Between its tidal pools and mangrove lagoons, Tavernier is no stranger to Florida wildlife. The island, home to the Garden Club of the Upper Keys and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary, began as a small fishing community in the early 1900s. For decades, the island’s shallow flats have supported native birds such as cormorants, pelicans, egrets and herons, while the lagoon’s grassy beds welcomed small barracuda. Now, it’s considered one of the largest upper Keys, and while it has a handful of businesses, locals say it’s the proximity to the nearby cities that make this an attractive area. “The key to that area – no pun intended – is that it’s nestled between Key Largo and Islamorada, giving you the amenities of both towns right at your fingertips,” says 23-year Keys resident Lorie Leal, a sales associate with American Caribbean Christie’s International Real Estate. Like the cities, Tavernier is well-equipped for full-time residents, with its own grocery store, commercial town center and hospital. “Being close to the hospital is nice. It has a gym there that anyone can come and use,” Leal says. But despite its growth, Tavernier is still a fishing village at heart, with plenty of waterfront homes and local marinas.
Fishing is a huge part of the culture and community in Tavernir.
Residents of Tavernir enjoying kayaking around the island.
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Swim at Harry Harris Park’s protected beach
Harry Harris Park is home to the island’s only protected beach, a tidal pool that creates a safe area for residents to swim. The park also includes a colorful playground, basketball court and baseball fields surrounded by more than a dozen picnic tables and pavilions. Local boaters appreciate the park’s deep-water boat ramp, which makes it easy to set off in search of bonefish and small tarpon. The island is also close to a string of red mangrove islands, with lagoons attracting kayakers and canoers. Old Settler’s Park, an oceanside green space, features a butterfly garden, playground and large picnic shelter. Islamorada’s Founders Park is a destination for youth sports, with a massive aquatic center surrounded by courts for tennis, basketball and pickleball and fields for soccer and baseball. The park also includes a spacious outdoor amphitheater and a fenced dog area.
Residents of Tavernir can head to the beach at Founders Park to cool off.
Fishing is a huge part of the culture and community in Tavernir.
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Historic homes and waterfront properties are common in Tavernier
Tavernier’s housing stock is a mix of old and new. “Historic Tavernier, or Old Tavernier as we call it, has a bunch of historic Key West homes, which are really cool,” Leal says. Some of these raised cottages date back to the 1930s, although most were built in the 1950s. Concrete block and stucco homes with two or three bedrooms are priced between $600,000 and $900,000, while stilt homes can cost between $800,000 and $2 million. Grand waterfront properties range from $2 million to $5 million and often come with private docks. Undeveloped quarter-acre lots are also available, ranging between $120,000 and $350,000. A few condo complexes, such as the midrise Ocean Pointe building, offer two-bedroom options for between $500,000 and $750,000.
Tavernir homes are known for their beach vibes and tropical character.
Tavernir offers large waterfront homes near Harry Harris Park.
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Bringing a taste of winter to the Keys
For 20 years, Islamorada has hosted an annual Holiday Fest at Founders Park in December. “They’ll truck in a snow machine, which is kind of hilarious,” Leal says. “It’s 80 degrees, and kids are running around in the snow.” Islamorada also organizes events such as Art Under the Oaks, a fine arts and crafts fair often held at San Pedro Catholic Church.
Groceries and games at Tavernier Towne Center
As one of the larger middle Keys, Tavernier has a much more robust commercial footprint than many surrounding islands. Tavernier Towne Center, which sits at the southern end of the Key, is home to a Winn-Dixie grocery store, the Tavernier Cinema, a post office, salons and a few casual restaurants. The shopping center also includes the Pinfish Entertainment arcade, where kids can test their skills on old-fashioned arcade games and mini-bowling. “There aren’t a ton of things like that up there for the kids, so it’s nice,” says Amy Prumo, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company and a resident of nearby Marathon. “The parents go there for the axe throwing and the beer.” U.S. Highway 1, or the Overseas Highway, supports the remainder of the area’s shopping and dining scene with popular local spots like Café Moka, a relaxed coffee shop specializing in French pastries. Sunrise Cuban Market & Café is another popular breakfast stop, while Dillon’s Pub & Grill attracts a crowd on Thursday nights for its full Irish menu. The sports bar is also a local favorite for catching Florida Panthers hockey games. Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory puts a twist on the traditional dessert with creative menu items such as a chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie slice.
The Winn-Dixie at Tavernir Town Center offers groceries at a reasonable price.
A movie theater and retail shops are found in Tavernir Towne Center .
