 minutes, as U.S. News and World Report 2023 reported.
The list of public transportation options available in Vero Beach, FL, are:
- GoLine: GoLine, the public transportation system in Indian River County, operates buses on 14 fixed routes, taking riders to various locations such as work, school, medical appointments, and shopping. On weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., GoLine buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Community Coach: Community Coach provides door-to-door transportation for eligible riders without other means of travel. Operating as a shared-ride service from Monday to Saturday, Community Coach accommodates riders with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, service animals, and other mobility devices.
- Greyhound: Greyhound service is available at Melbourne International Airport.
How’s the weather in Vero Beach, FL?
Vero Beach, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate bordering on a tropical monsoon climate, leading to hot and humid summers and warm, drier winters.
- The city has two main seasons: a hot season lasting 4.1 months, from May 25 to September 29, with July being the hottest month, and a cool season lasting 2.8 months, from December 6 to February 28, with January as the coldest month.
- Vero Beach receives an average annual precipitation of 56.86 inches, experiencing frequent rainfall but sporadic snowfall. The last significant snowfall occurred on January 19, 1977.
- The best time to visit Vero Beach is March and May.
How is the Education in Vero Beach, FL?
Relocating to Vero Beach, FL, means getting a chance to enroll your children in the best schools and universities offering top-class education in Florida, with detailed information mentioned below:
- Vero Beach, FL, has schools like Vero Beach High School ranked at #4,300 nationally.
- School rankings in Vero Beach are based on state tests, graduation, and college readiness. Around 28% of students are proficient in math and 43% in reading.
- Vero Beach High School maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22:1.
- Vero Beach has a variety of schools, including 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools.
- Public education in Vero Beach is state-funded and free. For higher education, Treasure Coast Technical College offers courses with tuition rates at $2.92 per clock/clinical hour for Florida residents.
- The average net price per year at Treasure Coast Technical College is not specified in the search results.
- Vero Beach’s education system is robust with diverse schools. Average test scores are 39% in math and 36% in reading, slightly below Florida averages.
Best Middle Schools in Vero Beach, FL
- Imagine At South Vero
- Storm Grove Middle School
- Alternative Center For Education
- Gifford Middle School
Best Elementary Schools in Vero Beach, FL
- Osceola Magnet School
- Rosewood Magnet School
- Liberty Magnet School
- Beachland Elementary School
- St. Peter’s Academy Charter School
Best High Schools in Vero Beach, FL
- Indian River Charter High School
- Vero Beach High School
- Sebastian River High School
Best Universities and Colleges in Vero Beach, FL
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Indian River Community College
- Indian River State College
- FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
What are the best things to do in Vero Beach, FL?
The famous attractions to visit and places to see in Vero Beach, Florida, are as follows:
- Explore the tropical beauty of McKee Botanical Garden, renowned for its lush plants and serene water lilies.
- Unwind at Round Island Beach Park, a favorite beach spot with amenities like pavilions, grills, and a playground, ideal for sea turtle sightings.
- Dive into history at the McLarty Treasure Museum, delving into the tale of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that met its fate off Florida’s coast.
- Catch a show or enjoy a sunset at Riverside Theatre, a local venue offering entertainment and scenic views.
- Shop for vintage treasures at Wildwood Antique Mall, catering to the tastes of antique enthusiasts.
- Experience art at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, reportedly exceeding expectations and potentially offering free admission.
- Navigate the waters under the 60 bridge by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Paddles by the Sea.
- Savor the good vibes at Walking Tree Brewery, a local brewery near the airport.
- Bask in the beauty of Vero Beach’s renowned beaches, including Round Island Oceanside Park.
- Indulge in oceanside shopping at Vero Beach’s boutique shops and upscale stores.
- Explore historic sites such as the Old Vero Beach Train Station and Museum or the Laura Riding Jackson Cracker Home.
Best Neighborhoods in Vero Beach, FL
The best places to live in Vero Beach, Florida are:
- Central Beach
- Castaway Cove
- Cache Cay
- Indian Trails
- Sea Oaks
- Riomar
- Wabasso Beach / Orchid
- South Beach
- Seagrove
- McAnsh Park
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Vero Beach, FL?
Before relocating to Vero Beach, FL, it is essential to learn the benefits and drawbacks the city offers to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Pros | Cons |
| Access to world-renowned beaches | High cost of living |
| Excellent golf courses | Brutal summers |
| Great food scene | Lack of nightlife |
| Many museums and historical sites | High property prices |
| Moderate traffic | Poor job market |
| Good for raising a family | Risk of flooding during hurricanes and heavy rains |
| Improved mental health due to ocean views | Distance from big cities |
| Low earthquake risk | High homeowners insurance |
| Small-town feel | Limited diversity |
| High math proficiency at elementary schools | |
| Small business-friendly | |
| No state income tax |
Final Thoughts
Vero Beach is a beautiful beach town to call home. It has friendly communities, pristine beaches, a convenient location, and a charming downtown. No matter what your lifestyle needs or priorities are, you’ll be sure to find the perfect neighborhood in this quirky Florida town. With its proximity to beaches, outdoor recreation, and great schools, it’s no wonder why everyone calls this place a great city to raise a family. So, if this city excels on your priority lists, pack your bags and get ready for a great move to Vero Beach!