Brickell Key

Brickell Key—also known as Claughton Island—is a 44-acre man-made island in Biscayne Bay connected to Brickell by a single causeway. Originally developed in the 1970s and 1980s, the island has evolved into one of Miami's most exclusive residential enclaves, prized for its privacy, security, and resort-caliber amenities.

Location & Setting

Situated just east of Brickell Avenue across a short bridge, Brickell Key occupies a distinctive position: close to Miami's financial district yet surrounded by water. A single road connection separates the residential island from the mainland street grid. Views vary considerably by building, floor, and orientation: some residences face open bay, others look toward the Miami River, neighboring towers, or the Brickell and Downtown skylines. Compare the actual residence and balcony rather than assuming every island address has the same outlook.

Real Estate & Property Types

Brickell Key's established housing stock is concentrated in condominium towers. Notable properties include Asia, Carbonell, and the Courts at Brickell Key, alongside the island's earlier condominium communities. These buildings differ in age, floor plans, services, parking, and association costs; being on the same island does not make them interchangeable.

The original Mandarin Oriental, Miami closed on May 31, 2025. A new hotel and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami are planned as part of the southern-tip redevelopment. Buyers should distinguish completed resale condominiums from the future branded residences and evaluate each on its own documents and delivery status.

Market Overview

Use the current MLS market panels below to compare asking prices and available inventory. For an individual residence, look beyond the asking price to monthly association charges, reserve funding, pending assessments, parking arrangements, renovation condition, and the specific view. Existing buildings and preconstruction purchases involve different ownership costs and timelines.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Landscaped grounds, the Village Green, and the island's waterfront setting are important parts of its residential character. Daily routines can combine time on the island with shopping and dining across the bridge in Brickell. Brickell City Centre and the surrounding mainland streets offer a much broader selection of businesses than the island itself.

The former Mandarin Oriental hotel, spa, and restaurants should not be counted as operating neighborhood amenities. The redevelopment also makes construction conditions relevant to a home search: visit at different times, ask about work near the building, and confirm current pedestrian access before planning a daily route around the island.

Parks & Recreation

The Baywalk and green spaces help distinguish Brickell Key from denser mainland blocks. With redevelopment at the southern tip, buyers should confirm which waterfront sections and outdoor spaces are currently accessible. An island location does not automatically include a private marina, boat slip, beach, or unrestricted water access; check the amenities and rules of the specific condominium.

Transportation & Accessibility

The island's bridge connects to the mainland Brickell street network. Metrorail and Metromover are on the mainland rather than the island, so include the walk from the actual building when comparing commutes. The single connection also makes bridge traffic, deliveries, and construction access worth checking during a weekday visit. Travel times to Downtown, the airport, and Miami Beach depend on mainland traffic as well as the island crossing.

Who Lives Here

Brickell Key suits buyers who want condominium living near the financial district with a residential island setting. It can appeal to full-time residents and second-home owners who value landscaped surroundings and water views while remaining close to mainland dining and services. The practical tradeoff is reliance on one bridge and, during the southern-tip redevelopment, the need to assess construction impacts building by building.