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Career preparation at Coral Shores High
Plantation Key School, which receives an A-minus on Niche, serves kindergarten through eighth grade students. Coral Shores High School, which also scores an A-minus, is home to a 740-seat performing arts center and offers industry certification courses for culinary arts, digital video production, biomedical science and cosmetology. The school also participates in Monroe County’s MOVE Program, or Monroe Occupation and Vocational Experiences, which affords students hands-on career training with local businesses.
Students attend the Coral Shores High School for their secondary studies.
Plantation Key School offers both elementary and middle school learning.
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Miami-Dade bus service extends to the upper Keys
Miami-Dade’s 301 Dade-Monroe Express bus services the upper and middle Keys, making several stops along the Overseas Highway. The closest stop is about 5 miles away at Mile Marker 87, but there’s an additional stop just over 6 miles away in Key Largo at Mile Marker 98. The closest airport, Florida Keys-Marathon International, is about 40 miles south.
Tavernir residents can catch a ride into Miami with the Miami-Dade Transit bus.
Tavernir offers crystal clear blue waters and world class fishing off its shores.
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Preparing for hurricanes and high insurance rates
Like all the Florida Keys, Tavernier is susceptible to damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. Monroe County operates a zoned evacuation plan and will notify residents promptly when evacuation is ordered. Rising flood insurance rates also affect many homebuyers.
Tavernir offers large waterfront homes near Harry Harris Park.
Homes of Tavernir are known for having private boat docks many sporting pools.
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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
Linda Maria Erice,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Tavernier, FL sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Tavernier, FL over the last 12 months is $970,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located conveniently in between Islamorada and Key Largo, this turn-key property is close to schools, grocery stores and under an hour and a half from the Miami airport! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect mix of style, space, and outdoor fun. Inside, you'll find an open-concept living and dining area that flows seamlessly into a modern kitchen--updated with gas
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3 bathroom pool home that offers exceptional space, privacy and flexibility - ideal for families, remote workers, or multiple generational living. Built with solid CBS construction with impact windows and doors, this thoughtfully designed home features multiple separate living spaces giving everyone room to spread out. Enjoy a bright sunroom/den,
Discover your slice of paradise in the coveted Edenaire neighborhood on Plantation Key! Stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, recently renovated to perfection. This modern masterpiece sits in the highly desirable X flood zone, offering peace of mind. Step inside to a bright, airy floor plan that blends classic design with the relaxed vibe of Keys living. Soaring ceilings highlight the living area,
Turnkey 2BD/2BA Ocean Pointe Condo - Fully Furnished, Short-Term Rentals Allowed!Welcome to paradise! This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in the sought-after Ocean Pointe community offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and income potential. With 826 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this fully furnished, turnkey unit is ready for immediate occupancy or short-term
End Unit !! with a tropical Idyllic ocean view . The Largest floor plan at Ocean Pointe with Impact windows & sliders throughout. Very quite floor plan and a private location with lots of ambiance. Being sold fully furnished. Direct Ocean access marina that is naturally protected from the elements. Jr. Olympic heated pool with a 14 person Spa and a nice updated Pool Bar. Oceanfront Cafe
Tom Rodriguez
American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate
TWO Condos combined for a total of 4 bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms !! a D model with 2 ocean front balconies and a D-1 with 1 oceanfront balconies for a Triple D !! Both Owners suites have Ocean Views with the 2 guest bedrooms in the back. All Impact Windows & Sliders both condos being sold fully furnished. Direct Ocean Access Marina, Jr. Olympic Heated Pool with Pool Bar. Oceanfront Cafe over looking
Tom Rodriguez
American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER - APRIL Welcome to 136 Sable Palm in Tavernier a cozy waterfront retreat offering the ultimate Florida Keys lifestyle! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is nestled on a finger canal with direct access to the open water. Spacious Outdoor Living - Ideal for entertaining or relaxing by the water. Whether you're a boating enthusiast or looking for a peaceful escape, this
Property Id: 1434603This property offers a fully equipped kitchen with all appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, stove, and oven. It also features a spacious eating area and prep island, as well as a living room. There are two separate full-size bedrooms and bathrooms, each with two spacious closets and additional storage in the hallways. The unit includes a washer
Experience coastal living in this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo, perfectly situated on the bayside near restaurants and shopping. This unfurnished unit features a private balcony, ideal for enjoying your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Inside, you'll find a versatile space that can serve as a dining area or home office. The condo includes access to a boat slip, making it perfect for boating
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