$1,650,666Average Value$1,271Average Price per Sq Ft105Homes For Sale
History and contemporary culture collide in Old Town
Old Town is at the heart of Key West in more ways than one. This centrally located historic district serves as the city’s main shopping, dining and entertainment hub, home to boutiques, local businesses and a bubbly nightlife scene on Duval Street. Roosters and chickens, thought to be brought over from Cuba in the 1800s, roam the streets like squirrels in suburbia, catching the attention of tourists. For locals, though, they’re just part of the island’s charm and have become somewhat of an unofficial city mascot.
As the southernmost island in the U.S., Key West is beloved by many for its clear, turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. “The ocean is a big draw, and it always has been. A lot of people who buy homes here enjoy the water in one way or another. They’ll have a boat or go out on the charters,” says Key West resident Lisa Lennon, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty. Charter boats take off from the historic seaport area, which is also home to the city's aquarium and maritime museums. Boat owners can dock at nearby Garrison Bight Marina or join the Key West Yacht Club.
Old Town tells the city’s story through historic sites like the 1848 Key West Lighthouse and the 1852 Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, one of South Florida’s oldest Catholic parishes. Visitors come from all over the world to stay at one of Old Town’s many vacation rental properties, and residents may find themselves navigating around large groups of tourists during the island’s high season, December through April. But for those who call Key West home, whether for six months or the whole year, sharing the island lifestyle with visitors isn’t a burden. “There's a saying here that you might have seen on bumper stickers,” says Key West resident Mike Caron, a Realtor with Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty. “It’s called ‘One human family.’ And that’s basically what Key West is.”
Many small package and liquor stores can be found around Old Town.
The Key West Shell Warehouse is a great place in Old Town to grab some souvenirs.
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Bahama Village is known for its conch-style homes
Among Old Town’s historic homes is the Oldest House Museum, a traditional white Bahamian-style home built in 1829 that presents a perfectly preserved pocket of the island’s early years. Known locally as conch style, this architecture is typical across Old Town and stands out for its cozy front porches, wooden shutters and intricate trim. Nowhere is this style more prevalent than in the historic community of Bahama Village, a small pocket within Old Town where rows of conch homes have survived since the 1800s. “It’s now become the face of Key West,” Lennon says. Like many homes in the neighborhood, these properties sit on slightly raised platforms, which increase air circulation underneath to limit mold and water damage. Old Town is in the X-flood zone, meaning that its higher elevation makes it slightly less flood-prone than lower areas like Midtown. However, flood insurance and hurricane preparedness features like impact-resistant windows are highly recommended.
Homeowners in this historic district must maintain the home’s original exterior whenever possible. The Historic Architectural Review Commission reviews all renovation proposals. Interiors, however, are often fully updated with open floor plans and modern kitchens. Single-family homes priced under a million usually need significant repairs. Older renovated properties cost between $1 million and $2 million, while renovated three- and four-bedroom homes typically range from $2.5 million to $5 million. Select historic properties and larger homes licensed for transient rentals can top out around $8 million. To combat rising rent prices, the city is developing dedicated workforce housing units in Old Town, which Donnelly says are “so desperately needed here because the apartment situation for workers is so expensive.”
Old Town Key West offers sections with smaller homes many with wrap around porches.
The historic district of Key West is known as Old Town with many museums and historic landmarks.
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Dining in Hemingway’s footsteps at Blue Heaven
Most restaurants sit north of Truman Avenue, creating a walkable culinary web. There are plenty of spots to grab fried conch fritters or stone crab when it's in season, and more than a dozen bakeries and eateries claiming to serve the best Key lime pie or Cuban coffee. Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden offers a diverse menu of international dishes, from traditional shepherd’s pie to homemade banh mi sandwiches. The iconic Blue Heaven pairs eye-catching art and rustic outdoor seating with gourmet ingredients and one of the tallest toasted meringue toppings available on a Key lime pie in the city. Before it was a restaurant, the property hosted boxing matches refereed by Ernest Hemingway himself. Now, diners enjoy live music and happy hour in a tropical setting complete with island wildlife. “Talk about chickens,” Caron says. “They run right through while you’re eating.” Other local recommendations include Santiago’s Bodega, an upscale tapas spot with homemade sangria, and Moondog Café, a colorful, mural-filled bakery across the street from the historic Hemingway Home and Museum.
