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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Video By
Maurice McNeil
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robin Mitchell,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Key West, FL sell after 105 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Key West, FL over the last 12 months is $1,105,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wonderful Home with a Small Cottage, Salt Water Pool, and Off Street Parking, and 2 Brand New Roofs, on the Main House and the Guest Cottage!. Additionally- there is a New Insurance Mitigation report dated 8/28/2026! Affordable insurance premiums. Currently $13,367.48 a year for flood, windstorm, and homeowners insurance. The Main Home has an open living room with cathedral ceilings, and a loft .
Elaine CoyleKeller Williams Key West Compass Realty
Welcome to 103 Key Haven Road! This home is on an over-sized lot, which overlooks a small bay, and has mangrove and sunset views. The expansive back yard feels very private and has a large patio area. There is plenty of room for your boat along the seawall, and it is the perfect spot to watch sunset. The 3 bedroom home is livable as it is, or you can add your own current updates.
Elaine CoyleKeller Williams Key West Compass Realty
Boaters Paradise Seize-The-Day in a Key Haven waterfront home with immediate Gulf and Atlantic access just minutes from Key West. This rare boating property offers 62 feet of solid concrete seawall on a clean, free-flowing 100-foot-wide canal. Approximately a two-minute idle to open bay with no bridges and no restrictions -- true open-water access for larger vessels.Enjoy a remarkable
Robin NilssonKeller Williams Key West Compass Realty
Experience modern waterfront living at this exceptional 2-bed, 2.5-bath oceanfront home on Geiger Key, where contemporary design meets exceptional engineering. Envisioned by original owner and renowned author Reese Palley, the residence was designed to maximize breathtaking open-water views, natural light, and indoor-outdoor living. Remote-controlled blinds reveal an endless blue horizon, while
Built in 2008, this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath pool home perfectly blends the timeless character of classic Key West architecture with the comfort and convenience of modern construction. Ideally located just a short stroll from shops, restaurants, bars, and the world-famous Duval Street, this home offers the best of island living. Step inside to a bright, open-concept main living space with a
This fully renovated canal front home at 1724 Bahama Drive offers modern waterfront living in a highly convenient location in Key West.The property features four bedrooms and four bathrooms and includes a separate mother in law unit, making it well suited for guests, extended family, or flexible use. The home has been completely updated with a new kitchen featuring quartz countertops,
A distinguished offering on one of Key West's most coveted private island enclaves, 32 Sunset Key Drive embodies the ease, elegance, and exclusivity of waterfront living. One of the largest custom residences on Sunset Key, this 3,635-square-foot oceanfront estate was conceived by its original owners with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and detail. Set beside its own private
With only two owners in its history, this well-maintained two-story property presents a rare investment opportunity in Key West. Configured as a legal duplex with two separately metered 1-bedroom, 1-bath units, it offers exceptional flexibility--ideal for investors seeking strong rental potential, business owners looking for employee housing, or owner-occupants wanting to offset costs by renting
Top floor unit! Experience premium waterfront ownership with this deeded timeshare in the highly coveted building at the Galleon Resort. This unit offers one of the most beautiful Key West Sunsets at the resort.The residence boasts windows for abundant natural light and a balcony that maximizes the breathtaking waterfront setting. Enjoy front-row views as Coast Guard vessels and iconic pirate
Experience deeded ownership of the same week, each year (Week 45) at the highly desirable Galleon Resort with this premier timeshare opportunity. This unit showcases a wonderful location and some of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Key West.Filled with natural light, the residence also features a private balcony perfectly positioned to capture the stunning waterfront scenery above the
Experience premium waterfront ownership with this deeded timeshare week 36 in the highly coveted Building C at the Galleon Resort. This PENTHOUSE, end-corner unit offers one of the most desirable locations in the resort, featuring unobstructed, straight-on views of the Gulf of Mexico. The residence boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, additional windows for abundant natural light, and multiple
