Salt air, sunrise over the pier, and a quiet walk to the beach — Casa Marina gives you the Key West lifestyle without the constant buzz of Duval. If you are exploring a second home or a move that centers on beach access and privacy, this pocket of the island belongs on your short list. In this guide, you will get a clear picture of the neighborhood, the types of homes and price signals to expect, the local rules that matter, and a smart checklist to buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Casa Marina stands out
Beach adjacency and landmarks
Casa Marina sits along Key West’s southern shoreline, anchored by the historic Casa Marina resort, a 1920 landmark now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. You can explore its backstory on the resort’s own history page. Just east, Higgs Beach lines the waterfront with a wooden pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a dog park. The White Street Pier and the West Martello garden corridor create a green and open shoreline that defines daily life here. For details on amenities, see the City’s page for Higgs Beach.
Quieter feel than Old Town
Compared with Old Town’s dense historic core, Casa Marina reads as calmer and more residential. Streets are a touch wider, lots are often larger, and many properties are single‑family homes with private outdoor space. You still feel close to the action, but your block tends to feel more low‑key and beach‑oriented.
Quick access to Old Town
From Casa Marina, you can bike to Duval Street, Mallory Square, and dining hubs in minutes. The neighborhood is fairly walkable and very bikeable, so you can keep your routine simple: beach mornings, Old Town dinners, and a quiet return home.
Homes and price context
What you will find
Inventory here leans toward single‑family homes on larger parcels, including two‑story houses and mid‑century properties that have been renovated over time. You will also see a handful of condos and licensed transient units closer to the resort and beach corridor. A few short streets, such as Casa Marina Court, include oceanfront lots and homes that command premium prices.
Price signals as of Feb 2026
Neighborhood aggregators point to Casa Marina as a high‑end micro‑market with small inventory. Homes.com reported a median sale price of about 2.225 million dollars for the prior 12 months, list medians commonly in the 2.4 to 2.7 million dollar range, and average days on market around 116, all as of February 2026. Zillow’s localized index shows typical home values near 1.9 to 2.0 million dollars, reflecting different data and methodology. Treat these as directional only and verify current comps and trends with the Florida Keys MLS before you write an offer.
Everyday living
Beaches and recreation
Higgs Beach is the neighborhood’s outdoor living room. You get shoreline walks, the long pier, light pier fishing, playgrounds, and shaded picnic spots. The adjacent White Street corridor and West Martello gardens add a lush, historic backdrop that families, friends, and solo early‑morning walkers all enjoy. Review beach amenities and facilities on the City’s Higgs Beach guide.
Getting around and conveniences
Casa Marina places you minutes from small markets and beachside cafes, with additional groceries and services a short drive inland. Key West International Airport is nearby, and marinas across the island are easily reached for boating days. You can keep a car, but many residents prefer to bike or use a golf cart for everyday trips.
What to know before you buy
Flood and FEMA maps
Key West is low‑lying, and many shore‑adjacent parcels fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Before you commit, check the City’s flood resources, confirm the property’s flood zone, and request an Elevation Certificate. Start with the City’s Floodplain Management and FEMA page and use the official map tools referenced there.
Hurricanes and wind mitigation
The Keys see tropical systems, and 2017’s Hurricane Irma caused measurable disruption, including temporary closures and storm impacts at area hotels. You can read a period report of Irma’s effects in the Keys from Hotel News Resource. When you evaluate a home, review roof age, impact‑rated openings, elevated utilities, and any post‑storm repairs. Expect wind and flood insurance to factor into your budget.
Short‑term rentals are tightly regulated
Key West has one of Florida’s strictest transient rental regimes. Transient licenses for stays under roughly 30 days are capped, and new ones are rare. Many properties are not eligible for nightly rentals. If income matters to your plan, verify license status with the City’s Licensing Division and review the official transient rental properties map before you make assumptions.
Historic district and design review
Some Casa Marina blocks intersect with the Key West Historic District. If a property sits inside the district or is a contributing structure, exterior work may require HARC review and a Certificate of Appropriateness. Check parcel‑level status on the City’s Historic District and HARC map and factor review timelines into any renovation plan.
Utilities and wastewater
Most properties within the City of Key West connect to central sewer and city utilities. Always confirm connections and account for utility rates as part of due diligence. The City’s Utilities overview is a good starting point: About City Utilities.
Smart buyer checklist for Casa Marina
Use this list to keep your search efficient and on track:
- Verify current pricing and inventory trends with a fresh Florida Keys MLS comp set. Aggregator numbers are snapshots and move with new closings.
- Check FEMA flood maps and the City’s tools. Request an Elevation Certificate and a preliminary flood insurance quote. Start here: City Floodplain Management.
- Confirm short‑term rental eligibility. Determine whether the property has a transient license and if it is current. See the City’s transient rental map.
- Determine HARC status before planning renovations. Review the Historic District map and design guidelines with your agent.
- Inspect hurricane‑readiness. Look for impact windows/doors, roof attachments, elevated systems, and review any post‑storm repair history. For Irma context, see this period report.
- Confirm sewer and water connections with City Utilities. Here is the Utilities overview.
How Stacy helps you buy well in Casa Marina
When you are investing in a high‑end, beach‑adjacent home, you want data you can trust, calm guidance, and seamless execution. With deep neighborhood expertise and a boutique, white‑glove approach, Stacy navigates the micro‑market, the regulatory details, and the logistics of remote transactions so you enjoy the process and buy with clarity. From tailored property scouting and private previews to negotiation strategy and closing coordination, you get a concierge partner focused on your goals.
Ready to explore Casa Marina? Connect with Stacy Stahl to start a focused search or request a private consultation.
FAQs
What and where is Casa Marina in Key West?
- Casa Marina is a beach‑adjacent neighborhood on Key West’s south side, anchored by the historic Casa Marina resort and centered around Higgs Beach and the White Street shoreline.
How close is Casa Marina to beaches and Old Town?
- You are steps to Higgs Beach and the White Street Pier corridor, with Old Town’s restaurants and Duval Street a short bike ride or quick drive away.
What home types and prices should I expect in Feb 2026?
- Expect mostly single‑family homes with some condos; recent aggregator data shows a median sale price near 2.225 million dollars and typical list medians in the mid‑2 millions, with very limited inventory.
Can I do nightly rentals at a Casa Marina home?
- Possibly, but only if the property holds a valid transient license; Key West caps these licenses, and many homes are not eligible. Always verify on the City’s transient rental map.
What flood and storm steps should I take before buying?
- Check FEMA and City flood maps, obtain an Elevation Certificate, review hurricane‑mitigation features like impact windows and roof attachments, and get early quotes for wind and flood insurance using the City’s floodplain resources.
Are renovations in Casa Marina subject to historic review?
- Some parcels fall within the Historic District, which triggers HARC oversight for exterior work; check the City’s Historic District map to confirm parcel status before planning changes.