When the sun sets, Duval Street comes to life with a diverse sampling of music carried on the breeze between bars. Jazz clubs offer weekly swing dancing lessons; rounds of beer fly at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, one of Hemingway’s hangouts; connoisseurs sip from their glasses at wine bars like Vinos on Duval. When the sun rises, longstanding markets such as Fausto’s Food Palace, a family-owned staple since the 1920s, fulfill gourmet grocery needs. Larger stores like Publix and retailers like T.J. Maxx and Ross Dress for Less are about 3 miles north in New Town.
Blue Heaven serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music from 10-2 and 4 to close.
Six toed cats can be spotted in the Hemingway House Museum in old Town Key West.
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Snorkeling and swimming at Fort Zach Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, home to one of the country’s largest pre-Civil War weapons collections, covers 54 acres at the island's tip. A rock jetty curls out into the ocean, protecting the famous white sand beach from the strongest cruise boat currents and offering ample room for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the clear water. Picnic tables lie in the shade of towering Australian pine trees, offering a welcome respite from the sun. “The city tried to remove all the pines about 10 years ago because they’re not indigenous to the area. The community raised $100,000 and got an attorney to save the pines. Can you imagine this without any shade?” says Brenda Donnelly, broker and owner of Brenda Donnelly Real Estate and a 40-year resident of Key West. The state park requires a small admission fee, but many residents get annual passes.
The interactive Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center marks the beginning of Truman Waterfront Park, a renovated 33-acre green space with a popular shaded playground and splash pad surrounded by landscaped lawns. The park hosts a weekly farmers market on Thursday afternoon and is a popular spot to watch the sunset away from the bustle of Mallory Square, which is known for its nightly sunset celebrations. In addition to a few pocket parks and playgrounds, residents can use the basketball court at Frederick Douglass Gym and the outdoor pool and playground at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
The Key West Lighthouse stands tall in Old Town and serves as a museum today.
The Beach at ack Taylor Historic State Park is a great place to cool off.
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Island traditions include Hemingway Days, Key Lime Festival
Key West stays busy no matter the season, beginning the year with live music at the Mile 0 Fest and rounding out each December with a New Year’s Eve party at Mallory Square. In spring, Taste of Key West celebrates the city’s vibrant food culture. Come summer, locals look forward to the annual Key Lime Festival, which often coincides with the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks at Indigenous Park. Lobsterfest and Rum Fest are also summer highlights. But nothing compares to the turnout for Hemingway Days, a weeklong festival in July celebrating the famed author and late resident with lookalike contests, fishing challenges, street fairs and more. Fall brings the city’s renowned film fest and the annual Fantasy Fest, known for its energetic costume parties.
Key West High partners with the local college
Horace O’Bryant School, rated B on Niche, serves kindergarten through eighth grade students. Sections of the neighborhood are zoned for B-rated Gerald Adams Elementary School, about 4 miles away on Stock Island, but Monroe County’s choice enrollment system allows students to apply to any district school. B-plus-rated Key West High School offers dual enrollment courses with The College of the Florida Keys. The college also runs its own STEM-focused Academy Public Charter High School. Private schools in the area include Montessori Children’s School of Key West, which serves kindergarten through sixth grade, and The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, which recently reopened its high school program.
Key West High School is home to the fighting Conchs.
Gerald Adams Elementary Schools offers primary learning to students in the area.
