Cudjoe Key, FL, is a small community known for its waterfront properties and unique attractions. The island, which began as a U.S. Air Force base in the late 1950s, features a mix of single-family homes and resort rentals, with much of the land remaining undeveloped. The National Key Deer Refuge, a 9,000-acre preserve, protects the endangered Key deer on the island. A notable feature is the aerostat site at the northern tip, where a large white blimp, nicknamed “Fat Albert,” hovers. Residential areas like Cutthroat Harbor Estates and Cudjoe Gardens offer stilt homes and canal-front properties, with prices ranging from $600,000 to over $3 million. The island lacks traditional parks, but residents enjoy water activities such as deep-sea diving, boating, and fishing. Bahia Honda State Park, located 15 miles away, provides additional outdoor recreation with its beach, hiking trails, and snorkeling sites. Dining options include Broil, a gourmet steakhouse, and The Bent Prop, known for its happy hour specials. For groceries, Murray’s Market is 2 miles away on Summerland Key, and a Winn-Dixie is 9 miles away on Big Pine Key. Students attend highly rated schools like Key West High School and Big Pine Academy. The Overseas Highway connects Cudjoe Key to Key West, 20 miles south, and Marathon, 30 miles north. Residents face high home and flood insurance premiums due to the island's susceptibility to hurricanes.
