Hello From

Vero Beach!

 

 

“Gateway to the Tropics“

Anna Maria Island

Vero Beach

A City in and the County Seat of Indian River County, Florida

 

Vero Beach is a serene coastal city nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast in Indian River County. Positioned along the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, it offers a blend of upscale relaxed living, rich natural landscapes, and cultural sophistication. With a welcoming downtown of boutique shops, fine dining and waterfront parks, Vero Beach provides a refined yet approachable coastal lifestyle.

Vero Beach Pier at sunrise<br />

Vero Beach Pier at sunrise

Photo by Penny Britt via Canva

Location & Size

Vero Beach is located about 135 miles north of Miami on Florida’s central east coast.  

It lies between Melbourne to the south-west and Fort Pierce to the north.

The city covers approximately 13.1 square miles of land.

Founded

Modern settlement began in the late 1800s, when pioneers were drawn to the fertile land and the Indian River Lagoon for agriculture, fishing, and citrus farming. The community that formed was originally called Vero, a name believed to have been suggested by Sarah Gifford, the wife of early settler Henry Gifford, who established the first post office in 1891. The name “Vero” may have been derived from the Latin word meaning “true” or possibly from the Spanish word “verdadero.”

Vero’s growth accelerated in the early 20th century with the extension of the Florida East Coast Railway, which connected the area to larger markets and helped develop agriculture and trade. In 1919, the town of Vero was officially incorporated. When Indian River County was created in 1925, Vero became the county seat and was renamed Vero Beach to reflect its coastal identity.

Throughout the 20th century, Vero Beach evolved from a small farming settlement into a sophisticated coastal city, known for its scenic beaches, citrus industry, and cultural charm. Today, it retains much of its small-town feel while serving as a centerpiece of Florida’s Treasure Coast.

VERO BEACH WEATHER

Population

Recent estimates place the population around 16,000 to 17,000 residents.

Known For

  • Elegant, relaxed beach lifestyle with high-quality resorts and fine dining.

  • Unspoiled natural surroundings including the Indian River Lagoon, conservation areas, and key turtle‐nesting beaches.

  • A strong arts and culture presence with museums (e.g., the Vero Beach Museum of Art) and historic architecture.

Cost of living

Median Income: Approximately $67,351.

Median Home Price:  $392,500 in 2023.

Median Rent: Rental costs are generally between approximately $968 and $2,423 per month.

 

Things to do

  • Visit Humiston Park Beach or South Beach for sun, sand and sea.

  • Explore the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and stroll the sculpture park.

  • Go kayaking or paddleboarding in the Indian River Lagoon, or explore nearby wildlife refuges.

  • Enjoy downtown Ocean Drive with boutique shopping, cafés and waterfront dining.

Fun Facts

  • Vero Beach is often called the “Hamptons of Florida” for its blend of sophistication and laid-back coastal elegance.

  • It was once home to spring-training baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Holman Stadium.

  • The city’s name “Vero” is sometimes traced back to Spanish for “true” or “genuine,” though local legend links it to a treasure-shipwrecked fleet off the coast in the 1700s.

Nearby Cities

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