Cudjoe Key Homes for Rent

Cudjoe Key, a horseshoe-shaped island in the Lower Keys, features a mix of single-family homes and resort rentals, with much of the land remaining untouched and managed by the National Key Deer Refuge. The island is known for its elusive aerostat site, where a large white blimp, "Fat Albert," hovers, managed by the U.S. Air Force and Customs and Border Protection. Residential properties are primarily located south of the Overseas Highway in waterfront developments like Cutthroat Harbor Estates, with stilt homes from the 1970s to 1990s, and Cudjoe Gardens, which offers canal-front concrete block homes and a private marina. North of the highway, the landscape is more undeveloped, featuring larger acreage properties closer to the water treatment plant and the blimp site. The island is known for its attractions, including the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival and the Island Art Festival on Big Pine Key. Dining options are plentiful, with local spots like Broil, The Bent Prop, Morita’s Cuban Café, and Morning Joint. For groceries, residents can visit Murray’s Market on Summerland Key or drive 9 miles to the Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key. Schools in the area include the highly rated Key West High School and Big Pine Academy. While there are few land-based recreational opportunities, residents enjoy deep sea diving, boating, and fishing, with Bahia Honda State Park located 15 miles away. The Overseas Highway connects Cudjoe Key to Key West, 20 miles south, and Marathon, 30 miles north, both with international airports. The area faces high home and flood insurance premiums due to its hurricane-prone location.