Beaches and booming nightlife at the southernmost tip of Florida
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Sitting at mile 0 of historic U.S. Route 1, this iconic Florida locale is often referred to as “The end of the road.” With a booming tourism industry and nightlife scene, this small island community may feel tightly packed with crowds on sunny summer evenings, but longtime residents appreciate the community’s know-your-neighbor attitude all year round. Compared to mainland cities, Key West is relatively isolated, so something as simple as a trip to Walmart may involve a ferry ride or a 100-mile drive on an overseas highway. As a result, those living full-time on the island become very close and tend to rely on one another. “In so many ways, it’s difficult to live here,” says longtime resident and Key West poet laureate Emily Schulten Weekley. “It’s even hard for trees to put down roots on a coral island. The remoteness is challenging, but it’s a magical place, and the people here work hard for it because they love it so much.”
Not too many but you can find beaches in Key West mostly on the East side of the island.
Sloppy Joe`s is a staple to the Key West nightlife.
This is the Southernmost point that millions of tourists visit each year in Key West.
Beautiful blue ocean will surround your life when you live in Key West.
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Historic conch houses and multimillion-dollar estates in Old Town
Homes in Key West span from small beach cottages to multimillion-dollar waterfront estates, with a median price of $1.4 million for single-family dwellings. While newly built homes pop up now and then, limited available land on the island means that most homes here were built between 1920 and 1980. Old Town is both the face and heart of Key West. So here, 1930s two-bedroom conch houses needing a little TLC start close to $700,000. Old Town’s larger move-in-ready properties can cost as much as $9 million for a historic mansion or even more for a rare waterfront find.
Whether located within the island’s sought-after X-flood zone or a section with lower elevations like Mid Town, flood insurance is highly recommended. Hurricane season ranges from the start of June to the end of November, during which residents of Key West exercise caution as the island is vulnerable to coastal storms.
Key West style conch homes are part of the streetscapes on the island.
Gated multi million dollar homes with private pools and large gardens are very beautiful.
You can find beachfront condominiums also if you prefer that lifestyle.
Colorful homes will dominate the market in Key West.
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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Although some beaches here can feel more rocky than sandy, Smathers Beach offers traditional stretches of white sand. Locals can visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park to enjoy biking, hiking trails, and scenic fields alongside the crystal blue sea. Snorkeling, sunbathing and fishing are all popular seaside hobbies, though wildlife enthusiasts may opt to kayak through mangroves or visit one of the island’s nature preserves to see all the native species. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory features a range of foliage and butterfly species unique to the area. “There are so many amazing tropical flowering plants that smell so good,” Weekley says. “And there’s a real sweetness when things bloom – like sweet almond bushes or jasmine.”
The Beach at Zackery Taylor Historic State Park is a great place to cool off.
Palm trees will provide shade by the ocean in the Zackery State Park.
There are great hiking trails in the Zachary Taylor State Park that you can enjoy.
There is an active marine life that you can see and be part of if you are adventurous.
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The Monroe County School District
Local kids are zoned for Monroe County School District, which is rated B-plus overall by Niche. Schools serving every grade level are located on the island, so students don’t need to cross to nearby islands for their education. The island’s location in the Atlantic makes it a prime spot for studying marine sciences, whether at the College of the Florida Keyes or Sigsbee Charter School. Sigsbee, graded A-minus, is a local standout with specialized marine sciences education for grades K-8.
Horace O`Bryant School is offering great education to the students.
Key West High School is the largest school complex on the island.
The Basilica School is a semi private establishment with great reputation.
The College of the Florida Keys have many marine related subject to study and practice.
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Key West relies on tourism and local businesses
Tourism and food services are the leading industries in Key West, and a strong military and marine science presence rounds out the economy. Employment opportunities are spread across the Florida Keys. Weekley works on Stock Island next door as an English professor. Her school, the College of the Florida Keys, attracts students studying marine biology and those interested in renewable energy. “We do a lot of research on wind, water and solar energy because of our location,” Weekley says.
Fishing is another major player in the local economy. While folks may see cruise ships more often, fishing vessels dot the horizon whenever a storm rolls through. Shrimp boats are on the water, too; however, the city’s shrimp industry isn’t what it was during the historic Florida Pink Gold Rush, which ended around 1980. Businesses in Key West are locally focused, with only a few national big box and grocery chains. Many stores are family-owned, like Fausto's Food Palace, which was originally run out of a house when cigar roller Fausto Castillo started it in 1926. Weekley is married to Castillo’s great-grandson, and the family continues their forefather’s legacy of bringing Cuban staples and delicacies to Key West’s close-knit Cuban community.
Cuban Cafe is part of the lifestyle in Key West.
Local businesses are important to the community life in Key West.
Tourists gathering to watch the sunset every night from the Malloy Square in Key West.
There is a great Farmers Market every Thursday in Key West where you can see the locals.
