Neighborhood Guide: Discover the Village of Key Biscayne

From pirates frequenting the island and its surrounding waters in the 1800’s, to Nixon’s “Florida White House” located along the western coastline, Key Biscayne’s vibrant history is full of surprises.  Today, the southernmost barrier island in Florida is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the Miami area.  Originally inhabited by the Tequesta Indians, the island was claimed on behalf of Spain by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, and later under American ownership, many of Miami’s most recognizable historic names including Ralph Munroe, James Deering, and William John Matheson all had strong ties to the land at one point or another.  Matheson even built an entertainment compound on today's Mashta Island in the early 1900’s called “Mashta House,” hosting extravagant social events.

The Village wasn’t officially incorporated until 1991. Today, the quaint self-governing town is home to a central shopping center full of restaurants, luxury markets, and more, expansive waterfront compounds, luxury developments and even a Ritz-Carlton Resort. Flanked by 2 parks, Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park home to the famous Cape Florida Lighthouse, the village is highly sought-after for its privacy, exclusivity and breathtaking natural surroundings, providing a luxury small town feel just a short drive away from the heart of Miami. 

Popular Sites & Attractions

• Crandon Park & Beach
• Crandon Tennis Center & Golf Course
• Fossil Reef Bike Trail
• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne 
• Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse
• Village Green Park
• Robin's Birding Trail
  

Notable Neighborhoods

Mashta Island

Mashta Island, named after Matheson’s famous entertainment home originally built on the island, is located off of the southwest corner of Key Biscayne.  With just 99 properties, 63 of which are located directly along the water’s edge, inventory in this neighborhood is consistently low making it one of the most sought-after and exclusive in Miami. 

Click here to see homes for sale on Mashta Island

Harbor Point

The most prestigious street in Key Biscayne, Harbor Point is a small, guarded peninsula extending from the central part of the west coast, home to notable, high-profile residents and expansive mansions, all 16 of which sit directly along the water’s edge. Nixon’s famous compound, which was also featured in Scarface as the home of Tony Montana, sits just outside the street’s gates. 

Click here to see homes for sale on Harbor Point

Tropical Isle Homes

Located on the northwestern quarter of the Village of Key Biscayne, Tropical Isle Homes is conveniently located along the water’s edge and within walking distance to the village center which is host to many restaurants, a park, schools, luxury markets, and more. It’s also the closest neighborhood to Crandon Park with long stretches of beaches, bike paths, golf and tennis just moments away. Homes in this area vary from expansive, contemporary compounds on the waterfront to charming mid-century tropical bungalows on the interior. 

Click here to see homes for sale within Tropical Isle Homes

Click here to learn more about Key Biscayne

Sources:

https://datacommons.org/place/geoId/1236300?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Person&hl=en

https://datacommons.org/place/geoId/1236300?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Person&hl=en

https://keybiscayne.fl.gov/uniquely_kb/about_key_biscayne/history_of_island_of_key_biscayne.php

https://jitneybooks.com/richard-nixon-key-biscayne/