Key Largo Beach in Key Largo, FL

Pros

• The place is beautiful with many amenities.
• It is a private, secured location with access to Miami and the Keys.
• The management company is great.
• Michelle is an absolute dream and communicates well.
• The location offers plenty of space to explore and features three spacious pools.
• The beach is lovely and the complex is very well maintained.
• Townhouses are comfortable and well-equipped for living.
• There is ample dock space and private boat ramps for boaters.
• Front gate security is helpful.

Cons

• The evening front gate staff were rude and unhelpful, with no eye contact or clear communication.
• The front gate staff snatched date placards from guests and behaved unprofessionally.
• The map program was off.
• Pools are not heated in winter and there are no jacuzzis.
• Residents do not pick up after their pets, leading to a smelly environment.
• Pool quiet hours at 11 pm are too late for some visitors.

Review

Key Largo Beach is best suited for active retirees and boating enthusiasts who want a private, gated bayside community with a comprehensive amenity package and straightforward access to both the Keys and the mainland. The setting feels like a resort where residents can live a full social and recreational life without leaving the grounds: three pools, a private beach, multiple tennis courts, on-site dining, and a marina with boat slips and a ramp. The management group, Allied Property Group, is consistently cited as competent and responsive, underscoring a reliable backbone for daily living. For those who value privacy, security, and a wide array of activities - from water aerobics to yoga and euchre - this community delivers on the core expectations of a self-contained, low-drama lifestyle in a beautiful bayfront context.

That said, potential residents should consider alternatives if entry friction or guest access are major concerns. Several reviews flag the evening front gate experience as inconsistent, with some staff perceived as curt and even unwelcoming toward guests. While one frontline attendant is repeatedly praised for warmth, the variability at the gate can create daily irritations for visitors or family members who need to drop in or tour. In a community this private, the gate experience is not incidental; it directly affects how welcoming the place feels to outsiders and how smoothly visits unfold. If easy guest access, friendlier gate interactions, or a consistently hospitable first impression matter, other options in the Keys or in nearby towns may be worth weighing.

The strong-positive elements - amenities, setting, and maintenance - often offset the operational quirks. The property's water-facing location, well-kept grounds, and the abundance of recreational choices create a powerful value proposition. Three distinct pools, a clean private beach, and ample dock space with individual slips support an active boating lifestyle, while the on-site restaurant and bar add practical convenience for residents who prefer not to drive for every outing. The bayfront views, quiet, park-like ambiance, and the sense of a self-contained community are repeatedly highlighted as standout benefits that lenses of cost and gate annoyance cannot fully diminish.

There are practical trade-offs to acknowledge clearly. The pools are not heated, and there are no Jacuzzis, which matters for winter enjoyment or for guests who expect warmer options. Pool hours emphasize quiet late at night - an appealing feature for some, a constraint for others who enjoy late-evening use or social events near the water. The bayside location means deeper-water exploration comes with a longer boat ride to established reefs or Atlantic access, which can be a reality check for salt-water adventures seeking faster offshore options. Another point of friction is the community's private-association structure; entry often hinges on knowing someone or arranging a tour, which can feel exclusionary to first-time visitors or prospective buyers who want a straightforward viewing process.

From a housekeeping and etiquette perspective, a notable caveat involves pet-related feedback. While the grounds are described as attractive and well-kept, reviewers note issues with pet hygiene in common areas, a factor that can affect walkability and comfort for sensitive residents or guests. This is not a universal problem stated by all residents, but it is a recurring theme that should be factored into any decision, particularly for households with pets or visitors who prioritize clean, easy maintenance in shared spaces. Additionally, map inaccuracies and occasional minor service glitches exist, but they do not appear to undermine the overall value when the community's assets are weighed against the onboarding friction.

The bottom line is clear: Key Largo Beach rewards residents who want a self-contained, amenity-rich, bayside lifestyle with strong governance and a clear sense of place. It excels for active, sociable adults who value boating access, a robust activity calendar, and a beautifully maintained environment. It may not be the best fit for those who require seamless, casual entry for guests, heated pool facilities, or a lower-friction pet-appropriate landscape. For families or individuals prioritizing openness, ease of ingress, and more flexible access policies, exploring alternatives in nearby developments with friendlier front-desk experiences and more inclusive guest policies is a prudent step before committing.

Key Largo, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. The area boasts several parks such as Schwingggg, North Nest Key, and The Old Settler's Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. There are also numerous restaurants offering diverse cuisine options, including Pilot House Restaurant and Corks & Curds. For spiritual support, there are places of worship like First Baptist Church of Key Largo and Coral Isles United Church of Christ Congregational E & R. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians such as Collins Edward J MD and medical facilities like Baptist Health Mariners Hospital nearby. Additionally, transportation services like Dana's Sunshine Taxi make it easy for seniors to get around the area. Overall, Key Largo offers a well-rounded community with access to essential services for seniors.

Parks

• Schwingggg (3.5 miles)
• North Nest Key (6.6 miles)
• The Old Settler's Park (10.7 miles)
• Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (21.2 miles)
• Biscayne Bay National Park HQ (22.3 miles)
• Biscayne National Park (23.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Pilot House Restaurant (3.5 miles)
• Corks & Curds (3.5 miles)
• Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe (3.6 miles)
• Pinecrest Bakery (3.7 miles)
• Keys Bite (3.7 miles)
• Mrs. Mac's Kitchen II (3.7 miles)
• Italian Food Company (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Baptist Church of Key Largo (3.7 miles)
• Coral Isles United Church of Christ Congregational E & R (12.3 miles)

Physicians

• Collins Edward J MD (7.4 miles)
• Keys To Wellness Medical Center (11 miles)
• ASAP Urgent Care Center (11 miles)
• Florida Keys Pediatric & Adolescent Center (11.1 miles)
• Brian P Magrane (11.1 miles)
• Tassell Medical Arts Building (11.1 miles)
• Russell Robinson, MD (11.2 miles)

Transportation

• Dana's Sunshine Taxi (8.8 miles)
• TY's Taxi (15.4 miles)

Cafes

• Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (10.4 miles)
• The Lost Lobster (15.6 miles)
• Starbucks (17.8 miles)
• Starbucks (22.3 miles)
• Mario's Latin Cafe (24.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Baptist Health Mariners Hospital (11.1 miles)
• South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (20.6 miles)
• Homestead Pediatric Associates (24.3 miles)
• Va Primary Care Clinic (24.5 miles)
• Homestead Hospital (24.7 miles)
• Dynamic Pediatric Therapy (24.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (11.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (11.3 miles)
• Walgreens (22.3 miles)
• Kacheez Pharmacy (23.8 miles)
• Walgreens (24 miles)
• Walgreens (24.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (24.3 miles)