$1,341,411Average Value$823Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Cudjoe Key is known for waterfront properties — and blimps
Since its activation as a remote U.S. Air Force base in the late 1950s, Cudjoe Key has grown to include some of the most sought-after waterfront properties in the Lower Keys. Only a small portion of the horseshoe-shaped island is populated with a combination of single-family homes and resort rentals, leaving most of the land untouched. Some of it is managed by the National Key Deer Refuge, a 9,000-acre preserve that spans multiple islands and protects the endangered Key deer, while other sections fall under the government’s authority — and that’s where things get interesting.
The island sports an elusive aerostat site at its northern tip, over which hovers a giant white blimp affectionately nicknamed “Fat Albert.” “I’m not really sure why it’s there, but I’ve been here since I was a kid, and we’ve always seen it,” says Rose Dell, broker associate with Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty and longtime resident of neighboring Summerland Key. Rumors conflate its purpose: Some say the blimp is used to counter drug trafficking or monitor boat traffic between the Keys and Cuba. Others believe it to be weather-related. In reality, the blimp is managed by the U.S. Air Force and Customs and Border Protection, but its true nature remains a mystery to residents.
Located in the Lower Keys, Cudjoe Key is a tranquil island known for its laid-back lifestyle.
The Air Force blimp known as “Fat Albert” floats above Cudjoe Key, a recognizable local landmark.
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Oceanfront homes and private marinas in Cudjoe Gardens
Most of Cudjoe’s residential properties are located south of the Overseas Highway in planned waterfront developments. Cutthroat Harbor Estates is one of the most popular, with a collection of stilt homes built between 1970 and 1990. Cudjoe Gardens offers canal-front concrete block homes and a private marina for boaters. Prices across both developments range from $900,000 to $2 million, although a few luxury estates at the peninsula point can sell for more than $3 million. Vacant waterside lots up to a quarter-acre sometimes hit the market between $300,000 and $500,000. North of the Overseas Highway, the landscape drastically changes. “Most of Cudjoe is undeveloped, and that’s where you get acreage properties. They’re big, but they’re also closer to the water treatment plant and the blimp site,” Dell says. These modest homes hit the market sporadically between $600,000 and $800,000. Empty parcels can cost up to $200,000 per acre. Most lots are already fitted with running water and electricity.
Waterfront homes in Cudjoe Key boast private docks and scenic views, perfect for boating enthusiasts.
Cudjoe Gardens Marina in Cudjoe Key offers boaters ramp access for a fee and waterfront amenities.
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Making a splash at the Underwater Music Festival
For forty years, the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival has made quite the splash at the Looe Key Reef, raising money and awareness for reef protection. Music lovers in scuba gear enjoy a full radio concert beneath the waves, with many divers toting marine-themed faux instruments. The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce also hosts an Island Art Festival on Big Pine Key. In summer, locals and visitors head to Key West for the annual Hemingway Days, celebrating the late writer’s accomplishments and commitment to the island lifestyle.
Snorkeling sites at Bahia Honda State Park
There are few opportunities for outdoor recreation on Cudjoe that don’t require getting in the water. Besides the local marina and a few natural trails, there are no playgrounds or parks for residents on the island. Instead, many residents spend the weekend deep sea diving, boating and fishing. Bahia Honda State Park, a 500-acre island with a beach, hiking trails and snorkeling sites, is about 15 miles from Cudjoe.
Bahia Honda State Park near Cudjoe Key features nature trails, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures.
Bahia Honda State Park also offers a sandy beach for cooling off and enjoying the Florida sun.
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Broil offers fine dining with an island twist
Cudjoe has a surprising number of fine restaurants for such a sparsely populated island. “Cudjoe probably has some of the most expensive restaurants in this area,” Dell says. “And all of them are local spots; it just depends on how much you’re willing to spend.” Just off the Overseas Highway, Broil offers a gourmet steakhouse experience with a casual Keys twist. Wednesday is wine night, and full-time residents enjoy 20% of their meals on Thursdays. The Bent Prop is located across the canal from the Cudjoe Gardens Marina and features daily happy hour specials and the occasional concert. Morita’s Cuban Café and Morning Joint are casual options off the highway, and a small selection of groceries are available 2 miles away at Murray’s Market on Summerland Key. A 9-mile drive brings shoppers to the Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key.