Penthouse, top floor, end unit! Experience premium waterfront ownership with this deeded timeshare in the highly coveted building at the Galleon Resort. This unit delivers a truly unforgettable Key West sunset experience, among the finest views in Key West. The residence boasts windows for abundant natural light and a balcony that maximizes the breathtaking waterfront setting. Enjoy front-row
Welcome to your dream coastal retreat, where breathtaking Gulf and Marina views await from this desirable 3rd-floor lock door unit - where 2 units can be combined into one or separate. Nestled within a secure, gated community, this resort-style property offers exceptional amenities, one unassigned parking space, a sauna, fitness center, and the on-site Pirates Cove Café--everything you need for a
Inside the gates of Key West Golf Club -- the only gated golf course community on the island, with an 18-hole Rees Jones course, two pools, a fitness center, and 24-hour security. This pet-friendly, fully-fenced yard, 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom Key West townhome sits on a corner lot with on-street parking and guest parking, steps from the mail, pool, and gym. It lives bigger than most: tile through
Experience deeded ownership of the same week each year (Week 22) at the highly desirable Galleon Resort. This timeshare offers a fantastic location and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Key West.Filled with light, the unit features a private balcony overlooking the Gulf and Marina. Enjoy views of passing sails and evening cruises, along with warm Gulf breezes and live acoustic music
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this completely remodeled oceanfront home, located just fifteen minutes from downtown Key West. Quiet mornings and breathtaking sunsets make this the ideal spot for a relaxing island retreat.Start and end your day with incredible views of the ocean from the comfort of your home. Includes a master bedroom with a king-size bed, smart TV, and private bathroom,
Welcome to The Quarry, a residential community in Key West, FL featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments. Spacious layouts welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location close to shopping, dining and entertainment.
Spacious 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home for long term rental. High and dry Single family residence with extraordinary water views. This lot has ample off street parking, storage, a workshop, enclosed garage, Laundry room, and flex spaces. There is a large air conditioned shed in the back yard, perfect for an office or art studio.Landscaping and garbage service included.Applicants are
Available October 1. YEAR LEASE Beautiful Large one bedroom located in old town. COMPLETELY UPDATED THROUGHOUT. New custom bath, updated kitchen, new appliances, fixtures, fans, fresh paint throughout, hardwood floors. Open spacious unit meticulously upkept. Large private shaded front porch off second floor unit with furniture. Quiet building exceptionally maintained. Storage for bike in gated
Enjoy the Keys lifestyle in this stunning canal-front 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom elevated modular home, located in the desirable Bay Point neighborhood, just behind Baby's Coffee. Available for $5,500 per month, this 2015-built home offers modern amenities and a spacious layout perfect for comfortable living.The lower level features a bedroom with a full bath, 9-foot ceilings, and access to a
Ocean Walk apartments are located on the peaceful Atlantic side of the island, nestled among lush natural vegetation, just steps away from the beach. Ideally located just minutes from the best dining, shopping and entertainment Key West has to offer, Ocean Walk Apartment Homes boast spacious one, two, and three bedroom apartments, spectacular views, and first-rate amenities. Each recently
Turnkey Waterfront Living in Saddlebunch Key - $5,500/monthThis fully furnished 3 bed, 3 bath canal-front home offers the ultimate Keys lifestyle just behind Baby's Coffee. Enjoy quick access to open water with your own boat lift, perfect for fishing or sunset cruising. Spacious open-concept living, updated kitchen, and outdoor entertaining areas make this a perfect getaway or full-time
Discover your place in the heart of Key West's most historic and vibrant neighborhood. The Lofts at Bahama Village offers affordable housing options designed for locals, where homeownership and rental opportunities meet the warmth of a close-knit community.Live steps away from iconic Key West landmarks, while enjoying the charm and cultural heritage that make Bahama Village truly one of a
The advertised rate of $19,161/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 21, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $9,149/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) and 2 day(s) stay with a move-in date of February 23, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed
The advertised rate of $6,821/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 22, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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