Key Cassa

Miami Neighborhood Comparison: Key Biscayne vs Brickell

One of the key advantages of living in Miami is its wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from. From luxury towers overlooking secluded beaches to modern skyscrapers in the heart of the urban jungle, there’s a place for every need and desire. Two Miami neighborhoods that best exemplify both ends of this spectrum are Key Biscayne and Brickell. Not only do they differ in the housing options and price points they have available, but their particular dynamics also offer vastly different lifestyles, perks, and sceneries. And yet they are very close to each other. In this blog, we'll compare both locales in several categories so you can make an informed decision when choosing to buy or rent a property if you’re considering Key Biscayne vs Brickell.

The Most Luxurious Condo Buildings in Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a coveted neighborhood offering the best of South Florida living in an intimate, family-focused island setting. With uncluttered and semi-private beaches, acres of lush national park space, lots of greenery, tennis facilities, golf courses, and family-friendly safety, this island is a harmonious suburban community with quick access to Miami’s best. Residents rate this tropical paradise as one of the finest places to build a life and raise a family. It is so desirable that even stars like Lionel Messi, Lenny Kravitz, Cher, Andy García, Latin pop star Juanes, former president Nixon, and tennis superstar Mary Joe Fernandez have decided to call Key Biscayne home at some point. So, if you’re curious to know what the very best of island living in Miami is like, we’ve got all the insider details. Here’s our expertly curated list of the five best condos in Key Biscayne and why each deserves its position. ###### _Ranking is based on the average price per square foot of listings at the time of this blog post._ --- ## — Why Choose Key Biscayne? Key Biscayne offers residents the utmost privacy and a strong sense of community. With only about 15,000-20,000 full-time residents, it’s an affluent enclave with a median household income of more than $172,000 and many guard-gated condo buildings. The island's unmatched recreational offerings include a fabulous golf course right on the island, two world-class tennis facilities—one formerly home of the Miami Open Tournament—and Miami's best crowd-free beaches. Plus, it offers the natural beauty of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and all is accessible by golf cart! It is also home to some of Miami’s top-rated public schools, making it great for families. And it has plenty of restaurants and conveniences, which make trips to the mainland less of a necessity. If you do need to head inland, all it takes is a very scenic 15-minute drive, which drops you right between Coconut Grove and Brickell, with very easy access to I-95\. Mesmerizing ocean views and a drive through nature’s lap at Crandon Park make commuting from home a special affair. If you want to get a closer look at what living here is like, watch our exclusive video where you’ll learn all about Key Biscayne. ## — The Best Condos in Key Biscayne ### 5\. Ocean Club - Ocean Tower One **Address:** 799 Crandon Boulevard **Average List Price:** $1,534 per square foot With panoramic water and/or nature views available from each of its 93 luxurious units, this 16-story building is one of the three beachfront towers present at the iconic Ocean Club development in Key Biscayne. Built in 2002, this tower is set within a 52-acre community, offering 1,000 feet of picturesque frontage and access to several high-end amenities including a private 20,000-square-foot beach club, a tennis club with six clay courts, two padel courts, a beachside bar and grill, a gourmet restaurant with outdoor dining, expansive pools, a salon and a boutique, and more ### 4\. Ocean Club - Ocean Tower Two **Address:** 791 Crandon Boulevard **Average List Price:** $1,636 per square foot Part of the same 52-acre condo complex as Ocean Tower One, Ocean Tower Two is a classically designed condo building, rising 20 stories with 100 luxury condo units. Like its sister tower, it is one of the best condos in Key Biscayne on the beach. Residents of this gated community get access to high-end amenities such as 1,000 feet of pristine beach frontage, tennis courts, private beach access, a beachside bar and grill, a 20,000-square-foot beach club, a private health and fitness spa, a gourmet restaurant, expansive pools, and much more. It’s truly a favorite of many Key Biscayne residents ### 3\. Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne **Address:** 455 Grand Bay Drive **Average List Price:** $2,134 The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is one of the most luxurious complexes on the island. Besides the condo-hotel, the 12-acre property houses a 20,000-square-foot spa, fine retail shops, and dining options, plus the highly regarded Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center with 11 courts—including Har-Tru, padel, and pickleball courts—where both professional athletes and recreational players regularly train. Residents of this 12-story, 188-unit condo-hotel finished in 2001 get the unique benefit of owning a unit in a condo-hotel, along with access to a private beach with two restaurants, a beachfront kids' playground, two oversized pools facing the ocean, and many other signature services from the hotel known for its sumptuous luxury—all while being pet-friendly! The property is also completing a massive renovation, giving residents and guests an entirely new luxury experience. If you would like to learn about other Ritz-Carlton Residences in South Florida, check our in-depth guide where we list all properties. ### 2\. Grand Bay Residences **Address:** 445 Grand Bay Drive **Average List Price:** $2,183 per square foot Sitting right next to the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, The Grand Bay Residences is known for its 