Torch Keys is a group of three islands about 25 miles east of Key West that caters to those seeking a laid-back destination centered around the boating lifestyle. Waterfront homes are concentrated on neighborhood streets in Little Torch Key, south of the more secluded Middle Torch and Big Torch keys. With a median age of 52, the tranquil community has a mix of retirees and professionals.
Multilevel coastal homes, many with living quarters above the ground floor, are located along deepwater canals with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly every home has a boat floating out back or parked out front. Palm trees and lush vegetation line quiet streets, several of which have nautical names such as Blackbeard Road and Jolly Roger Drive. Pirates Road is the main corridor connecting Little Torch Key’s residential sections. Homes can also be found in secluded locations on Middle Torch Key and Big Torch Key to the north. Prices typically range from the mid-$700,000s to about $1.7 million. Although a larger acreage home on Big Torch Key can sell for $5 million-plus. “I think people buy in Little Torch Key because of the price,” says Rose Dell of Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty, who has sold several homes here and adds that there’s not a lot of difference between the Keys. “Most people will buy what has what they want most for the price they can afford.”
If you’re looking to relocate to the Torch Keys, it is important to keep in mind that insurance can be a significant additional cost. The area faces a very high risk of flooding and wind damage, which is why coastal-style homes are prevalent. It is not uncommon for Monroe County to order evacuations. Dell’s advice for when that happens: “We suggest you leave,” she says. “Unless you want to be in your house looking down at the water rising.” The county has a phased system, so it is important for residents to know their evacuation zone. U.S. Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is the only evacuation route, and the mainland is more than 100 miles away. Tips for securing a home in the case of a severe storm include:
The community is a destination for boaters of all kinds. The residential canals are deep enough to support a variety of vessels, including sailboats and large boats up to about 40 feet long. “In Little Torch Key, the water is a little cleaner,” Dell says. “You’re not gonna get a lot of seaweed. In other areas, you can’t keep the seaweed out.” Residents can be cruising in the ocean within minutes. “Boating on the Atlantic side is nice...You’re really close to Picnic Island,” Dell says. Residents also have access to Florida Bay and the nearby Gulf. In addition to boating and fishing, kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities as well. Nearby recreational destinations include:
Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille is a popular dockside restaurant on Little Torch Key, while The Dining Room offers an upscale atmosphere at the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on the ocean side. Boondocks Grille and Draft House is a popular destination on neighboring Ramrod Key. Winn-Dixie and Bealls are convenient shopping options in neighboring Big Pine Key.
Most travel outside of the community requires a car and will take you along U.S. Route 1, known locally as the Overseas Highway. Big Pine Key and its amenities are about 2 miles away, while the larger cities of Key West and Marathon are about 25 miles away. Both have full-service hospitals. The Lower Keys Shuttle provides alternative daily transportation between Key West and Marathon. The shuttle stops in Little Torch Key at Mile Marker 28.5. It takes more than two hours to drive to Homestead, the first city on the mainland, and Miami is almost three hours away.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Sandra Tuttle
Island Welcome Real Estate
(786) 751-6441
153 Total Sales
16 in Torch Keys
$300K - $3.4M Price Range
Krissy Carnahan
Realty ONE Group Destination (ISL)
(786) 745-3395
26 Total Sales
1 in Torch Keys
$125,000 Price
Lisa Ferringo
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co
(786) 751-5529
632 Total Sales
40 in Torch Keys
$48K - $5.3M Price Range
Stacy Shahan
Island Real Estate Company Florida Keys
(813) 694-9962
30 Total Sales
3 in Torch Keys
$605K - $1.3M Price Range
Patti Nickless
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Lower Keys (KW)
(877) 540-7990
179 Total Sales
26 in Torch Keys
$390K - $1.6M Price Range
Terry Garcia
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
(786) 705-4897
33 Total Sales
1 in Torch Keys
$525,000 Price
$5,357 - $15,000 per month
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