$1,333,377Average Value$830Average 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
Megan Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Cudjoe Key, FL sell after 128 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cudjoe Key, FL over the last 12 months is $1,030,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Look no further--this exceptional property truly has it all. This beautifully maintained CBS home boasts open-water views and is situated on an oversized lot on an extra-wide, deep canal, great for bigger boats, and just three houses in from the end. You'll be up on plane in seconds, with unparalleled boating access to both the Atlantic and Gulf. Ideally located closest to the premier backcountry
Set along a peaceful canal on Cudjoe Key, this 2016 residence pairs solid CBS construction with an unmistakably elevated sense of island living. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features impact windows and doors and a standing seam metal roof, speaking to a level of craftsmanship built to endure, while 2,548 square feet of living space and roughly 1,370 square feet of balconies invite the
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
CUDJOE KEY CANALFRONT SPECIAL - LOWEST PRICED HOME IN CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES.ASSUMABLE MORTGAGE AT 2.75% MOTIVATED SELLERS SAY BRING ALL OFFERS!!Situated on over 6,000 Square Feet on a deep water canal - this recently updated property provides easy boating access to both the Gulf and the Atlantic, making it a perfect home base for world class fishing, diving, SANDBARS and
Oceanfront Paradise Awaits!Unit 182 in Venture OutExperience the epitome of Florida living in this charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom mobile home withFlorida 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.*
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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
The Best Boating Access in the Lower Keys, hands down!!! The 'Island Life' awaits you in this stunning well thought out custom designed canal front property. This solid CBS home, nestled in lush tropical landscaping, features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on an oversized 10,200 sq.ft. lot located in the tranquil setting of sought after Cudjoe Ocean Shores. This subdivision is extremely desirable due to
Look no further--this exceptional property truly has it all. This beautifully maintained CBS home boasts open-water views and is situated on an oversized lot on an extra-wide, deep canal, great for bigger boats, and just three houses in from the end. You'll be up on plane in seconds, with unparalleled boating access to both the Atlantic and Gulf. Ideally located closest to the premier backcountry
Set along a peaceful canal on Cudjoe Key, this 2016 residence pairs solid CBS construction with an unmistakably elevated sense of island living. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features impact windows and doors and a standing seam metal roof, speaking to a level of craftsmanship built to endure, while 2,548 square feet of living space and roughly 1,370 square feet of balconies invite the
Florida Keys luxury island living at its finest.Welcome to your private slice of tropical island living in coveted Cudjoe Gardens—a true boater's dream set on an oversized double canal-front lot (approx. 15,200 sq. ft.) with an impressive close to 200 feet of concrete seawall. This beautifully designed CBS home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of living space, thoughtfully
Welcome to your piece of paradise in the exclusive gated community of Venture Out on Cudjoe Key. This stunning high-rise, built in 2024, embodies the perfect blend of modern luxury and island life. As you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of coastal living. The master bedroom boasts an en suite bathroom, offering a serene retreat at the end of the
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Property Id: 1197908 Canal 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 and
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Enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle in this spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront duplex located in the desirable Cudjoe Gardens community. Step outside and enjoy dock space with direct boating access, making it easy to spend your days on the water. The property is conveniently located just seconds from the local marina.Please note that this is a duplex, so there are some shared
Welcome to Paradise!Enjoy this beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom waterfront rental featuring 120 feet of private dockage--perfect for boating enthusiasts and families alike. Shore power would be an additional charge.This fully furnished home is move-in ready and offers everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Whether you're planning a vacation getaway or an extended
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