137 luxury residences spread across three, 13-story towers. Part of the same gated, Ritz-Carlton community, it is a residential-only tower, with no hotel component. Thanks to its exceptional water and lush nature views, this 12-acre complex is where you’ll want to look for the best Key Biscayne oceanfront condos for sale. As a resident, you’ll get top-of-the-line amenities, including access to the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, a 20,000 sq. ft. spa, a luxury gym and fitness center, two oversized pools facing the ocean with two restaurants, and a sophisticated social room. Living here, you’ll find lovely outdoor gardens and scenic walking paths, a 24-hour concierge service, valet, conference/meeting room, as well as being just steps away from all of Key Biscayne’s shops and dining. ## — And the Best Condo in Key Biscayne Goes to… ### 1\. Oceana Key Biscayne **Address:** 350-360 Ocean Drive **Average List Price:** $2,312 Here we have it: the best condo in Key Biscayne! This coveted beachfront building is one of the newer additions to the island, finished in 2015\. Designed by prestigious Miami firm Arquitectonica and overlooking the ocean, this LEED-certified structure houses 142 ultra-luxury condo units in its 14 stories, as well as private villas. Residents of this oceanfront mid-rise enjoy high-end amenities such as gated living, private access to 500 feet of oceanfront with beach service, a tennis court, putting greens, relaxation and lap pools, a poolside restaurant, a media room, a children’s center, a party room, sprawling lawns, underground parking, and more. If you are looking for the best of luxury living, on the beach, in a community that’s safe and friendly, this is one of the top Key Biscayne luxury condos you will find. ## — The Best-Located Condo in Key Biscayne Oceana Key Biscayne, the newest condo on the island, stands out as the best-located development, with people preferring it when looking for Key Biscayne luxury condos for sale. Here’s why: Like most condos on the island, it sits directly on the beach, allowing residents to enjoy endless ocean views and a pristine waterfront. It’s also a short walk/golf cart ride from the village’s parks and top dining spots along Crandon Boulevard. But what sets it apart is its closeness to the island’s northern end, which allows residents to exit the island quickly to get to work/entertainment in Brickell, Coconut Grove, or Downtown. If you’re loving this neighborhood, use our exclusive search engine to find out more luxury condos for sale in Key Biscaayne. ## — Quick Facts About Key Biscayne ### How Safe Is Key Biscayne? Key Biscayne is one of the safest areas to live in all of Miami and Miami Beach. It is its own village, where children freely ride bikes after school and play soccer in the parks. Areavibes.com gives this island community an ‘A+’ in terms of safety. It also ranks #4 on the ‘Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Miami-Dade County’ and #5 on the ‘Best Places to Live in Miami-Dade County’ according to niche.com. Key Biscayne is also a very popular place to retire, ranking #230 in the ‘Best Places to Retire in America’. ### Best Restaurants in Key Biscayne Besides being a tropical paradise, Key Biscayne can also be counted as a foodie’s paradise with its variety of casual to fine-dining spots. Some of the best ones include: * The Rusty Pelican, which also made our list of the most wonderful restaurants in Miami to dock and dine. * Narbona offers Italian fare with an Uruguayan twist. The pizzas are especially delicious. * Flour & Weirdoughs is where you’ll want to get your daily loaf and other delicious baked goods. * Costa Med Bistró + Wine is a traditional favorite, run by a Key Biscayne local with a great selection of wines and fine food. * The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Resort's selection of restaurants, which includes favorites Luma and Paralía. * El Gran Inka does authentic Peruvian right and is known for its lip-smacking Lomo Saltado. * KeBo Restaurant is popular for its fresh take on Spanish and Mediterranean delights. * Vinya Wine & Market has a wide selection of wines and bristró-style food, mixing Latin roots with European travels. * Sir Pizza is the top spot for pizza on the island! * Donut Gallery Diner is the best spot for a high-energy breakfast or brunch, but oddly, no doughnuts. * La Boulangerie Boul’Mich is a French bakery and cafe known for its delicious brunch, coffee, and Croque Madame with a Latin twist. * Ayesha Indian Fine Dining is the go-to spot for Indian, especially its chicken tikka masala. * Novecento is a meat lover’s paradise (with four Miami locations) serving Argentine classics in a casual, European-style bistro setting. ## ## — Shopping in Key Biscayne All of the shopping in Key Biscayne is centered around its main road, Crandon Boulevard. The Square Shopping Center is the main mall, with its collection of boutiques, banks, markets, and restaurants. Moving further along the boulevard, a short golf cart ride delivers residents to additional eateries and conveniences available at the Arcade Mall, Key Biscayne Shopping Center, Harbor Plaza Shopping Center, Galleria Mall, and L’Esplanade Mall, including a Winn-Dixie, a CVS, a Starbucks, and a local Post Office. Also, not to be missed at the beginning of the island is the gourmet Golden Hog market. For more mainstream options and popular retail, a quick 20-minute car ride will take residents to CocoWalk in Coconut Grove, or the fabulous Brickell City Centre at Brickell. That rounds up our list of the best condos in Key Biscayne and all their conveniences! If you like any of the projects listed here, feel free to contact us directly, and one of our Key Biscayne real estate agents will be happy to give you more information. We’re a brokerage with over 20 years of experience in Miami’s luxury condo market and will be happy to help you find the property you’re looking for. **LET'S GET SOCIAL!** Connect with us on Instagram and Youtube.

