Living on Key Biscayne

With its irresistible mix of serene nature and all things “tropical chic,” the Village of Key Biscayne is one of the most popular places to live in Miami. Covering just 1.7 square miles, the pioneering Matheson family’s former coconut plantation is a dream choice for an island-getaway lifestyle that’s still convenient to the city’s dizzying array of work-play offerings.

Specifically, a scenic ride over the Rickenbacker Causeway gets you to the mainland in less than 15 minutes from the far end of Key Biscayne.

And yet, you probably won’t much want to leave this barrier island, where lush green spaces, stunning beaches, and all the splendor of fine dining and water recreation are at your doorstep.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes living on Key Biscayne so appealing.

Where Can I Live on Key Biscayne?

The village provides two distinct residential experiences, with luxury condos on the north end of the island, and single-family neighborhoods on the southern side. Key Biscayne also harbors wildly coveted waterfront properties with boat docks and open-ocean access.

Ocean Club Key Biscayne is one of our favorite luxury condominium options here. Sprawling across 52 meticulously maintained acres, residents enjoy opulent resort-style amenities, including 125 private cabanas, 8 tennis courts, several pools, 2 restaurants, a state-of-the art fitness center and spa, 24/7 valet parking and security, and more than 1,000 feet of private beach.

The 800+ residences are spread across 11 towers, and feature 2- to 5-bedroom units ranging from 1,300 to 6,900 square feet. Although residents have just about everything they could want onsite, the property is just a quick hop from Key Biscayne’s fine dining, shopping, and recreation options.

For a more family-oriented luxury condo option, we love the Grand Bay Club. This 456-unit property has a robust list of amenities, and offers residents a neighborhood feel with a children’s pool and playground, special holiday events, and social gatherings. Additional features include a beachside swimming pool, immediate beach access, a clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, poolside and beachside food, beverage, and towel service, a fitness center, and WiFi in public areas.

The living spaces are housed in 4 distinct buildings — Grand Bay Tower, Resort, Residences, and Villas — and range from 345 square-foot studios to 6-bedroom, 7,690 square-foot villas.

The most modern luxury condo property is the lavish Oceana Key Biscayne. Built in 2012, the residential amenities are nearly too many to list. The property is, of course, beachfront and offers private pools, fitness and spa facilities, and a children’s center. Some of its more uncommon offerings include a putting green, a media room/cinema, and a staff service room in every unit. Residents can choose from 142 condominiums and 12 villas ranging up to 7,500 square feet. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows, state-of-the-art appliances, and Euro-style kitchen cabinetry. Exposed stone, light-toned woods, and airy baths complement the community’s beachfront paradise aura.

For those dreaming of a single-family residence in an ultra-exclusive neighborhood, there’s no better choice than Mashta Island. Homes in this Key Biscayne neighborhood provide abundant space with open floorplans, especially large lots, and in-ground pools. Many of the homes here are waterfront, and some feature multiple boat docks and open ocean access. The residences range anywhere from 2,700 to more than 10,000 square feet, with up to 6 bedrooms. At the gateway to Mashta Island you’ll find Harbor Drive, one of the most prestigious waterfront residential streets in all of Miami.

Where Will My Children Go to School?

Two exceptional schools on Key Biscayne cover all your educational needs from kindergarten through high school. The Key Biscayne K-8 Center scores a 9/10 on GreatSchools.org. Equity is among the school’s highest accolades, and proficiency test scores significantly outpace the state averages, particularly in math. This school ranks in the top 10% of elementary schools in Florida.

For children in grades 6-12, the bayfront Maritime & Science Technology (MAST) Academy is a National School of Excellence and has been awarded the College Success Award every year since 2018, with 93% of MAST graduates pursuing college-level or vocational education after graduating. The Academy receives consistent awards and accolades focused on all aspects of education, including art, theater, and academic competitions.

With a balanced approach to academics, career preparation, and environmental initiatives, students here are further enriched with values of community and environmental responsibility.

Where Will I Go to Eat, Drink & Relax on Key Biscayne?

