Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is the diamond in the rough of Miami. It sits out on the water, due eastward from Coral Gables and a shot off land along the Rickenbacker Causeway. It’s one of Miami’s quieter scenes that offer the close proximity to the city proper and the refreshing atmosphere of a beach town. Key Biscayne’s residents like this and fight (sometimes noisily) to keep the stretch of land exactly as it is. With Miami’s explosive population growth, it is getting more and more difficult to maintain such a setting. Seen as a lower key alternative to South Beach, Key Biscayne is one of the best kept secrets in Miami.

Since Key Biscyane is an island, there’s plenty of beach to enjoy. With the majority of tourists and even locals making their way north to South Beach, Key Biscayne offers a nice escape. Since it’s obviously in close proximity for residents, a 5 minute drive is all it takes, if that. Besides tanning and splashing, there’s plenty more to do on this beach. You can visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which offers tours of the bucolic landscape that encompasses South Florida. Also on the beach is the Cape Florida Lighthouse which offers some interesting insights into the history here.

Most of the other activities are centered around the outdoors, and why not? There’s no winter here. You can golf, walk the Bear Cut Trail or take a boat tour or fishing charter. It’s all here. There are local places like Oasis Café or Tutto Pizza Pasta where you’re likely to run into neighbors. Thankfully theres also fine dining for a nice night out at places Costa Med or Kebo Restaurant. Both have become staples of the high end scene that exists on Key Biscayne.

The shopping scene closely matches the atmosphere of this “village” and you’ll find a couple of small shopping centers with the essentials like The Square Shopping Center and Key Colony plaza. For the malls and department stores, it’s just a short drive back over the causeway to places like Merrick Park or Dadeland malls. It’s all within reach.

Key Biscayne real estate is beautiful, but for those people looking to move in, space is limited. Knowing what and where may be available is crucial, great spots don’t last long. Miami in general has seen a rock solid comeback from the crisis of ’08 and for those who find out about the secret of Key Biscayne, it is highly desired. You can find condos, apartments or single family homes available. Waterfront property also exists and is stunning, but again hard to come by as expected. Skilled realtors are a must.