Harbour Island Residences

Verified Building Facts

• Building Name: Harbour Island
• Address: 1399 St Louis Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
• Location Type: Bayfront
• Location Type: Downtown Ocean City
• Year Built: 1983-1990
• Building Type: Mix of condos and townhomes
• Number of Units: 175
• Elevator Access: Yes
• Short Term Rentals: Yes

These facts are provided for informational purposes and should be independently verified during the purchase process.

Back to section links ↑

About Harbour Island

Harbour Island is a 175-unit bayfront residential community built between 1983 and 1990, consisting of a mix of condominium buildings and three-story townhomes. Located at 1399 St. Louis Avenue in Downtown Ocean City, the property sits on the northern end of the downtown area and is recognized as the epicenter of the White Marlin Open. Residential offerings primarily include two- and three-bedroom floor plans, and the condominium buildings provide elevator access. The community is professionally and locally managed through one of the area's leading management companies.

The property is structured to accommodate a range of ownership styles, including primary residences, second homes, and short-term rental use, as rentals are permitted. Harbour Island offers a comprehensive amenity package that includes an outdoor pool, marina with deep-water boat slips, pier and dock access, tennis courts, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Parking consists of a mix of assigned spaces, with garages available for townhomes. The bayfront setting and marina infrastructure make the community particularly oriented toward buyers seeking boating access alongside a downtown Ocean City location.

Amenities at Harbour Island

Harbour Island offers one of the more comprehensive amenity packages among bayfront communities in Downtown Ocean City, supporting a range of ownership and use styles.

Amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Pier/dock
• Marina
• Tennis courts
• Bar/Restaurant

Back to section links ↑

Floor Plans and Unit Types

Harbour Island offers a balanced mix of floor plans suited to a range of buyer preferences and ownership styles.

Common unit types include:

• 2-bedroom
• 3-bedroom

Interior layouts, square footage, and finishes vary by unit, floor level, and ownership.

Back to section links ↑

Grant’s Local Insight on Harbour Island

Harbour Island is one of my favorite communities in Ocean City, and it’s also one of the most versatile. There’s a reason people who buy here tend to stay for a long time.

This is one of Ocean City’s premier bayfront communities, offering a mix of waterfront townhomes, condos, and amenities that very few places can match. Multiple pools, tennis courts, walkable common areas, and on-site dining at The Reel Inn all contribute to a true community feel rather than just a condo complex.

If boating matters to you, Harbour Island is in a league of its own. It’s home to some of the best and deepest boat slips in Ocean City and proudly hosts the world famous White Marlin Tournament every year. That alone gives you a sense of the caliber of boating culture here.

Here’s the thing I really appreciate about Harbour Island. There are options. You can find properties that work as full-time residences, second homes, investment properties, or some combination of all three. It attracts a wide range of buyers, from boaters and anglers to families and retirees.

While the community is primarily known for the waterfront townhomes that line the perimeter of the island, some of my favorite properties in the community are the 2BR condos. These are located in a few small buildings that sit on the direct bayfront, and have some of the most amazing views!

This is a community where lifestyle fit matters more than anything. When buyers want variety, amenities, and a strong sense of place, Harbour Island is usually one of the first places I suggest we look.

Pro Tip: The Reel Inn Bar & Grill (on-site in the community) is a local's favorite and an amazing tucked-away treat. And it's open to the public!

Back to section links ↑

Who Harbour Island Is Best Suited For

Harbour Island is typically best suited for:

• Primary residence buyers
• Second-home buyers
• Part-time owner / part-time rental owners
• Buyers who value walkable dining and attractions
• Buyers looking for easy access boating & water sports
• Buyers focused on long-term appreciation

Back to section links ↑

Common Buyer Mistakes at Harbour Island

Some of the most common mistakes buyers make when evaluating Harbour Island include:

• Assuming all units have the same view
• Assuming rental income is consistent across all units
• Underestimating traffic or seasonal congestion
• Not accounting for seasonal rental variability
• Assuming it functions like a full-service resort

Back to section links ↑

Rental and Investment Potential

Short-term rentals are permitted at Harbour Island, allowing owners to use their units for personal use while also offering the option to rent on a short-term basis. The property has strong rental potential and accommodates varying demand throughout the year, though performance may fluctuate with seasonal factors.

The community’s bayfront location, comprehensive amenities, and recognizable name contribute to its suitability for rental use. Buyers should consider the unique combination of on-site facilities, marina access, and downtown proximity when evaluating rental opportunities and exercise due diligence regarding occupancy patterns and seasonal variability.

Back to section links ↑

HOA Fees and Ownership Details

Homeowner association fees at Harbour Island vary based on unit size and location. HOA fees generally contribute to building maintenance, amenity upkeep, insurance, management, and common area utilities.

Parking policies, pet rules, and rental guidelines should be reviewed during the contract process, as association policies may evolve over time.

Back to section links ↑

Harbour Island Real Estate Market Trends

Harbour Island typically sees a moderate level of resale market activity, supported by strong interest tied to its high name recognition and bayfront setting in Downtown Ocean City. As a community that mixes condos and three-story townhomes, it draws a broad range of buyers, including primary-residence buyers, second-home owners, and part-time owner / part-time rental buyers who value a waterfront lifestyle with comprehensive amenities like a marina, pier/dock access, and an on-site bar/restaurant.

Within Harbour Island, pricing variation is commonly influenced by differences in property type and how individual residences relate to the waterfront setting, along with unit size, layout, and overall condition. With a moderate variety of 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans and both condo and townhouse options, buyers often compare the practical tradeoffs between building style, access patterns, and parking configurations, then weigh how updates and presentation affect day-to-day livability. Most purchasers evaluate opportunities on a case-by-case basis, focusing on the specific characteristics that can make one residence feel distinct from another.

Back to section links ↑

Harbour Island vs Nearby Condos

Buyers exploring Harbour Island are often also looking at Sunset Island, since both offer waterfront community living rather than a single building experience. Sunset Island operates more like a resort-style development with a larger amenity package and heavier seasonal activity. Harbour Island feels more like a traditional marina neighborhood built around canals, boats, and walkable waterfront views. On the single-family side, areas like Caine Keys and Little Salisbury offer similar canal-front boating lifestyles, but they’re spread throughout North Ocean City rather than concentrated into one gated waterfront community like Harbour Island.

Back to section links ↑

Buying or Selling a Harbour Island Property

Last reviewed by Grant Fritschle

Grant Fritschle is a second-generation Ocean City, Maryland real estate professional with nearly three decades of experience specializing in oceanfront, waterfront, and investment properties throughout Ocean City, MD and Fenwick Island, DE. He is known for his deep local knowledge, data informed guidance, and long term client relationships built on transparency and trust.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Back to section links ↑

Recent Blogs