Stiltsville

Living the high-life on sea
Word to the wise: The only way to get an up-close look at these bizarre water-locked homes is by private boat, but they're perfectly visible on the vista at Key Biscayne.

What started as a clever way for fishermen to avoid paying property taxes has evolved into a quirky neighborhood of brightly colored wood frame buildings perennially under threat from hurricanes and city officials.
Located off the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Stiltsville is comprised of seven bungalows built on pilings submerged on mud flats in one to three feet of water, depending on the tide. The privately-owned houses are often used by boaters for shelter from storms and by fishermen who seek a unique spot for throwing a line.