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Local troupes perform at the Red Barn Theatre
With everything from studio galleries to museums, Old Town is the beating heart of art and culture in Key West. Local troupes practice and perform at the Red Barn Theatre, housed in a historic red brick carriage house from the late 1820s. As one of Florida’s oldest professional theaters, its stage has been graced by Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein and Tony Roberts. The Key West Theater hosts acts from around the globe, while the Tropic Cinema highlights independent and international films under its Art Deco marquee. While some museums mainly attract tourists, others, like the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, welcome neighbors for happy hours, bingo nights and special speakers hosted by the city’s Art and Historical Society. Plus, many museums offer free or discounted admission to locals on select days.
Old Town is littered with historic buildings such as the Strand Theater.
Many bars and restaurants in Old Town have live music to entertain their guests.
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Old Town is pedestrian and bike-friendly
Old Town is a comfortable community for pedestrians and cyclists, with wide sidewalks, slow-moving traffic and ample bike racks. Car speed limits are low, especially on busy roads like Duval. But at 2 miles wide, the neighborhood is quick and easy to navigate. The Lower Keys Shuttle provides bus service throughout the city and offers routes to Marathon, 50 miles north. Key West International Airport is about 3 miles up the oceanside coast of the island.
Duval Street is the popular main street in Old Town with plenty of bars, eateries and retail.
Older homes built in the early 1900s are still prevalent around Old Town and Key West.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Ferringo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Truman Waterfront Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Higgs Beach Dog Park
Bayview Park
C. B. Harvey Rest Beach Park
Gato Village Pocket Park
Key West Dog Beach
Transit
Airport
Key West International
8 min drive
Bus
Fleming & Elizabeth St.
Bus
Emma & Petronia
Bus
Caroline & Grinnell
Bus
Caroline & Duval
Bus
Key West
Bus
Whitehead & Truman
Bus
Simonton & Petronia St.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town, Key West sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Key West over the last 12 months is $1,325,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Single Family Home located in the Heart of the Cultural Mecca of Key West.Built in 2019 with Elevation and Superior craftsmanship in mind featuring Hardie Board SIding, metal roof and Impact windows and doors, this home will provide you the modern & luxurious comforts you desire and safety and reassurance of your investment.An easy stroll to Duval St., Ft. Zach Beach and Amphitheatre
A true Old Town treasure tucked away in one of the most coveted corners of Key West's Historic District, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage offers everything on your wishlist: a prime location, timeless character, a private heated pool surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, gated off-street parking, and rare dual access from both Carsten Lane and Carey Lane for ultimate convenience and
Dina SchoneckBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty
Welcome and bienvenidos to The Conch Corner in old town Key West. Surrounded by luxurious palms and a large Mango tree, originally built in the 1908 at the corner of Olivia and Packer. New 2022 detailed exterior and 2021 roofing system, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home boasts 1,817 square feet of living space and off street parking. Cathedral ceiling in large, spacious living room downstairs, along
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Key West, 1111 Watson St C is a charming escape that embodies the essence of island living. This delightful abode offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the gentle sea breeze dances through palm trees and sunlight spills through large windows, casting a golden hue on the meticulously designed interiors.Imagine waking up in this cozy haven, surrounded by
Enjoy the perfect Key West location - Old Town bordering the Casa Marina neighborhood - in this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath pool home. You'll have peace of mind knowing that the home was completely renovated from the ground up in 2019 while keeping with the historic style of the home's origins - tongue in groove ceilings, wood floors, pecky Cypress wall accent - but adding modern amenities such as impact
Available Immediately - Old Town Key WestLive in the heart of Old Town, directly across from the iconic Green Parrot! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit offers unbeatable location and Key West character. Walk to Duval Street, shops, restaurants, and beaches. Comes with a parking spot. Apartment is currently being cleaned and painted. Utilities are not included. Pets are considered.
Available Immediately! Reach out with any questions! Fully Renovated 2-Bedroom in Prime Old Town Key WestLive the Key West dream in this beautifully renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located in the heart of Old Town--right across from the iconic Green Parrot. This furnished rental is move-in ready--just bring your toothbrush! Worried about parking? Don't be. You'll have space for two
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Ferringo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,462
Median Age
51
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,799
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,271
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
41.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.2%
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
92/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
