Anyone live in Key West?

[bebelle]

My DH has a job opportunity in KW. Not to familiar with the area. Worried about housing, cost of living and weather. We currently live in the northeast.

 

[IdesOmarch]

Sorry can't offer much help, but I do know most real estate in KW is pretty expensive. There aren't really any beaches (rocky) and its a major party place. From what I know its like a party 24/7 there kind of like Bourbon Street in NO.

 

[SideshowBob]

A co-worker lived there for many years and enjoyed it. I have visited a few times and it is unique ... roosters roam all around the city and shops. I do imagine that housing is on the pricey side. Best of luck, no matter what.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

My DH has a job opportunity in KW. Not to familiar with the area. Worried about housing, cost of living and weather. We currently live in the northeast.

I have a second home in Boca Raton, so we go to the Keys quite often.

I love the Keys, but I don't know if I could live there year round.

There are no malls there so any major shopping would have to be done in Miami (Adventura).

There aren't many trees on the Keys, it's not lush like Captiva or Sanibel Islands.

We are into boating, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. If you like these activities you'll do well because that's all there is to do there (besides drinking rum runners and having a good time ).

It's very laid-back there and there are tons of tourists. Key West is a party town.

Homes in the Keys are pretty pricey. Homeowners insurance would be high. Food and gas are the same as here (I live in NJ). They watch their water consumption.

You will have to evacuate if there is a hurricane. It's hot in the summer but no hotter than anywhere else.

Can't help you with schools.

It can be a real pain driving down if you get behind someone who is towing a big boat.

You can fly into Marathon or Key West.

Everything will be known by it's *mile marker.*

Good luck in the Conch Republic.

 

[lucas]

We also live in Boca Raton and have made many trips to Key West. I can't really help with your questions but here is a link to the local newpaper. Maybe it has some helpful info:
http://keysnews.com/

Also, here is a link to the local government, City of Key West:
http://www.keywestcity.com/

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My mom live 27 miles out. That was as close as they could afford. Her husband works for The county and they wanted access to Key West.

It is warm year round, though in winter they can get cool snaps. H
They do have heat even. Summer can get very hot, but the island living helps a little.

Her closest walmart is back towards the peninsula. Shopping isnt as wide a variety. She jokes about going to the "Big City" at times.

They enjoy it, but the novelty has worn off for her a little.

We have kids, so visiting is a tad troublesome due to where they live. Their house is small, and there isnt much to do. (I can only play tourist so much.)

They do get lots of visitors though--folks who want to party in the Keys.

Anything specific you would like to know, feel free to PM me and I can see if my mom would have any answers for you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sorry can't offer much help, but I do know most real estate in KW is pretty expensive. There aren't really any beaches (rocky) and its a major party place. From what I know its like a party 24/7 there kind of like Bourbon Street in NO.

Funny--I call Duval St "Tropical Bourbon Street".

 

[Beachbumpirates]

My DH has a job opportunity in KW. Not to familiar with the area. Worried about housing, cost of living and weather. We currently live in the northeast.

I am so jealous! We often joke that we are going to move to Key West as soon as the kids leave for college.

You can also look north as far as Marathon and your DH would have a pretty reasonable commute. Now is probably the best time to be a buyer in the FL real estate market too.

OP - curious what your DH does for a living that would provide him this opportunity? Best of Luck to you!

 

[lucas]

I am so jealous! We often joke that we are going to move to Key West as soon as the kids leave for college.

You can also look north as far as Marathon and your DH would have a pretty reasonable commute. Now is probably the best time to be a buyer in the FL real estate market too.

OP - curious what your DH does for a living that would provide him this opportunity? Best of Luck to you!

It is 48 miles from Marathon to Key West, about an hour drive. I looked it up because it always seems like a long drive between the 2 places to me. Whe we hit Marathon, I think we must be almost there - but still another hour to go!

Plus, I would not want to evacuate Key West for a hurricane.

 

[tmarquez]

I lived there for 12 years and still have lots of "roots" there.

Housing is on the expensive side for Florida, but since you're coming from the northeast, it may be ok to you. It's also not as expensive right now, they got hit hard by the real estate bust.

I loved it there...we still go back to visit.

We left to raise DD, its not that the schools are bad. I have 2 step sons that both went to school there. To me the attitude was just not for us (for DD). For example, where I went to high school you were expected to go on to college. Down there...its not an expectation at all...even graduating from high school seemed to be almost optional. I just didn't want DD to grow up like that.

Also...it can be boring for kids, unless they are into boating or diving.

The weather is awesome. And although shopping is limited, you can always find what you need (and 24 hours a day at that!). The cost of living (except for housing) isn't much more than anywhere else.