Best Miami Neighborhood: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne

Even as areas such as Edgewater, Downtown Miami, and Brickell are becoming more and more popular as top Miami neighborhoods to live in, two of the Magic City’s older and more established neighborhoods have tremendous appeal to families and those who seek the ultimate tropical coastal living experience. We’re of course talking about Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne, two of Miami’s best-known waterfront neighborhoods, each with marvellous housing and lifestyle options. Here in this blog, we’ll explore their key differences and similarities to help you choose the best one for your lifestyle. ## — Lifestyle: Coconut Grove vs. Key Biscayne ###### Coconut Grove (Bay) Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. It has a distinctly laid-back, Caribbean feel, and its streets line miles of the coastline along Biscayne Bay. Because of this location, the Grove appeals to those who love living on the water and having easy access to the bay—it’s a haven for sailing, water sports, and boating. Coconut Grove has also always been a top spot for artists, design types, and plant lovers who want a life right on the bay—many of Miami’s developers and architecture firms have headquarters here. Known for its canopies of tropical shade trees, Coconut Grove is home to various exotic bird species such as wild macaws, quaker and Amazon parrots, and even wild peacocks! ###### Key Biscayne (aerial) at sunset On the other hand, Key Biscayne is an island off of the mainland Miami between Brickell and Coconut Grove and accessible via the Rickenbacker Causeway extending well into Biscayne Bay. It’s a very scenic drive to get to and from home, a favorite for cyclists, and has an even more laid back vibe than Coconut Grove. With luxurious semi-private beaches, it also has a state park at its very tip, with a favorite lighthouse and open-air cafe to watch perfect sunsets. Known as a bicyclist’s paradise and very family friendly, Key Biscayne provides the quiet isolation and coastal tranquility of a small island separated from the busy, bustling crowds of the city, and most of its beaches are reserved for residents only. Don’t be surprised to see kids riding their bikes or families traveling around the key by golf cart. ## — Boating and Marinas: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Coconut Grove Marina In terms of boating and living a lifestyle on the sea, both of these neighborhoods are absolute winners, even considering all of Miami’s neighborhoods. Because Coconut Grove has two marinas right in the heart of the village, and a major sailing and yacht club where national and international regattas are held, it edges out Key Biscayne slightly. ###### Key Biscayne Marina But Key Biscayne also has the Key Biscayne Yacht Club and several marinas, including the Rickenbacker Marina, and Crandon Park Marina, as well as many small waterways and single family homes where you can keep your boat. And, even if you live in a condo on the island, you can easily access your boat, sailboat, or yacht to get on the water. ## — Business: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Coconut Grove Both Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne are primarily residential neighborhoods. So the main businesses you’ll find in these areas are restaurants, hotels and other service-oriented businesses that cater to residents. Both neighborhoods are home to many small professional businesses as well, such as doctors, attorneys, specialized design professionals and architects, and real estate agents. They also have small boutiques and art galleries, health food stores, yoga studios, and fitness centers. Neither of these neighborhoods is known as a corporate hub, and for many, this is what makes them so appealing. You’ll perhaps have a few more options in Coconut Grove, and easier access to other businesses in nearby Coral Gables and Brickell, however. Which makes Coconut Grove a winner for those working in these two nearby neighborhoods as well. ## — Walkability and Transportation: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Key Biscayne - Biking If you love walking, riding your bike, or generally getting about without using your car, Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne are excellent choices. Both neighborhoods have always encouraged walking and bicycling as a local lifestyle option, and both offer free trolley service for getting around in the neighborhood, as well as a local bus service to areas outside the neighborhood. ###### Miami Metro Mover Coconut Grove is definitely more accessible by public transportation simply because it is part of mainland Miami, and is adjacent to Brickell. If you want to leave the immediate area, both Metrorail and free Metromover offer service. Because it is an island some seven miles off of mainland Miami, getting in and out of Key Biscayne you’ll need a car, as the only route by land to Key Biscayne is the Rickenbacker Causeway, with very limited bus service. That said, once on the island, there is little need for a car and the vehicle of choice is often a golf cart. ## — Parks and