Capsule:A series of islands stretching more than 150 miles southeast from the Florida mainland, the Florida Keys have distinctive characters but share a natural tropical beauty and a laid-back lifestyle.

Waterfront Homes: If you yearn for waterfront property, it's here. The keys are an island chain, and a disproportionately large number of luxury homes front either on the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico.

Golf and Tennis: Unlike the rest of Florida, the Florida Keys are not a golfer's paradise. But there are golf courses -- the two at the Ocean Reef Club are among the best -- and tennis courts can be found at many locations throughout the Keys.

Weather: For a semi-tropical climate with balmy breezes and few sharp fluctuations in temperature, this is about as good as it gets. The average temperature in the Keys in January is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In August, it climbs to 84.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Culture: In historic Key West, there's an intermingling of cultures perhaps unique in all the United States. From Caribbean art galleries to the nightly sunset party at Mallory Square in Old Town, the living is interesting.

For information about luxury real estate in the Florida Keys and the Realtors that can help you find the perfect Key West, Islamorada or Ocean Reef Club home, please click here.