Relocating to Vero Beach? Start Here.
Every month, people move to Vero Beach for jobs at Piper Aircraft, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Florida Atlantic University, Skyborne Airline Academy, and the restaurants and hotels along Ocean Drive. They all have the same question: where should I live?
Here's a practical guide from North Crane Living — the local property management company that's been housing relocating workers since 2018.
The Basics
Vero Beach is on Florida's Treasure Coast, about two hours north of Miami and an hour south of Melbourne. It's a small, genuine coastal town with around 17,000 people in the city proper. The cost of living is significantly lower than South Florida.
Average rents in Vero Beach range from $1,200 to $2,400 depending on size and proximity to the beach. A one-bedroom apartment near the beach runs $1,400–$1,800/mo. On the mainland, you'll find one-bedrooms starting around $1,200/mo.
By Employer
Piper Aircraft
Piper is headquartered at Vero Beach Regional Airport. Most of our Piper employee renters live 7–12 minutes from the facility in mainland neighborhoods or near the airport. They want a short commute and easy beach access after work. North Crane's The Shoreline at 19th and The Oaks at Royal Palm are both popular choices.
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
The hospital at 1000 36th Street draws both permanent staff and traveling healthcare workers. Properties in the hospital district are 5–10 minutes from work. For travelers on 13-week contracts, North Crane Living offers flexibility on lease terms.
Florida Atlantic University
FAU students and staff typically rent along the mainland's US-1 corridor. The commute to campus is 10–15 minutes. Rents are the most affordable in this area, and multi-bedroom units work well for roommate arrangements.
Skyborne Airline Academy
International flight students arrive — often from the UK and Europe — for 12–18 month training programs at the Vero Beach airport. The unique challenge: no U.S. credit history, no car, and limited local knowledge. North Crane Living has simplified the process for Skyborne students. We accept alternative documentation and can coordinate move-in remotely.
Hospitality & Service Industry
If you work in the restaurants, hotels, or shops along Ocean Drive and Beachland Boulevard, living near the beach corridor means you can bike to work, skip the commute, and be part of the community you serve.
Practical Tips for New Arrivals
Utilities: You'll need FPL (Florida Power & Light) for electric and AT&T or Xfinity for internet. Many North Crane Living properties include water, trash, and lawn care in rent.
Transportation: You'll want a car for most areas. Central Beach is the exception — it's walkable. Skyborne students near the airport can bike to campus.
Weather: Warm and humid summers, mild winters. Hurricane season is June through November. We provide preparedness guidance to all residents.
Getting oriented: Vero Beach has one main bridge to the barrier island (the Merrill P. Barber Bridge on Route 60). US-1 runs north-south through the mainland. I-95 is 10 minutes west. Once you know these three roads, you can get anywhere.
About North Crane Living
North Crane Living is a locally owned property management company managing 80+ apartments and homes in Vero Beach. We specialize in housing for relocating workers — whether you're arriving from across the country or across the ocean. Browse availabilities at northcraneliving.com/availabilities.