The Florida Keys are a tropical archipelago that consists of a whopping 1700 islands that lie off the coast of the Florida peninsula. They have fantastic tropical weather year round, but the summers can be awfully hot and humid so the pleasant warmness of November to May is probably a better option for travellers. The Keys feature many endemic animals native to this area, and a variety of beloved Key foods are served on the islands. These things, along with the stunning tropical beauty and relaxation of the beach life, give visitors an exotic adventure while still feeling at home.

The most famous of the keys is Key West, which is the farthest of the islands from the Florida Peninsula. In fact, it lies just 145 kilometers (or 90 miles) away from Cuba. The island is a popular seaport for cruise ships, and also hosts the annual “Spring Break” festivities, as well as PrideFest, a week-long celebration put on by the gay and lesbian community. The sunsets from the pier on Key West are known to be amazing, and they can be enjoyed along the extensive beach promenade or from Mallory Square. Old Town Key West is a cute little tourist town, with its faux-looking colonial architecture. The most interesting spot for tourists is palm-fringed Duval Street, with its bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. This is the happening place to be at night. The lush vegetation of the island also provides some provides for some relaxing escapes. Nancy Forester’s Secret Garden, and the Key West Botanical Forest and Garden are worth a visit for their pleasant tropical greenery.

The Florida Keys can be accessed by the Overseas Highway, a highway that spans the ocean from the Florida peninsula through the archipelago, connecting all the islands with each other and to the mainland. The views from the two-lane highway are spectacular, and will possibly be the highlight of your trip. Alternatively, you can fly into one of the small airports in the keys, the most natural arrival point being Key West.



By: Brian Halper

About the Author:

Ok – so you have decided to buy a piece of “Paradise” but aren’t sure where on the Island to call home?Well – I’ve got three words for you – Location, Location, Location!

Everyone knows the old Real Estate Axiom….

And the beautiful part of buying in Key West is regardless of where you buy – you are in a great spot!

For all intents and Purposes – Key West real estate can be broken down into three *distinct* areas:

1. Old Town

2. New Town

3. Casa Marina

Now you have to remember that the entire island is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide – so really – there isn’t a big difference geographically between the three…;-)

But – there is a different feel and character to each area – and it is definitely worth exploring each before buying your piece of Key West real estate.

My favorite part of the island is Old Town for many different reasons, both pratical as well as simply personal preference. Lots of my friends prefer the peace and quiet of New Town, or the more water friendly and exclusivity of Casa Marina. And while getting around the island is easy no matter where you live, I just love the feeling of being in the middle of all the action while living in the heart of Old Town.

Key West has much more of an “East-West” layout rather than a “North – South” orientation – with White Street serving as an unofficial dividing line between what is considered Old Town to the West – and New Town to the East.

(The only way in from the Mainland is down U.S. Route 1 – which enters the Island on her Northeast Corner)

“Old Town” as the Historic District is Internationally known – is not only Key West’s major tourist destination – it is also home to many historically registered structures full of charm, grace and an incredible sense of history and purpose. You will find shotgun style homes – classic Bungalows, Mini – Mansions and all kinds of interesting structures bearing the beauty of Old Florida, and more specifically the unique and eclectic style of many of the original settlers here many years ago.

Old Town Key West Homes have zoning and modification restrictions in keeping the character and charm of the neighborhood and the streets – so obviously if looking to buy in Old Town, it would be best to “inquire” before planning any major renovations to your dream house…;-)

Old Town is home to Truman Annex – President Harry Truman’s “Home Away from Home” – Internationally famous Mallory Square known for it’s fantastic and Phenomenal Sunsets and equally as interesting nightly performance artists – it is home to Fort Zachary, Duval Street (the Key West version of Bourbon street in New Orleans) and too many other interesting tourist friendly and local points of interest to mention here!

The architecture in Old Town Key West date from approximately the latter part of the 19th Century to roughly 1910. Homes are distinguished through their predominately wood frame construction and are graced with beautiful porches and balconies and often are painted in ecclectic, pastel colors – highlighting the unique and unusual style of the neighborhood.

Old Town Key West is a wonderfully interesting and captivating place to call home – probably one of the most visually engaging and lively places to live anywhere in the entire United States..:-) You are living in “Paradise” – yet – still in an urban and active community of neighbors, business owners, wonderful restaurants, fantastic nightlife and the amazing scenery that only those who have been here can attest to experiencing on a daily basis.

The downside to all of this magnificence is -It is Expensive!

Generally speaking – Buying in Old Town is the most expensive area to purchase in Key West.

All of “Paradise” is pricey – but Old Town tends to be – as you would expect – the most expensive piece to purchase!

Homes generally begin in the high six figures – with many, if not most of the prime properties running over a Million Dollars – some even much more.

Good bargains can be found though – you have to look, but if you keep your eyes peeled you can always find special properties selling for far under market value. And remember – for those who really have a taste for the real “rich” rewards life has to offer will tell you – if you aren’t living in Key West,You ain’t living at all!



By: Ian Hollander

About the Author:

Key West is a great escape for those who want to experience that island “ting”, but with the modern American conveniences. Key West is known for international tourism, to include the snowbirds from the Northern US & Canada, Europeans, Asians, and even Northern Floridians who want to leave the hustle of city life behind.

