Homes prices and new developments are booming along South Floridas train line

Since its completion in 2022, the Brightline has upended transport within car-mad Florida — helping both tourists connect between the state’s two most popular destinations, as well as turning locals into commuters between communities once thought far too far apart for daily journeys.And canny real estate developers haven’t missed a beat with their investments.“The Brightline has been a game-changer for South Florida, creating seamless connectivity between key markets,” said Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President, Naftali Group, whose pair of developments JEM Private Residences in Miami Worldcenter and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale benefit from proximity to Brightline Stations.“Our projects are directly benefiting … from the ease of travel Brightline provides.”The train cost a hefty $6.2 billion to complete, with all funds raised via the private-sector.

Over 2.7 million riders traveled via Brightline in 2024 — a near 40% increase over 2023. Having now secured the confidence of Florida travelers, the Brightline is also reflecting its economic glory on the Miami-area’s real estate market.  “As a cornerstone of downtown Miami’s growth and development, the Brightline has clearly become a significant asset,” said Ibrahim Fesli, executive board member of the Okan Group — whose 70-story Okan Tower is rising just one block from Miami’s Brightline Station.Indeed, property prices have risen not only along the Brightline’s route, but around its six train stations — Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando.All of those area’s are now emerging as major commercial centers. Miami’s Brightline hub, for instance, is set in the heart of the city’s downtown.

It was one of the first to open, debuting in 2018  for service between Miami and Fort Lauderdale (the line to Orlando was completed in September 2023). According to local listings data, the area around Miami’s Brightline station has seen res...