Island living doesn’t mean isolation, especially if you’re living on Key Biscayne. Notably self-sustaining and walkable, residents enjoy running errands or traveling to and from the beach and other recreational outings by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Many of the island’s shopping, dining, and other amenities are situated on Crandon Boulevard, which hosts a bountiful array of boutiques, a gourmet market, and a host of other conveniences. The Square Shopping Center has the island’s largest concentration of dining spots.

The Rusty Pelican delivers Key Biscayne’s most iconic dining experience, with magnificent Miami skyline views both from the dining patio, and from the inside through floor-to-ceiling windows. Locals and tourists alike love The Rusty Pelican for its outstanding contemporary American cuisine prepared with fresh-off-the-docks local seafood. Hand-crafted cocktails, upscale tropical decor, and a sophisticated vibe complete the full sensory experience.

For a more laid-back dining experience, Costa Med has been a Key Biscayne hotspot since 2003. A beautiful wine list pairs perfectly with the eclectic intercontinental variety on this bistro’s menu, including favorites such as zucchini carpaccio, caprese avocado salad, and lobster ravioli.

A destination unto itself, The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne boasts the area’s best day spa. More than just massages and facials (though they offer the most luxurious of those, too), the spa focuses on rejuvenating your body and spirit with treatments based on the sacred practices of Florida’s Tequesta Native Americans. Deeply purifying essentials such as coconut, lavender, and orange salts are incorporated into body wraps, detoxifying massages, and aromatherapy.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne (part of Crandon Park) was home to the Senior PGA Tour for 18 years, hosting legends including Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Don Massengale, Ray Floyd, and Gary Player. Widely considered one of the most beautiful and challenging par-72 courses in the state, Crandon’s 7th hole is known as “One of the Greatest Holes in Golf” — a stunning par-4 that sets your ball aloft over sparkling water. The course features a driving range, pro-shop, restaurant, and bar.

How About More Adventurous Fun?

Whatever the temperature, living on Key Biscayne means being blessed with year-round warmth tempered by perpetual ocean breezes. Water activities are in hearty supply, including the ever-popular snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Many of Key Biscayne’s residents own boats, and in addition to homes with private docks, Rickenbacker Marina and Crandon Park Marina are among the public options. The member-owned, by-invitation-only Key Biscayne Yacht Club has been a pillar of the island’s boating community since 1955.

Two state parks call Key Biscayne home — Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Crandon Park is an 800-acre, one-stop shop for nature-based activities. The 2-mile stretch of quiet beach offers calm waters and is a favorite with the locals. Self-guided hikes through Bear Cut Preserve, tennis, and a watersports center offering kiteboarding and kayaking are on offer.

Bill Baggs Cape is a 400-acre nature-lover’s paradise, with an exceptional array of outdoor activities and amenities. Camping, hiking, biking, boating and, of course, beaches, are just a sampling of the offerings here at Bill Baggs. The landmark Cape Florida Lighthouse is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade. Built in 1825, it has withstood hurricanes, attacks, and an explosion, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse to take in panoramic views of the ocean and Miami Beach.

Where Will I Get Medical Care on Key Biscayne?

The Mount Sinai Primary & Specialty Care Center on Key Biscayne provides the services of primary care practitioners, as well as cardiologists affiliated with the larger Mount Sinai Medical Center on nearby Miami Beach. Pediatrics of South Florida, a network of comprehensive medical care providers for newborns through adolescents, has a Key Biscayne location. Pediatric services range from wellness visits to emergency care, and even ear piercing! Baptist Health Network, the largest health network in South Florida, provides Key Biscayne residents with an Urgent Care Center. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, patients needing treatment for minor illnesses and injuries will receive top-notch care in this facility.

Are you ready to start living on Key Biscayne? The Monica Betancourt Group is ready to guide you in the first step — finding your perfect Key Biscayne home. We’re here for you, get in touch!

In the meantime, check out our Key Biscayne Homes search tool to get an idea what’s out there. You have the option to create a profile and get emails automatically sent to you whenever a new home match gets listed.

And note that with our extensive network, we can help you find homes that are not even on the market yet.