Greenspace: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Vizcaya Estate and Gardens If you love parks, green space, and the open air, you’ll feel right at home in either of these popular Miami neighborhoods. Both are winners! Coconut Grove has plenty of great outdoor greenspaces, including tree-lined streets where you can walk beneath shady canopies, and parks such as Kennedy Park and Peacock Park, with outdoor sports like volleyball and kickball, waterfront access, and lots of pet-friendly parks. Boating and sailing are beloved local pastimes in Coconut Grove, as well as kayaking, waterboarding, and snorkeling. The Grove also boasts great parks and historic sites such as Barnacle Historic State Park, the Kampong National Tropical Botanic Garden, and the nearby iconic Vizcaya Estate and Gardens, where you can travel in time and enjoy nature in the same location. However, if you need easy beach access, Coconut Grove might not be ideal as it hasn’t got any beaches, even though it is waterfront. ###### Key Biscayne In contrast, Key Biscayne is a small key that contains a vast, unspoiled stretch of natural Floridian coastline encompassing Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park, where you can enjoy natural wilderness with very little human development and public access to natural beaches perfect for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing or kayaking, as well as mangroves, walking and biking trails. Key Biscayne also has a challenging and well regarded 18-hole, public golf course at Crandon Golf, as well as excellent tennis facilities, as it was the former site of the Miami Open Masters 1000 tennis tournament. There’s even the abandoned ruins of the former Metro Zoo, where peacocks, swans, and other bird species roam wild, and iguanas sun themselves undisturbed. Many of the beaches are private and require key fob access, making it very desirable for residents. There are also great smaller parks to enjoy on the Key, adding to the natural charm of this exclusive island community. ## — Arts and Culture: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### The Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival What’s a good life without arts and culture, you ask? Well, the neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne provide arts and culture offerings such as street fairs, local artists’ studios, antique stores, and art galleries. But Coconut Grove, which encompasses a larger area, probably wins this category. The Grove is home to several historical sites, including the impressive Vizcaya Museum, with its unique collection of antique artifacts housed in an amazing early 20th-century mansion and surrounded by elegant European-designed gardens and a natural mangrove forest. Although Vizcaya is also easily accessible to residents of Key Biscayne, it is much easier to get to from the Grove. Coconut Grove also hosts an array of popular street fairs including the long-running Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the King Mango Strut, the Goombay Festival, and The Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival. Key Biscayne features local festivals such as the Key Biscayne Arts Festival and the Key Biscayne Wine and Food Fest, too. ## — Eating and Shopping Options: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Rusty Pelican Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne both have awesome and eclectic eating and shopping options, but if you’re a foodie, the Grove will have more to offer your palate than Key Biscayne in this department. Coconut Grove is home to several outdoor cafés, hotel and luxury condo restaurants, and sports bars. The recently renovated open-air mall CocoWalk also features an array of eateries, shops, and places to enjoy a great cocktail. Some of the best dining options in the Grove include: * Ariete for exceptional New American cuisine. * Taste the best of traditional French flavors in Le Bouchon du Grove. * Los Félix is a Mexican cantina offering a lively environment with even livelier food. * Try a twist on the classic diner experience with a Cuban flavor in Chug’s Diner. * Lokal for just plain but oh-so-tasty good old burgers. * Sample authentic Indian cuisine at the popular Bombay Darbar. Key Biscayne has somewhat fewer eateries and bars but is also home to some very unique restaurants and boutiques. Some favorite dining options in the Key include: * The Rusty Pelican, which also made our list of the best restaurants in Miami to dock and dine. * Flour & Weirdoughs is where you’ll want to get your daily loaf and other baked goods. * Costa Med Bistró + Wine is a traditional favorite, run by a Key Biscayne local with a great selection of wines and fine food. * Upscale eateries such as Novecento are always a surefire choice for prime cuts and Argentinian flare. * The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne Resort selection of restaurants, which include favorites Lightkeepers and Cantina Beach. ## — Schools: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne Both Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne are great for families with children, and the two areas are close enough to one another that students from one neighborhood can actually go to school in the