Broil is a top seafood restaurant in Cudjoe Key, serving fresh catches and coastal cuisine.
The Bent Prop, next to Cudjoe Gardens Marina, is known for its happy hour and relaxed vibe.
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Career preparation at Key West High School
Sugarloaf School, which receives a B-minus from Niche, serves kindergarten through eighth grade students. At B-plus-rated Key West High School, students can participate in career and technical education courses in cosmetology, culinary arts, automobile maintenance, engineering and more. As part of the Monroe County School District, students also have the option to enroll in additional charter schools such as Big Pine Academy, an A-minus-rated school for kindergarten through fifth grade students. However, the district only provides bus services for students attending their zoned school.
Sugarloaf Key School near Cudjoe Key provides elementary and middle school education for local families.
Key West High School, home of the Conchs, serves students from Cudjoe Key and surrounding areas.
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Span the seas on the Overseas Highway
The Keys are connected by U.S. Highway 1, or the Overseas Highway, a series of bridges that lead drivers 20 miles south to Key West and 30 miles north to Marathon — both of which have international airports. The Lower Keys Shuttle also serves the area, making several stops along the highway in Cudjoe. From here, the bus ride to Key West takes about an hour.
The Lower Keys Shuttle offers public transportation connecting Cudjoe Key to other parts of the Keys.
Key West Airport is part of the New Town community.
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Preparing for hurricanes and insurance rates
Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys are often in the path of hurricanes. Residents in the Lower Keys pay some of Florida's highest home insurance premiums, and rapidly rising flood insurance rates affect many homeowners.
Many homes in Cudjoe Key have been recently rebuilt, renovated, and fortified for storm resilience.
Elevated single-family homes in Cudjoe Key are built to endure tropical storms and high winds.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Austin Kimbler,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Cudjoe Key, FL sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Cudjoe Key, FL over the last 12 months is $1,014,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Motivated Seller! Welcome home to this impressively spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath Keys retreat, offering an elevated blend of comfort, functionality, and coastal living. The outdoor space is a dream with an in-ground concrete saltwater pool (2021) with a waterfall feature, 12k lb boat lift (2021), 60' concrete seawall, & an expansive 10' deep back porch (nearly 700 sq ft of porches), all perfect for
3 bed 2 bath stilt home built in 2018 in sought after Sugarloaf Key. Open concept floor plan, large kitchen with an abundance of large white cabinets, kitchen island overlooking living area, stainless steel appliances, light and stylish colors throughout. Wood-look tile plank flooring, crown molding, 9-ft ceilings, recessed lighting and ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living room. Full size
Welcome to a refined waterfront pool home in the highly desirable Cudjoe Gardens neighborhood, where luxury meets laid-back island living. Located on a corner canal with 235' of waterfront this home is designed with life on the water in mind. Featuring two boat lifts, 15,000 lb and 12,000 lb, providing flexibility for multiple vessels along with a 2-car Garage for additional storage for all of
Canal-front Paradise Awaits! Incredible view from your back deck!Unit 424 in Venture Out.Experience the epitome of waterfront Florida Keys living in this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom mid-rise mobile home nestled within an exclusive gated community.This beautiful canal front home boasts:* Prime Canal front Location: Enjoy direct access to the water from your private 17 ft
Where boating lifestyle and modern coastal design align, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Cudjoe Key delivers exceptional waterfront living. This completely reimagined residence is ideally positioned on a premier corner canal lot, offering approximately 190 feet of concrete seawall and dockage along two waterways, an exceptional setting for boating and waterfront enjoyment.
