Mile marker 0–4
Key West
Old Town conch houses and cigar maker’s cottages, Casa Marina’s wider lots, and the gated streets of Truman Annex, all on an island you can cross by bicycle.
Historic district rules (HARC) shape what you can change, so the right house is often the one that needs the least permission.
Overview
About Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and the most varied real estate market in the Keys, from restored 19th-century houses in Old Town to condominiums, canal homes in New Town and the gated streets of Truman Annex.
It is also the Keys’ cultural center, with restaurants, galleries, festivals and a working harbor, all on an island small enough to cross by bicycle.
Typical property: Historic single-family homes, cottages, condominiums and townhomes, with a limited number of canal-front and open-water homes on the east side of the island.
Living here
Life in Key West
Old Town
The historic district: walkable, shaded and lively, with HARC guidelines on exterior changes.Casa Marina and the south side
Larger lots and a quieter pace near Higgs Beach, a short ride from Duval.Midtown and New Town
Mid-century homes, condominiums and canal-front streets closer to the airport and everyday errands.
Before you buy
Worth checking
The questions Kate asks first about any Key West property.
- Historic district status and what HARC will allow you to change
- Off-street parking, which adds real value in Old Town
- Transient rental license status, if rental income matters to you
- Flood zone, elevation certificate and insurance quotes