Key Colony Beach draws vacationers but keeps its tight-knit spirit
Key Colony Beach is one of the few islands among the Florida Keys where short-term rentals are permitted, which means this area’s population fluctuates, especially in the winter. Still, this community of about 1,400 offers plenty of small-town charm. Residents here gather at local restaurants, attend regular events and spend time outside as much as possible. “It’s very quaint, it’s all walkable, you can ride your bike,” says Krissy Carnahan, a real estate agent with Realty One Group Destination who sells throughout the Keys. “It’s a safe, small island community.”
Canal-front homes with boat access and tropical landscaping
Most single-family homes here are a mix of beach style with low hipped metal roofs, ranch-style and New Traditional. Many have carports or garages. Front yards are either landscaped with grass and palm trees, or feature a mix of concrete, pavers or stones. Nearly all feature backyard water views, as they sit on a series of deep, wide canals. The wide canals allow boaters to turn their vessels around easily, perk for all boaters, but especially for less-skilled vacationers. “If they’re coming down for a week, that wide canal is important,” Carnahan says. Prices range from around $850,000 to around $3.6 million. Homes on the higher end of the price range often exceed 2,000 square feet, have backyard pools or both. Condos and townhouses are also available. Condos are located close to the ocean and range from around $400,000 for a one- or two-bedroom unit to $2.2 million for a four-bedroom unit with unobstructed views. Townhouses are located throughout the community and are typically priced between $500,000 and around $1.4 million.
Monroe County Schools offers open enrollment and magnet tracks
Monroe County Schools serves the town and has a B-plus rating on Niche. Monroe County Schools offers open enrollment within the district, plus magnet programs for specialized tracks. Out-of-district transfers require district approval under state policy. Kids can attend B-rated Stanley Switlik Elementary, B-rated Marathon Middle High and A-rated Coral Shores High. Kids at Coral Shores High can join any number of clubs and organizations including Creative Writing Club, Robotics Club and Fishing Club.
Sportfishing, golf and playgrounds offer outdoor fun for all ages
The community is known for its sportfishing, with multiple charter companies off Sadowski Causeway. Anglers have been known to catch tarpon, grouper and mangrove snapper. Residents with kids head to First Street Playground on the city’s east side, which also offers tennis and pickleball courts. Key Colony Beach Golf Course has a public nine-hole layout. Sunset Park sits on the water on the city’s southwest side and features piers and benches to enjoy the sunset, picnic tables, and green space. The park has a bit of sand but doesn’t offer the full beach-going experience. For that, residents head about three miles away to Cocoa Plum Beach in Marathon.
Dining in town, shopping and services are nearby
Sparky’s Landing Fish n’ Cocktails is on the community’s north side and is a local favorite for its seafood and patio on the water. Residents can also go to Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar on the south side for seafood and waterfront dining. Winn-Dixie and Publix are about 5 miles away via U.S. Route 1. More shopping, dining and services are along U.S. Route 1 and in nearby Marathon. Baptist Health Fisherman’s Community Hospital is about 6 miles away and has an emergency room.
Fishing club hosts tournaments and a popular kids derby
The Key Colony Beach Fishing & Boating Club features multiple events throughout the year. The Kids Fishing Derby has become a major event every June since it was founded in 2006. Kids from ages six to 14 compete for biggest catch, then enjoy lunch and awards ceremony with trophies and door prizes. The club also hosts multiple tournaments throughout and year and celebrates Christmas with a boat parade.
Sadowski Causeway links the island to U.S. 1
Residents get around by car or bike, since the city doesn’t have a fixed bus line. The speed limit for cars is 25 miles per hour, which is strictly enforced. “You gotta slow down unless you want a ticket,” Carnahan says with a laugh. Sadowski Causeway leads off the island and connects to U.S. Highway 1, which travels throughout the Keys and eventually leads to Miami, about 120 miles away. Key West International Airport is around 50 miles away and connects to major cities like Miami, Atlanta and Dallas.
Most homes are in flood zones, insurance strongly encouraged
Most of Key Colony Beach is in a flood zone. The community has a floodplain management system that includes zoning, building codes and education. Home buyers are strongly encouraged to buy flood insurance. Key Colony Beach is in a high-risk area for hurricanes. Monroe County has an alert system that residents can sign up for to keep them informed during severe weather.