Although Key West is in the United States, it is often referred to as the “Conch Republic”, and the laid back attitude here makes you feel like you are in another country. Many Key Westers are known to be “quirky” and “friendly”, which makes up the charm of the city. Many artisans make their home here, and you’ll see delightfully painted bicycles, cars, and other island crafts around you. Key West is a pet-friendly town, too, and you’ll see chickens freely roam the streets.

Key West is the Southernmost city in the United States, and actually is closer to Cuba (90 miles), than it is to the Florida mainland. Key West is an island approximately 4 x 2 miles wide and is the last of the 100-mile-long chain of islands that connect all of the Florida Keys by bridges. There is only one road to and from Key West, (Highway US-1). This road travels from Key West up all the Florida Keys to the mainland to the city of Homestead, Florida.

The population of Key West is around 26,000 people, but the city average’s about 18,000 visitors daily. Key West has lovely historic homes in Old Town, and lovely pastel colored homes throughout the New Town area. Because of the limited availability of land and year-round sunny weather, real estate prices in Key West are some of the highest in the country.

Tourism is the primary business interest here. Downtown, Duval Street is world famous. Many tourists will experience the “Duval Crawl” by visiting the numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and bars located on this street.

Key West has more to offer than just bars. Take a tour on the famous “Conch Train. This tour is a “MUST DO” if you want an overall view of the island, and to get tips on famous spots. The conductors are great at explaining the history of Key West.

Other attractions include the Ernest Hemingway House (where many live 6-toed cats reside);

the Key West Aquarium, the Custom Art House, Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum, the Shipwreck Historeum, the Lighthouse, The Harry Truman Little White House, the Southernmost House, Pirate Soul Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Ghost Tours, Glass Bottom boat tours, and more. You can also book a boat or seaplane for a day-trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park which takes you to a natural beautiful island about 70 miles west of Key West.

Key West also has a few beautiful beaches to enjoy: Ft. Zachary Taylor Park, Smathers, Higgs, and South Beach. Each beach may offer it’s own particular services such as kayak rentals,

jet ski rentals, and parasailing.

If you are interested in searching for a vacation home in Key West, or the Florida Keys, or any other place world-wide, please visit: http://www.rentals2remember.com



By: Tamara Camden

About the Author:

Ok – so you have decided to buy a piece of “Paradise” but aren’t sure where on the Island to call home?Well – I’ve got three words for you – Location, Location, Location!

Everyone knows the old Real Estate Axiom….

And the beautiful part of buying in Key West is regardless of where you buy – you are in a great spot!

For all intents and Purposes – Key West real estate can be broken down into three *distinct* areas:

1. Old Town

2. New Town

3. Casa Marina

Now you have to remember that the entire island is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide – so really – there isn’t a big difference geographically between the three…;-)

But – there is a different feel and character to each area – and it is definitely worth exploring each before buying your piece of Key West real estate.

My favorite part of the island is Old Town for many different reasons, both pratical as well as simply personal preference. Lots of my friends prefer the peace and quiet of New Town, or the more water friendly and exclusivity of Casa Marina. And while getting around the island is easy no matter where you live, I just love the feeling of being in the middle of all the action while living in the heart of Old Town.

Key West has much more of an “East-West” layout rather than a “North – South” orientation – with White Street serving as an unofficial dividing line between what is considered Old Town to the West – and New Town to the East.

(The only way in from the Mainland is down U.S. Route 1 – which enters the Island on her Northeast Corner)

“Old Town” as the Historic District is Internationally known – is not only Key West’s major tourist destination – it is also home to many historically registered structures full of charm, grace and an incredible sense of history and purpose. You will find shotgun style homes – classic Bungalows, Mini – Mansions and all kinds of interesting structures bearing the beauty of Old Florida, and more specifically the unique and eclectic style of many of the original settlers here many years ago.

Old Town Key West Homes have zoning and modification restrictions in keeping the character and charm of the neighborhood and the streets – so obviously if looking to buy in Old Town, it would be best to “inquire” before planning any major renovations to your dream house…;-)

Old Town is home to Truman Annex – President Harry Truman’s “Home Away from Home” – Internationally famous Mallory Square known for it’s fantastic and Phenomenal Sunsets and equally as interesting nightly performance artists – it is home to Fort Zachary, Duval Street (the Key West version of Bourbon street in New Orleans) and too many other interesting tourist friendly and local points of interest to mention here!

The architecture in Old Town Key West date from approximately the latter part of the 19th Century to roughly 1910. Homes are distinguished through their predominately wood frame construction and are graced with beautiful porches and balconies and often are painted in ecclectic, pastel colors – highlighting the unique and unusual style of the neighborhood.

Old Town Key West is a wonderfully interesting and captivating place to call home – probably one of the most visually engaging and lively places to live anywhere in the entire United States..:-) You are living in “Paradise” – yet – still in an urban and active community of neighbors, business owners, wonderful restaurants, fantastic nightlife and the amazing scenery that only those who have been here can attest to experiencing on a daily basis.

The downside to all of this magnificence is -It is Expensive!

Generally speaking – Buying in Old Town is the most expensive area to purchase in Key West.

All of “Paradise” is pricey – but Old Town tends to be – as you would expect – the most expensive piece to purchase!

Homes generally begin in the high six figures – with many, if not most of the prime properties running over a Million Dollars – some even much more.

Good bargains can be found though – you have to look, but if you keep your eyes peeled you can always find special properties selling for far under market value. And remember – for those who really have a taste for the real “rich” rewards life has to offer will tell you – if you aren’t living in Key West,You ain’t living at all!



By: Ian Hollander

About the Author: