Aug
06
2009
Moving to Key West: My Boyfriend and I are moving to Key West, he has accepted a position with the military…?
Medalj asked:
…And I will start job hunting. I haven’t been to the KW, so therefore I am trying to do some research of living conditions. I currently live in a big city where I find Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, Publix, Shopping Malls, Movie Theaters and much more; and with the reading I have done so far I didn’t find too much information if I can also find this in KW.
Can I get some advice on job searching, shopping and on things to do once I move to Key West besides going to the beach, playing golf, going to bars and drinking.
…And I will start job hunting. I haven’t been to the KW, so therefore I am trying to do some research of living conditions. I currently live in a big city where I find Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, Publix, Shopping Malls, Movie Theaters and much more; and with the reading I have done so far I didn’t find too much information if I can also find this in KW.
Can I get some advice on job searching, shopping and on things to do once I move to Key West besides going to the beach, playing golf, going to bars and drinking.
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By snapper, August 8, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
it’s a 100% tourist town. your best bet will be retail/hospitality. they have a few big hotels there where you can search/apply online, but for the most part, you’ll need to wait till you get there, becaause the island is mostly small privately oned restaurants, BB, shops- cool stuff like Key West Sandals, the cat shop etc.
any boating/sailing experience? lots of crews are needed- and that is something very transient where people are always needed.
maybe your own business. i remember there used to be this grandmotherly lady selling giant chocolate chip cookies for something ridiculous like $5 at sunset-mallory square. i don’t mean once- i mean everytime i went there- probably 30 times from 1990-2000.
you are in for a real ride. hang on!!!!!!!
By Imaka, August 11, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
Tourism is the most important industry here in Key West. Many people who move here eventually get involved in some sort of business, so when you get here you may either find yourself evaluating your own skills to figure out what you have to offer, or you may look around at businesses who need employees – the hospitality industry especially is always looking for workers, and there are usually vacancies in retail sales. However, tourism has been slower this year, and so there are not as many job advertisements as usual.
We have Publix, Albertsons, Winn Dixie, Sears, Pier One Imports, Blockbuster, K Mart, Home Depot, Beales, Ross, several pharmacies, many chain fast food places, and a wealth of small stores and boutiques that sell everything from souvenirs to anchors. We have two movie theatres, plus a thriving arts community that offers regular live theatre of many genres. You’ll find a restaurant on every corner, particularly in Old Town.
The local paper will be your first source of help in finding a job. There are several ads everyday, mostly in the service industry. As you get to know people here, you will find opportunities for employment. Go to for more information.
You’ll find opportunities for volunteering here in KW. Check with the Salvation Army, the library, the schools, churches, and various service groups. You will be able to find things to do.
Key West does not have a Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, or Target. We go to Florida City to go to Walmart – 125 miles away – we usually make it an overnight trip. The pace of life here is slower in many respects. We have grown accustomed to the lack of major traffic and now find driving in Miami tedious and nerve wracking.
KW is a community centered around the ocean and boating, so there are many activities related to water sports, fishing, etc., with related job opportunities.
You may need to be happy with your own company sometimes here in Key West if you do not find a job right away. My partner works, and I don’t. But I have no problem finding ways to keep busy. However, we are retired, so our life situation may be somewhat different from yours. When you get here, first give yourself a little time to get to know the town, and then start introducing yourself to businesses that may need help. For example I know that the company that operates the Old Town Trolley and the Conch Train just advertised for employees.
If you have looked at housing here, you already know that it is very expensive to rent or to buy a house here. A small one bedroom apartment could cost as much as $1200 to $1500 a month, or more, depending on location. Ours costs about $1600 a month, furnished with all utilities included, and it is not that special. So be prepared for a higher cost of living.
You may have heard that there are many homeless people in KW. That is correct, and you will see them on the streets, and lining up for the free meal everyday offered at a church on Flagler Street. Many people who choose to be homeless decide to live in KW, as well as many people who are homeless due to life circumstances beyond their control.
I love living in Key West, but it is not for everyone. If you enjoy a more relaxed way of life, can cope with the relative isolation of living on an island at the end of the road, and can adapt to a lifestyle that is slower and less frantic, then Key West is the place for you.