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Island transit at the tip of U.S. Route 1
Transit to mainland Florida from Key West can be tricky. U.S. Route 1 is the only road that can access the mainland, more than 100 miles across the rest of the Florida Keys and landing on the coast south of Miami. Key West International Airport and the Key West Ferry, which connects to Fort Myers Beach, present alternatives to driving. For travel within the island, the Workforce Express bus line runs east to west and can take passengers to nearby military outposts, while the Duval Loop runs in a circle around Key West’s shopping and dining district.
The famous zero mile marker for US 1 Road that starts from Old Town Key West.
The bus services are frequent and reliable in Key West.
Key West International Airport is providing daily flights to Miami.
US 1 Road is peacefully leading out the way from Key West and connecting the islands.
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Old Town's famous strip and waterfront plaza
The hottest restaurants and bars are in the historic Old Town district, focused around its signature strip, Duval Street, and waterfront plaza, Mallory Square. Many tourists come out to play at the square, unloading from cruise ships like clockwork each winter. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the plaza’s nightly Sunset Celebration series, with live musicians, stunt performers and local vendors. Wandering between jugglers, storytellers and food stands, attendees get a sense of the Keys DIY arts scene under what Weekley calls “an endless pink sky.”
The vacation vibes trickle down Duval Street and the surrounding Old Town blocks. This corner of the island is famous for its nightlife, featuring dozens of eclectic bars like the landmark Green Parrot, popular for its underground shows. Cuban eateries and coffee shops are all over, but Key West’s main culinary star is seafood. Locally sourced fish is commonly featured at both fast-casual and upscale establishments. As for where to find the best key lime pie, there are several contenders, but very few customers are sorry after trying a slice from Blue Heaven. The unique restaurant features open-air seating and a quirky feel, thanks in part to the cocky roosters strutting their stuff for scraps. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about why we have wild chickens on the island,” Weekley says. “The main theory is that there used to be a cockfighting industry – if you can even call it that. My husband said that someone told him they were forgotten pets, like our iguanas. I don’t know the truth, but I know people like that cockfighting story.”
Blue Heaven Restaurant has a charming courtyard patio that visitors enjoy very much.
Waterfront plaza where tourist gathering to enjoy the sunset in Key West.
The famous Duval Street where most of the action happening during night time in Key West.
Popular spots like the famous Margaritaville Store from Jimmy Buffet.
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Crime rates in comparison to mainland Florida
Although crime rates in Key West are higher than the national average, with 4.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents against the national average of 3.8, the island reports lower crime rates than mainland Florida cities like Miami Beach or Orlando, which report violent crime rates of 10.6 and 8.2 per 1,000 residents. Against a national average of 19.54, Key West reports a property crime rate of 23.5.
On average, homes in Key West, FL sell after 105 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Key West, FL over the last 12 months is $1,101,100, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,255,000
Median Sale Price
$1,101,100
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,300,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$799,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$840,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
307
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$2
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,004
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
114
Months of Supply
4.50
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Key West, FL
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Poinciana Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Horace O'Bryant School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#3 Gerald Adams Elementary School
B
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#4 Monroe Virtual Instruction Program
2
GreatSchools
#5 Monroe County School District Virtual Instruction Program
#6 Monroe Virtual Franchise
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Horace O'Bryant School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#2 Monroe Virtual Instruction Program
2
GreatSchools
#3 Keys Center
#4 Lower Keys Academic Connections for Excellence
#5 Monroe County Detention Center
#6 Monroe Virtual Academy (Course Offerings)
#7 Monroe Virtual Franchise
Best Public High Schools
#1 Key West High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#2 Monroe Virtual Instruction Program
2
GreatSchools
#3 Keys Center
#4 Lower Keys Academic Connections for Excellence
#5 Monroe County Detention Center
#6 Monroe Virtual Academy (Course Offerings)
#7 Monroe Virtual Franchise
Best Private Schools
#1 Grace Lutheran School
#2 Montessori Children's School of Key West
#3 The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea
As a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, I find great joy in assisting others in finding their own happiness in this beautiful area. Prior to settling down in the Lower Keys, I had the opportunity to explore Key Largo to Key West. This firsthand experience has proven invaluable in helping both buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market. My deep passion for being on the water has been a significant asset in my career. Whether it's finding the perfect waterfront property or understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living by the water, I am well-equipped to guide my clients every step of the way. With 27 years of experience as a business owner, I developed a strong foundation of ethics and dedication that sets me apart from others in the industry. Going above and beyond is simply a part of my regular routine, ensuring that my clients receive the highest level of service and support. In addition to my own expertise, our team is backed by our broker(s) who have over 30 years of experience selling properties in the Florida Keys. This collective knowledge and expertise ensure that success is within reach for our clients. Whether you're buying or selling in the Florida Keys, you can trust in my experience and commitment to excellence.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
