Upper Keys Communities

Key Largo

The Key Largo housing market is diverse and eclectic and includes everything from ultra-modern big new houses and condos to just plain old Florida funky and everything in between. It is a complex market and will take the buyer or investor some time to comprehend.
The market also covers a lot of physical territories: Key Largo itself, the largest and longest of the Florida Keys, stretches for 30 miles from the resort yachting community of Ocean Reef at the island’s north end (which exits to the Mainland by a separate bridge over Card Sound) to the community of Tavernier at its southern tip.

In conclusion, Key Largo definitely feels like you’re in a different part of the country, due partly to the aquamarine water and the Tiki bars and just the general ambiance. So if you want to be away from traffic and a rushed lifestyle, but yet want to be near shopping and everything else that Miami has to offer, this could be just the ticket. It’s hard to imagine a better price-value proposition in the Keys.

Tavernier

is located immediately south of Key Largo proper. This is a quiet community that is most well known for being the home of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and Harry Harris Park. A short nature trail runs through the Wild Bird Center into a mangrove forest, and a video explains the center’s mission. Harry Harris Park has a large swimming lagoon, a boat ramp, picnic areas, restrooms, and a ballfield. This park is quite popular –, especially on weekends. The Keys, of course, are known as the “diving capital of the world,” and they are almost as popular as a fishing destination. Tavernier is very popular with boaters, as Tavernier Creek provides easy access to both Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Water sports abound in the area, such as swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and more. There is an “Old World” ambiance to Tavernier, and visitors enjoy the laid-back, serene atmosphere. Its close proximity to Key Largo makes it a premier destination for kayakers, birders, and other eco-tourists. This is a place rich in history and vibrant in beauty and is home to several fine artists who show their work in local galleries around the Keys.

Plantation Key Real Estate

Our Village of Islands is situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park in one direction and North America's only coral barrier reef and the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits in the other. Islamorada is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

This might be the only place on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish in the morning, and then venture into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish in just inches of water.

Plantation Key is part of the city of Islamorada

Florida Keys’ Islamorada: The Sportfishing Capital of the World

South of Key Largo in the island archipelago known the world over as the Florida Keys is the sportfishing capital of the world--Islamorada. The island of Islamorada is also known as the "Village of Islands". Its name is derived from Spanish explorers who called it "Islamorada" or "purple island". The actual Spanish term was eventually Anglicized to its present form. Home to the Baseball Hall of Fame great, Ted Williams, Islamorada, is more than just another island in the Keys' land chain. It also boasts the greatest sports fishing on the planet. And that becomes patently evident to first-time visitors.

About the Keys' Islamorada

The first known discovery is from Spanish explorers. Perhaps part of the contingent group that discovered and started colonizing the oldest city in America, an area far to the north called St. Augustine. Much later in history, Henry Flagler began to build a railroad through the Florida Keys. Rumor has it the railroad would only build stations in named towns. Hence, the name Islamorada stuck and it became a permanent fixture on the map. In addition, with the introduction of the railroad, the area quickly became popular for its abundance of fishing. That remains true to this day and has earned the area the moniker of "the sportfishing capital of the world".

Sportfishing in Islamorada

The variety of fish species in this area is nearly unprecedented. The reason for this large marine population likely has much to do with the island's physical location. The island of Islamorada is located just a few miles away from the gulf stream and that brings warm waters in and around the coastline. Fish are attracted to such waters, and so are tourists. Because this combination is ever-present, business-minded natives have established one of the largest charter boat fleets in the world. Marine life flourishes here and as a result, there's always a robust supply of fish taking part in the cycle known as the food chain. That's great news for experienced anglers and novice boat charter tourists. From the moment the sun rises in the east, fish teem throughout the area. And that's why you'll find such a diverse population. Here, there are snook, redfish, tarpon, bonefish, permit, trout, barracuda, shark, cobia, and mutton snapper. Not only does this make for great sport fishing, but it's also an ideal place for those who love to dive. Spearfishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are plentiful. What's more, power boating and sailing are other fantastic distractions.
Matecumbe Key

Upper Matecumbe Key

Is an island in the upper Florida Keys.
U.S. 1 (or the Overseas Highway) crosses the key at approximately mile markers 79—83.5, between Windley Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.
All of the keys are within the Village of Islamorada as of November 4, 1997, when it was incorporated.
The island lies to the southwest of Windley Key, and to the northeast of Lower Matecumbe Key.

Lower Matecumbe Key

Is an island in the upper Florida Keys.
It is located on U.S. 1 between mile markers 75--78.
All of the keys are within the Village of Islamorada as of November 4, 1997, when it was incorporated.
It is home to the main base of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.
The island lies to the southwest of Upper Matecumbe Key, and to the northeast of Craig Key.

Port Antigua

Port Antigua Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada, is one of the most pristine beaches in the entire Florida Keys. Not just anyone can come here, as this is a private beach just for the owners and guests of this exclusive residential community

Jan Keller REALTOR®
Direct: 305-289-6623
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Cell: 305-393-2749

Coldwell Banker Schmitt
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