$1,267,901Average Value$829Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes 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.
Cudjoe Key is an island of the Florida Key located in the Lower Keys section.
The tethered Air Force blimp colloquially known as “Fat Albert” hovers over Cudjoe Key.
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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.
The Cudjoe Gardens Marina allows boaters to use their ramp for a fee.
Many of the single family homes in Cudjoe Key are elevated to withstand severe weather.
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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 State Park offers nature trails, kayak launches and great snorkeling spots to enjoy.
Bahia State Park offers a beach for its guests to relax and cool off on those hot days.
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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 delicious restaurant serving fresh seafood to Cudjoe Key residents.
The Bent Prop offers a great happy hour and located next door to Cudjoe Gardens Marina.
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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 provides elementary and middle school academics.
Key West High School is home to the Conchs.
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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.
Many Cudjoe Key residents enjoy commuting via bicycle around the island.
The Lower Keys Shuttle provides public transportation to the Lower Keys.
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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 are raised and built to withstand storms.
Cudjoe Key is an island found in the Florida Key with many waterfront single family homes.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darrin Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Key West International
35 min drive
Bus
Cudjoe Key - Prior To Cutthroat Road
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cudjoe Key
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cudjoe Key, FL sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Cudjoe Key, FL over the last 12 months is $1,372,564, down 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Florida Keys Waterfront Paradise - 80' Dock & No Bridges to Open Water!Nestled in a boater's paradise, this 2,198 sq. ft. 3-bed, 2-bath home offers a split floor plan for privacy and comfort. Inside, the spacious kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, generous cabinet space, and ample corian counter space perfect for cooking up your fresh catch. The open-concept living and dining area flows
Welcome to Blackbeard Lane on Cudjoe Key, a stunning stilted home that perfectly combines modern elegance with the charm of the Florida Keys. Built in 2012 and thoughtfully updated, this property boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,195 sq. ft. of beautifully designed living space.The heart of the home is the expansive open-concept living area, seamlessly connecting to a chef's kitchen
Tucked away in the boating community of Cudjoe Gardens, this spacious 3 Bedroom plus Loft canal front home boasts over 2,500 sq. ft. with soaring ceilings and a 2-car garage. Thoughtfully designed for both relaxation and functionality, the space is filled with natural light which flows seamlessly from room to room. The massive Kitchen is highly functional featuring lots of granite counter space
Wonderful Cudjoe Gardens property! High quality concrete construction and custom metal roof. This 3 bed 2 bathroom home has large, open living and wonderful outdoor living space- complete with pool, tiki and firepit. Exceptional boating- the 100' concrete dock is set up for 2 boats- with a 20,000 lb lift and davits rated to 10,000 lbs. Enjoy easy boating access to world class fishing and diving
Experience the epitome of island luxury in this custom built 5,000 sq. ft. CBS estate, where masterful design, refined finishes, and breathtaking ocean views come together in perfect harmony. Situated on over an acre of prime oceanfront land, this gated and walled compound offers the ultimate in privacy, serenity, and sophisticated coastal living. Step into the light-filled, open-concept Great
A waterfront two bedroom, two bath home, with huge walk in closet. Home is fully furnished, but we are also willing to rent unfurnished or partially furnished to suit your needs. Located seconds from open water, this home boasts all of the outdoor space you need, including a 60 ft seawall and parking for your vehicles and boat trailers. A fish cleaning station, grill, bait freezer, and outdoor
Commercial office space, highway frontage, casual commercial rental, half bath, small coffee bar area. Laminate flooring, central air, ceiling fans, approx 400 sqft. Plus electric, water included. This is not a livable space, it's office space only.Owner is licensed Realtor
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darrin Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,549
Median Age
57
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
13.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,500
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,799
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.2%
Advanced Degrees
13.6%
% Population in Labor Force
57.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
14/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
