The Florida Keys:
112 Miles of Island Paradise
Stretching from Key Largo to Key West, the Florida Keys are connected by the Overseas Highway and linked by over a century of history. Explore each community below to find the island that fits your lifestyle.
Tap any area label to explore that community's listings and lifestyle.
Every Island Has a Personality
Click into any community to see available listings and learn what makes it unique.
The northernmost and largest island in the Keys, Key Largo is just an hour from Miami yet feels a world away. Home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S., it is the diving and snorkeling capital of the world. Bayside neighborhoods like Port Largo and Plantation Key offer canal-front homes with easy ocean access.
- Diving & snorkeling capital
- John Pennekamp State Park
- Canal-front neighborhoods
- Closest to mainland
A quiet, residential community nestled between Key Largo and Islamorada. Tavernier offers a relaxed pace with easy access to both the Atlantic and Florida Bay. Local marinas, the Tavernier Creek Marina, and charming waterfront dining define the lifestyle. Home to the Conley Sales Group at COMPASS.
- Residential & peaceful
- Dual waterfront access
- COMPASS office location
- Local marinas & dining
A village of six islands stretching across twenty miles, Islamorada is where world-class sportfishing meets upscale island living. Gallery row, waterfront fine dining, and spectacular Florida Bay sunsets make this a magnet for discerning buyers. The median home price reflects its premium status in the Keys.
- World-class sportfishing
- Art galleries & fine dining
- Bayfront sunset views
- Village of islands
The commercial and residential center of the Middle Keys, Marathon sits at the foot of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. A welcoming community with a working-waterfront character, Marathon offers a blend of canal homes, marinas, and some of the best fishing in all of Florida. The Florida Keys Aquarium is a local favorite.
- Seven Mile Bridge icon
- Welcoming community
- Working waterfront
- Central Keys location
Home to the National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key is the antithesis of the tourist trail. Large lots, mature trees, and a genuine Old Florida Keys atmosphere attract buyers seeking space, privacy, and nature. Uncrowded beaches and a rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle define this lower island community.
- National Key Deer Refuge
- Large lots & privacy
- Uncrowded beaches
- Nature-focused lifestyle
The crown jewel of the Keys. Key West is a vibrant, walkable city with Caribbean architecture, world-class dining, legendary nightlife, and a thriving arts scene. Historic neighborhoods like Old Town and the Meadows offer everything from cozy cottages to grand estates, all within blocks of turquoise water.
- Walkable & vibrant
- Historic architecture
- World-class dining & arts
- Southernmost U.S. city
The Overseas Highway stretches 112 miles from Key Largo to Key West, connecting every island in the chain via the iconic U.S. 1.
The Overseas Highway crosses 42 bridges over open water, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world.
Mile markers in the Keys count down from Key Largo (MM 107) to Key West (MM 0). Locals and agents use them to pinpoint locations across the chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Florida Keys island chain?
The Florida Keys stretch 112 miles from Key Largo (Mile Marker 107) to Key West (Mile Marker 0), connected by the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1). The highway crosses 42 bridges over open water, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world. The island chain is divided into the Upper Keys (Key Largo through Islamorada), the Middle Keys (Marathon and surrounding islands), and the Lower Keys (Big Pine Key through Key West).
What do mile markers mean in the Florida Keys?
Mile markers in the Florida Keys count down from Key Largo (MM 107) to Key West (MM 0) along the Overseas Highway. Locals and real estate agents use mile markers as the standard way to pinpoint locations across the chain. Each community has a defined mile marker range: Key Largo is MM 107-94, Tavernier is MM 94-90, Islamorada is MM 90-70, Marathon is MM 65-47, Big Pine Key is MM 33, and Key West is MM 0. Our interactive map shows each community with its mile marker range.
Which Florida Keys community is right for me?
The right community depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Key Largo is ideal for those who want proximity to the mainland and world-class diving. Islamorada attracts sportfishing enthusiasts and luxury buyers seeking upscale island living with spectacular sunset views. Marathon offers a central location with a working-waterfront character. Big Pine Key appeals to buyers seeking space, privacy, and nature with the National Key Deer Refuge. Key West is perfect for those who want a walkable, vibrant city with historic architecture and cultural attractions. Explore each community in detail on our Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West guides.
How far is Key West from Key Largo by car?
Key West is approximately 112 miles from Key Largo by car, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours driving the Overseas Highway without stops. The drive is one of the most scenic in the United States, crossing 42 bridges with open water views on both sides. Popular stops along the way include Robbie's of Islamorada for tarpon feeding, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and Bahia Honda State Park for one of the best beaches in the Keys. Plan for a full day if you want to explore the islands along the way.
What is the best way to explore the Florida Keys?
The best way to explore the Florida Keys is by car along the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), which runs the entire length of the island chain. Allow at least three days to visit the major communities without rushing. Many visitors fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and drive south, or fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW) for the Lower Keys. Boat travel between islands is common for locals, with ferry services and private charters available. For a full overview of each community, our Florida Keys map page and community guides provide detailed information about what each island offers.
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