If you’re thinking about buying in the Florida Keys, you’ve probably noticed something interesting.
Some homes sell quickly.
Others sit.
Prices are strong—but buyers have more breathing room than they did a few years ago.
Welcome to the 2026 Florida Keys market.
As a long-time Florida Keys Realtor with Century 21 BE3, I can tell you this: the Keys are not one market. They are a chain of micro-markets. And choosing the right Key is just as important as choosing the right house.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What the Current Market Looks Like
Across Monroe County (the Florida Keys), recent data shows:
Median sale prices hovering around $1.1M–$1.3M
Homes taking longer to sell than during the post-COVID surge
Inventory giving buyers more options than in recent years
What does that mean for you?
Well-priced homes still move.
Overpriced homes tend to linger.
Buyers have time to inspect, negotiate, and compare.
In other words: it’s a thoughtful market.
And thoughtful markets reward informed buyers.
Why “Which Key?” Is the Most Important Search
When buyers start online, they search “Florida Keys homes for sale.”
But quickly, their questions change:
Which Key has the easiest boating access?
Where is it quieter?
Which area has the shortest drive to Miami?
Where can I legally rent short-term?
Where will I actually live comfortably year-round?
That shift is smart. Because in the Keys, location shapes everything.
Understanding the Micro-Markets
Key Largo & Tavernier
Often the first stop from the mainland, these areas offer strong boating communities and quicker access to Miami. Buyers here often look for:
Canal homes with good depth
Concrete block construction
Proximity to schools and shopping
Easy ocean or bay access
This area tends to attract full-time residents and weekend boaters alike.
Islamorada
Buyers searching Islamorada usually want:
Luxury waterfront
Deep water dockage
Prestige locations
Quiet residential streets
Homes here can take longer to match with the right buyer—but unique properties always find their person.
Marathon
Buyers often appreciate:
Balanced pricing
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Strong boating access
Mid-Keys convenience
It’s a practical choice for many full-time residents.
Key West
Here, buyers search for:
Historic conch homes
Walkability
Nightlife and culture
Strong rental demand (where allowed)
Prices per square foot are often higher, but so is lifestyle intensity.
What 2026 Means for Buyers
Right now, buyers benefit from:
More days on market than in peak frenzy years
Greater ability to negotiate
More choices at many price points
But pricing is still firm for desirable waterfront properties.
The bottom line?
You can be selective—but you still need to move decisively when the right property appears.
Quick Quiz: Which Florida Key Fits You Best?
Grab a pen (or just count your answers).
1. Your ideal weekend looks like:
A) Running offshore at sunrise
B) Dinner parties and sunset cocktails
C) Backyard BBQ and sandbar days
D) Walking to restaurants and live music
2. Your commute preference:
A) Closer to Miami
B)If you’re thinking about buying in the Florida Keys, you’ve probably noticed something interesting.
Some homes sell quickly.
Others sit.
Prices are strong—but buyers have more breathing room than they did a few years ago.
Welcome to the 2026 Florida Keys market.
As a long-time Florida Keys Realtor with Century 21 BE3, I can tell you this: the Keys are not one market. They are a chain of micro-markets. And choosing the right Key is just as important as choosing the right house.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What the Current Market Looks Like
Across Monroe County (the Florida Keys), recent data shows:
Median sale prices hovering around $1.1M–$1.3M
Homes taking longer to sell than during the post-COVID surge
Inventory giving buyers more options than in recent years
What does that mean for you?
Well-priced homes still move.
Overpriced homes tend to linger.
Buyers have time to inspect, negotiate, and compare.
In other words: it’s a thoughtful market.
And thoughtful markets reward informed buyers.
Why “Which Key?” Is the Most Important Search
When buyers start online, they search “Florida Keys homes for sale.”
But quickly, their questions change:
Which Key has the easiest boating access?
Where is it quieter?
Which area has the shortest drive to Miami?
Where can I legally rent short-term?
Where will I actually live comfortably year-round?
That shift is smart. Because in the Keys, location shapes everything.
Understanding the Micro-Markets
Key Largo & Tavernier
Often the first stop from the mainland, these areas offer strong boating communities and quicker access to Miami. Buyers here often look for:
Canal homes with good depth
Concrete block construction
Proximity to schools and shopping
Easy ocean or bay access
This area tends to attract full-time residents and weekend boaters alike.
Islamorada
Buyers searching Islamorada usually want:
Luxury waterfront
Deep water dockage
Prestige locations
Quiet residential streets
Homes here can take longer to match with the right buyer—but unique properties always find their person.
Marathon
Buyers often appreciate:
Balanced pricing
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Strong boating access
Mid-Keys convenience
It’s a practical choice for many full-time residents.
Key West
Here, buyers search for:
Historic conch homes
Walkability
Nightlife and culture
Strong rental demand (where allowed)
Prices per square foot are often higher, but so is lifestyle intensity.
What 2026 Means for Buyers
Right now, buyers benefit from:
More days on market than in peak frenzy years
Greater ability to negotiate
More choices at many price points
But pricing is still firm for desirable waterfront properties.
The bottom line?
You can be selective—but you still need to move decisively when the right property appears.
Quick Quiz: Which Florida Key Fits You Best?
Grab a pen (or just count your answers).
1. Your ideal weekend looks like:
A) Running offshore at sunrise
B) Dinner parties and sunset cocktails
C) Backyard BBQ and sandbar days
D) Walking to restaurants and live music
2. Your commute preference:
A) Closer to Miami
B) Doesn’t matter—I’m here for the lifestyle
C) Central is best
D) I want to live where everyone vacations
3. Your home priority:
A) Dockage and quick ocean access
B) Privacy and prestige
C) Practical layout and value
D) Historic charm and energy
Your Results
Mostly A’s: Key Largo / Tavernier
Mostly B’s: Islamorada
Mostly C’s: Marathon
Mostly D’s: Key West
Ready to Explore Your Key?
The Florida Keys are not a one-size-fits-all market. The right fit depends on how you want to live.
If you’d like a custom breakdown of:
Current pricing in your preferred Key
Insurance considerations
Zoning and rental rules
Waterfront options with true boating access
I’d be happy to help.
Doesn’t matter—I’m here for the lifestyle
C) Central is best
D) I want to live where everyone vacations
3. Your home priority:
A) Dockage and quick ocean access
B) Privacy and prestige
C) Practical layout and value
D) Historic charm and energy
Your Results
Mostly A’s: Key Largo / Tavernier
Mostly B’s: Islamorada
Mostly C’s: Marathon
Mostly D’s: Key West
Ready to Explore Your Key?
The Florida Keys are not a one-size-fits-all market. The right fit depends on how you want to live.
If you’d like a custom breakdown of:
Current pricing in your preferred Key
Insurance considerations
Zoning and rental rules
Waterfront options with true boating access
I’d be happy to help.
