Key Biscayne is one of the Best Miami Neighborhoods for Families

 Family Friendly Neighborhoods in Miami: Key Biscayne

Miami has several very family-friendly neighborhoods, but Key Biscayne is one of our favorites for families with younger children. When we refer to family-friendly neighborhoods we mean neighborhoods that score high on aspects such as safety, privacy, kid’s activity, sense of community and schools.

Key Biscayne is one of Miami’s Safest Neighborhoods

Key Biscayne is consistently rated as one of the safest in Florida by The National Council for Safety and Home Security. Although the island is not gated it very much looks like a gated community. The island is accessed via the Rickenbacker Causeway Toll Gantry and even though you won’t be asked to show an ID, license plates are scanned. The island offers just one entrance and one exit, which provides for an extra layer of security.  Furthermore, the island is self -sufficient in many ways with their own Police and Fire Department. The police often patrols the streets of Key Biscayne, bringing peace of mind to the island’s residents.

Safety is actually one of the main reasons why parents choose to live on Key Biscayne, since the island is known to be a paradise for children. Kids roam by themselves and unlike other parts of Miami, the youngest Key Biscayne residents often cycle to school or to friends. Safety and privacy are also some of the reasons why many public figures and business leaders choose to live on the island. The tight-knit community is very low-key, its easy to get around and residents know and respect each other.

Key Biscayne offers a community-feeling not often seen elsewhere in Miami

Several weeks ago we wrote an article on how the Key Biscayne lifestyle is very similar to the lifestyle within a gated country club. One of the characteristics that makes Key Biscayne so desired is the sense of community. The island offers shops, restaurants, schools and sport clubs, which creates the sensation of being in a small town. Additionally, the majority of kids attend the local schools and therefore children and their parents know each other.

Family Activities in Key Biscayne

From beaches to tennis courts and from boating to beach clubs, Key Biscayne has plenty of options for fun weekend or after-school activities without having to leave the island. There are public and private beaches, the Crandon Golf course, two marinas (Key Biscayne is big with boaters), private beach clubs, tennis courts, parks, restaurants and much more.  I wrote more about the ‘country club’ lifestyle of Key Biscayne in one of my latest articles.

Key Biscayne Offers Highly Rated Schools

The key offers one of the best public schools in Miami Dade and conveniently located at walking distance from every property in Key Biscayne.

• Public Key Biscayne K-8 Center 9/10 serves the entire island community and offers the Cambridge Program about 1200 students (#71 Miami Dade for elementary and #104 middler)
• Public High School Prestigious Mast Academy is a Magnet School from 6 to 12 grade. MAST Academy is #14 across Miami metro; #20 in Florida #59 Magnet high school per US News
• Private Schools: ST, Agnes (elementary and Middle 429 students) St, Christopher (elementary 148)

Of course, many families in the key also take advantage of elite private schools such as Gulliver, Ransom Everglades, Carrollton, among others within 30 mins commute.

The Best Miami Private Schools and their Commute Time from Key Biscayne

• Gulliver (Coral Gables and Pinecrest)
• PreK – 5 | 12595 Red Road: 30 Min to 1 Hour
• Preparatory School | 6575 North Kendall Drive: 25 to 55 Min
• All grades, Montgomery Drive Campus (Special areas and classes) | 7500 SW 120 Street: 28 to 55 Min
• Ransom Everglades (Coconut Grove)
• Middle School | 2045 South Bayshore Drive: 14 to 30 Min
• Upper School |  3575 Main Highway: 18 to 40 Min
• Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (Coconut Grove) | 3747 Main Hw: 20 to 40 Min
• St Thomas Episcopal Parish School (Coral Gables) | 5692 North Kendall Drive: 25 to 55 Min
• Riviera Schools (Coral Gables)
• Riviera Day School | 6800 Nervia St: 22 to 45 Min
• Riviera Preparatory School | 9775 SW 87th Ave: 28 Min to 1 Hour
• Cushman School (Upper East Side / Morningside) | 592 NE 60th St: 25 to 50 Min
• Palmer Trinity (Palmetto Bay) | 8001 SW 184th St: 35 Min to 1.10 Hours
• St Phillips Episcopal School (Coral Gables) | 121 Andalusia Ave: 18 to 40 Min
• ST. Theresa Catholic School (Coral Gables) | 2701 Indian Mound Trail: 22 to 45 Min
• St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School (Coconut Grove) | 3439 Main Highway: 18 to 35  Min
• Westminster Christian School (Palmetto Bay)  | 6855 SW 152nd St: 30 Min to 1.05 hours
• Miami Country Day School (Miami Shores) | 601 NE 107th St, Miami: 28 Min to 1 Hour

Real Estate in Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is arguably one of Miami’s most desirable places to live and buy real estate. The island offers beautiful (waterfront) homes as well as a great amount of condos.

Single Family Homes

Many of the single-family homes are located on waterfront lots making Key Biscayne desired with boaters. Some amazing homes can be found on Mashta and Harbor Dr. These properties are either located on the open ocean or are just a minute of sailing away from the open ocean. The traditional Mackle homes from the 1950’s are the entrance level to this market (selling around $1.8M) and many new owners completely remodel them or tear them down for a brand new construction. Key Biscayne is home to a large amount of brand new construction homes, which are desired with buyers and selling fast.

Key Biscayne Condos 

Most of the condos enjoy a beachfront location and come with many amenities often including beach service. Examples are:

• Ocean Club: A Gated Community with resort like amenities and a Beach Club
• Grand Bay: Complex with villas and luxury residences. The Grand Bay projects hosts a Ritz Carlton hotel.
• Oceana Key Biscayne: The most modern and exclusive building offering 142 residences with ocean views and 12 villas.