other. And both neighborhoods boast some of Miami’s top schools. Coconut Grove encompasses a larger area than Key Biscayne and is home to some of Miami’s best private schools, such as the nationally ranked Ransom Everglades School, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Saint Hugh, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, Coconut Grove Montessori, the Vanguard School, and LaSalle High School. Public schools include Coconut Grove Elementary, Frances S. Tucker Elementary, and George Washington Carver Elementary and Middle Schools. Key Biscayne is home to excellent public schools such as the famed MAST Academy, which has been ranked as a top public school in Miami thanks to its excellent magnet program in marine biology and natural sciences and is the only high school in Key Biscayne. Another option is the renowned Key Biscayne K-8 Center, also known as the Key Biscayne Community Day School, which has grades until middle school. Private schools in Key Biscayne include Key Biscayne Community Church Day School, St. Agnes Catholic School, and Key Biscayne Presbyterian School, which serves preschool students. Students living in Key Biscayne also attend schools in neighboring Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, including some of the schools named above. ## — Architecture and Real Estate: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Two Park Grove - Coconut Grove Coconut Grove contains a great mix of old and new real estate, with newer high-rise and boutique condos alongside nostalgic beach bungalows, luxurious single-family homes, and waterfront mansions set within gated communities such as Cocoplum. Some of the most luxurious properties you can find here include Grove at Grand Bay, Two Park Grove, and One Park Grove. Among the newer options, you’ll find the recently finished Mr. C Residences Tigertail Tower and Mr. C Bayshore Tower. And there are also plenty of pre-construction condos including the first residence-exclusive Four Seasons Coconut Grove, Vita at Grove Isle, Arbor, Opus Coconut Grove, and Residences in the Grove. For a better overview, we recommend watching our video on top five pre construction projects in Coconut Grove. Key Biscayne is also a luxury enclave, mixing older condos housed mostly in luxurious mid-century buildings with dazzling coastal views and beach access, along with some newer ultra-luxury condo buildings, like Oceana Key Biscayne. On the bayside of Key Biscayne, you’ll find friendly streets lined with spacious single-family residences, many with waterfront access. Finally, there aren’t as many new developments in this area, the only one being the townhomes of Key Cassa. ## — Cost of Living: Coconut Grove vs Key Biscayne ###### Miami skyline from Key Biscayne Both Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne are favored by elite homeowners and those seeking luxury waterfront properties in a tranquil, safe, and elegant residential community. Average listings in Key Biscayne hover around $1,123,613, or $586 per square foot, while higher-end listings can be as high as $10,500,000, or $2,813 per square foot. Average Coconut Grove listings range around $1,797,595, or about $861 per square foot, while higher-end listings can run as high as $20,500,000 or $3,313 per square foot. You can find all available listings for both neighborhoods using our exclusive search engines for Coconut Grove or Key Biscayne. If you’d like to know more about what it’s like to live in Miami in general, we recommend reading our article about the cost of living in the Magic City. ## — Which Neighborhood Should You Choose? Coconut Grove or Key Biscayne? Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne are somewhat similar to one another, but each has its own unique vibe and lifestyle. If you want to be on the mainland, surrounded by gorgeous tree canopies, and close to a wide array of dining and shopping options and areas like Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove may be more suitable for you. If you need to be close to the beach and want to live away from most of the bustle of Miami, have a tight-knit community where kids are free to ride their bikes almost everywhere on an unspoiled island paradise, you may end up falling in love with Key Biscayne. If you’re interested in more of our neighborhood comparisons such as Coconut Grove versus Coral Gables, check out these below: * Edgewater vs South Beach * South Beach vs Miami Beach * Edgewater vs Downtown Miami * The Miami Beaches: South vs Mid-Beach vs North Beach * Brickell vs South Beach * Brickell vs Brickell Key If you’d like more help to decide which Miami neighborhood is best for you and suits you the most, contact us and our team of multilingual experts will be happy to help you find the best area and property! Let us show you our variety of listings in the neighborhoods you’re most interested in and help you decide where to buy or rent to live your best Miami life. And if you’d like to keep up with everything Miami real estate, subscribe to our newsletter in the top right corner, follow us on Instagram, or check out our Blackbook Properties YouTube Channel. **LET'S GET SOCIAL!** Connect with us on Instagram and Youtube. ######