Islamorada offers coastal recreation in a "warm and caring community"
Islamorada, known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, is a charming Florida Keys village about 85 miles south of Miami. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and cradled by Florida Bay. These waters teem with aquatic life and provide the backbone of a local economy that depends on marine services and eco-tourism. The remote location offers peaceful living, and, while it caters to older residents, the village is also family friendly and is served by a pair of top-rated schools. “It’s a very warm and caring community,” says Andi Saylor of Paradise Florida Keys Real Estate, who went on to explain that, “The cost of living is kind of high, so it really takes two jobs to support living here. … The community does a lot of benefits for people in need. They just had one for a woman who came up with a rare blood disease, and they raised thousands and thousands of dollars.”
Waterfront homes provide bay access; inland homes are more affordable
Multi-level Coastal homes are a prominent housing option. Prices typically start around $650,000 and can exceed $2 million. This style of home is built to withstand the high risk of flooding and wind damage from hurricanes. “New construction requires elevation,” Saylor says. Coastal designs are part of the community’s waterfront options, some costing several million dollars. Many of these are second homes. “Our population doubles in the winter,” says Saylor. Full-time residents mostly occupy inland housing. “We have what are called dry lots,” Saylor says, “and those are the people who live here and work here. They typically do not have boats. That’s about one-third. The rest of the homes have boat docks and access to the bay.” Small cottage-style homes can start as low as $300,000 and sell for as much as $630,000. Midcentury designs typically range in price from about $650,000 to $1 million-plus. Townhouses and condos can also be found. They typically range in price from around $350,000 to as much as $2 million for luxury oceanside units. Islamorada’s median sales price is about $1.25 million.
The fishing community also offers a quiet beach and a popular park
Islamorada is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are home to coral reefs, flats and mangrove ecosystems. Such marine diversity makes it easy to understand why the village is known as one of the country’s top fishing destinations. Popular recreational spaces include Anne’s Beach, a quiet, natural spot on the western edge of Islamorada, and Founders Park, a community gathering place on the east side of the village that features ocean access, a pool, athletic courts and children’s playscapes. The park also hosts regular community events, including Pops in the Park. The monthly concert series runs from November through April. Other marine-related attractions include Theater of the Sea, where visitors can swim with dolphins, the History of Diving Museum and Indian Key Historic State Park, a tiny nearby island that offers swimming, sunbathing and hiking. It is only accessible by kayak or boat.
Lazy Days, Papa Joe's and Lorelei's are local institutions
The community boasts an array of popular local dining destinations. “Everybody knows Lazy Days,” Saylor says. “It’s a waterfront restaurant where you can eat on the beach. It’s on the ocean side. Across the street is Papa Joe’s. … It’s on the bay side, with a bar upstairs, and you can watch the sun set. Those are the two prominent Islamorada restaurants. Lorelei's is another one that is a local institution. It’s all outdoor seating. It’s a casual place for burgers and fries.” With a giant sculpture of Betty the Lobster out front, Rain Barrel Village is a can’t-miss shopping center. Several local stores and a Publix can be found along U.S. Route 1, which runs through the village.
Students can attend highly-rated schools
Plantation Key School is a PK-8 institution that is rated A-minus by Niche. Coral Shores High School earns an A. The school has its own fishing club and offers marine mechanics classes. Florida’s controlled open enrollment program allows students to transfer to schools outside of their geographic zones, although the village’s location does not lend itself to such, as transportation is not guaranteed.
Central location for trips to Miami, Key West
U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is the only way in and out of this car-dependent community. It offers access throughout the Keys, including Key West, and connects residents to the mainland. “The central location is great. You’re an hour and a half from Miami for sporting events and shows, and you can do all that in one day,” Saylor says. “That’s one of the reasons we choose Islamorada instead of a place farther south.” Baptist Health Mariners Hospital in neighboring Tavernier is a convenient medical facility, but residents should be aware that a trip to Miami may be needed for expanded healthcare options and extended stays.
![Matt Pallister]()
Written By
Matt Pallister
