Star Island is one of the smallest neighborhoods in South Florida. However, although it is small, it is mighty when it comes to the celebrity real estate it commands. We’ve listed who some of its well-known residents and ex-residents of what is otherwise known as Miami’s Millionaire Row.
The Allure of Star Island
Star Island Miami Beach is an artificial island made upscale by history and exclusivity. Created in the early 1920s (via dredging sand from Biscayne Bay), the island was developed by Carl Fisher and has since become one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods. Accessible only via the MacArthur Causeway, the island offers a hidden retreat just minutes from South Beach and downtown Miami. Large waterfront lots, private docks, and sprawling gardens help give many homes a resort-like feel while preserving a degree of privacy for high-profile residents.
Lifestyle on Star Island
Life on Star Island blends luxury with exclusivity. Many homes along Star Island Drive include amenities such as guest houses, tennis courts, private docks, and expansive outdoor living areas. The gated island operates with security and limited access, giving residents peace of mind. Its proximity to Miami Dade County’s cultural, shopping, and dining districts ensures you’re secluded yet never far from the action.
So Who Lives on Star Island Miami?
Star Island continues to be one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods, where celebrities live in waterfront mansions that often include luxury features like private docks, pools, and even a guest house or two. To live on Star Island is to enjoy unmatched privacy while being just minutes from South Beach and downtown Miami. Over the years, a star-studded list of actors, athletes, musicians, and business leaders have called this exclusive island home, cementing its reputation as one of the most prestigious addresses in Florida.
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan of Miami Sound Machine who made it big world wide in the 1980s owns 1 Star Island Drive – also known as Nena’s Villa. She has previously rented this out, although reports suggest it is currently up for sale. She and Emilio Estefan live further down the road at 39 Star Island Drive.
Don Johnson
Don Johnson lived at 5 Star Island Drive during the filming of the first series of Miami Vice. One of the homes there served as a location for the series, as well for CSI Miami. Other famous renters in the area have included P.Diddy and Kanye West.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal a former NBA basketball player, and now TV pundit, previously lived at 26 Star Island Drive. It’s now rumored to be owned by a Russian Oligarch Vladislav Doronin.
Rosie O’Donnell
US actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell previously lived at 43 Star Island Drive. She later sold this to Doctor David Frankel.
Philip Frost
Philip Frost – the billionaire who made his money in the pharma industry owns 21 Star Island Drive. Records show his house boasts over 37,000 sq. ft.
Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez
In 2020, Jennifer Lopez and her then-fiancé Alex Rodriguez purchased a waterfront mansion on Star Island for around $40 million. With its sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and resort-style amenities, the property added another layer of celebrity glamour to the island. Though the couple has since parted ways, their purchase helped put Star Island back in the public spotlight.
Sean “Diddy” Combs
Sean Combs, better known as Diddy, owns one of Star Island’s prime waterfront estates. He acquired Gloria Estefan’s former home and has expanded his holdings on the island, making him one of its most notable music industry residents.
Vladislav Doronin
Russian billionaire and real estate tycoon Vladislav Doronin owns one of the most striking estates on Star Island, complete with tennis courts, fountains, and expansive luxury amenities. Known for his high-profile business ventures and relationships, Doronin embodies the exclusivity of Star Island living.
Enrique Iglesias
International pop star Enrique Iglesias has also been linked to Star Island. As a Miami native with deep ties to the city’s music scene, his presence further cements the island’s reputation as a haven for global entertainers.
Rick Ross
The rapper Rick Ross, known for his larger-than-life persona, is among the list of celebrities connected with Star Island. His residence underscores the island’s continued appeal to hip hop and entertainment royalty.
Controversial developers
Much of Star Island has been purchased by a controversial developer – Stuart Millar – who has razed some buildings and replaced them with modern architecture, which hasn’t always appealed to all Miami residents. The Hochsteins have had a similar reaction when they replaced their villa at 42 Star Island Drive with a more modern home. The Hochsteins are plastic surgeon, Lenny ‘the boob god’ Hochstein and his wife Lisa – star of real housewives of Miami.
Explore Miami’s Millionaire Row with Gray Line Miami:
Gray Line Miami is the sight seeing expert of the region. We offer superb tours of Miami, including our Biscayne Bay Boat Tour, which takes in Millionaire Row – Star Island. Hop over to the Gray Line Miami website at graylinemiami.com where you will find full details of this and our Miami Tours and day trips in the region.
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We look forward to meeting you soon on one of tours of Miami!
Gray Line Miami team.