Motivated Seller! Welcome home to this impressively spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath Keys retreat, offering an elevated blend of comfort, functionality, and coastal living. The outdoor space is a dream with an in-ground concrete saltwater pool (2021) with a waterfall feature, 12k lb boat lift (2021), 60' concrete seawall, & an expansive 10' deep back porch (nearly 700 sq ft of porches), all perfect for
Tucked into the sought-after waterfront enclave of Cudjoe Gardens, 51 Sawyer Drive offers the rarest of Florida Keys luxuries: ground-level living above base flood elevation. Built with integrity from solid concrete block and enhanced by Pella windows and a standing seam metal roof, this residence delivers peace of mind and timeless appeal. Boaters will appreciate the 80-foot concrete dock,
Still time to submit to receive 2 points into ROGO. Tier 3 lot in Cudjoe Key for ROGO Donation use. NO Building or RV allowed on this lot. Will receive 2 points - Letter attach 2 additional lots available each for $40,000
Terry Canto
American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate
Experience the ultimate Florida Keys boating lifestyle at this exceptional waterfront residence in prestigious Cudjoe Gardens. Situated on a rare double lot encompassing 16,827 square feet, this CBS-built, ground-level home sits above the flood plain and offers approximately 225 feet of waterfront on two sides, deep-water dockage, and remarkably quick ocean access. Designed for comfort and
Still time to submit to receive 2 points into ROGO. Tier 3 lot in Cudjoe Key for ROGO Donation use. NO Building or RV allowed on this lot. Will receive 2 points - Letter attach 2 additional lots available each for $40,000
Terry Canto
American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate
Oceanfront Paradise Awaits!Unit 182 in Venture OutExperience the epitome of Florida living in this charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom mobile home with Florida Room nestled within an exclusive gated community.This beautifully maintained home boasts:* Prime Canal front Location: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and direct access to the water from your private 35 ft seawall.*
Ocean ''peeks'' on this corner lot adds to the serenity you will get here at Lot 610 in the gated community of Venture Out on Cudjoe Key. Easy access on 2 sides of the lot.This property can do transient rentals!!As part of the Venture Out community, you'll enjoy an array of amenities at your doorstep. Dip into the massive saltwater swimming pool overlooking the ocean, or take advantage of
Canal-front Paradise Awaits! Incredible view from your back deck!Unit 453 in Venture Out.Experience the epitome of waterfront Florida Keys living in this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom mid-rise mobile home nestled within an exclusive gated community.This beautiful canal front home boasts:* Prime Canal front Location: Enjoy direct access to the water from your private 17 ft
Coastal Paradise with Income Potential! Stunning 2BR/2BA Home Steps from the Ocean.Embrace the ultimate coastal lifestyle in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned directly across the street from the ocean. Wake up to serene water views and the soothing sound of the waves from your spacious, private deck—an ideal spot for your morning coffee or evening
Waterfront Paradise in Cudjoe KeyWelcome to 21640 Overseas Highway, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042--a spectacular 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom waterfront sanctuary offering panoramic open-water views and the ultimate Florida Keys lifestyle.Inside, the home features a beautifully updated kitchen with modern finishes, spacious living areas designed for comfort and entertaining, and a huge master suite overlooking
Discover our newly constructed community at Coco Palms in Cudjoe Key, Florida. The leasing team will assist you in finding your new place. A selection of amenities are waiting for you: hurricane windows and doors, dishwashers, washers and dryers and convenient on-site parking options. Contact us today to see available floor plans and find your new place at Coco Palms.
Property Id: 1197908Canal front pool home with a double fenced in lot. Enough room for all your boats and toys. Large saltwater pool perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a peaceful afternoon. The split layout provides privacy with your own separate areas to unwind. Bring your 4 legged family members. Bonus room could be the 4th bedroom or office. Large AC storage area or workshop
Florida Keys Boater's pardise now available for rent! 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms with direct ocean access, boat slift, double jetski lifts, RV hook up, shore power, fish cleaning station. Just Bring your toys! One year lease minimun. Available starting Aug, 2027. This beautiful home is also available for sale. Call listing agent for questions.
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