The Seven Mile Bridge, completed in 1912 as part of Henry Flagler's overseas railway, was once called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Today, it and the surrounding areas offer a lifestyle that is genuinely without comparison, according to a recent feature from the Brenner Scheel & Casey Team.
The original bridge, now a walking and cycling trail, leads to Pigeon Key, a five-acre island on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk the 2.2-mile restored path at sunrise or sunset, observing marine life such as tarpon, sharks, and stingrays in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For more on Pigeon Key, visit pigeonkey.net.
Nearby dining and resort options include the Sunset Grill and Isla Bella Beach Resort, which offer waterfront dining and luxury amenities that complement the residential lifestyle.
The residential neighborhoods surrounding the bridge—Sombrero Beach, Key Colony Beach, and Stirrup Key—each offer distinct characters united by a calm, water-oriented lifestyle. Sombrero Beach features a free public beach with soft coral sand and is a designated nesting ground for Loggerhead sea turtles from April to October. The Sombrero Key Lighthouse, designed by Lieutenant George Meade, stands offshore. Seven-day vacation rental homes in Sombrero Beach range from luxury waterfront estates starting at $1.1 million to a record $6.5 million sale in 2023, with condominiums starting in the $300s.
Key Colony Beach, a self-governing island city, is known for its tranquil waters and close-knit community. Old conch-style duplexes begin in the $600s for one side, while elevated deepwater homes start in the $2 million range. Stirrup Key is a gated neighborhood of open water estates, with homes starting at $2.2 million and a record sale of $4.999 million in 2023.
Accessibility is a key advantage. Marathon International Airport provides direct air access, and the city boat ramp at 33rd Street offers a launch point for boaters. Additional marina options include Marlin Bay Resort and Safe Harbor Marina. Unlike Caribbean islands, there are no passport or customs requirements.
The Seven Mile Bridge area is centrally located, placing Key West about 50 miles south and Miami two hours north. To own property here is to occupy a singular vantage point, where the Eighth Wonder of the World is part of the daily view.
The Brenner Scheel & Casey Team of the Florida Keys Real Estate Group, including Kristen Brenner, Tierce Scheel, and Margie Casey, bring decades of experience, having closed over $600 million in sales. They specialize in waterfront estates and luxury residences. Browse listings at floridakeysrealestategroup.com and view property walkthroughs on their YouTube channel, FL Keys Luxury Homes.
