Where Should You Buy in Key West? | By Allison Findlay
Buying a home in Key West is about much more than finding the right house. On an island only a few miles
across, moving just a handful of blocks can completely change the way you experience everyday life.
You might want to step outside your front door and walk to dinner, galleries and live music. Or you may
prefer a quiet residential street where Old Town is still only a bike ride away. For other buyers, the priority
is a larger lot, tropical outdoor living, a pool and easy access to the beach.
That is why three of Key West’s most sought-after residential areas—Old Town, The Meadows and Casa
Marina—can appeal to very different buyers. Each offers its own version of the Key West lifestyle.
Historic Key West home with tropical landscaping.
Old Town Key West: Historic Character and Walkability
For many buyers, Old Town is Key West. This is the neighborhood people picture when they imagine
classic island living: historic cottages, grand conch houses, front porches, narrow streets shaded by
tropical trees and homes tucked behind picket fences.
One of Old Town's greatest advantages is walkability. Depending on where you live, restaurants, galleries,
shops, the Historic Seaport, Duval Street and many of Key West's best-known attractions may be only a
short walk or bike ride away.
But Old Town isn't one single experience. A home close to Duval Street can feel completely different from
one several blocks away on a quieter residential lane. Buyers should consider the specific block,
surrounding uses, traffic patterns and how they plan to use the property.
Why buyers choose it
• Exceptional walkability
• Historic architecture and character
• Proximity to restaurants, galleries and entertainment
• A quintessential Key West atmosphere
The Meadows: Historic Charm With a Quieter Residential Feel
The Meadows is one of those neighborhoods buyers sometimes discover after initially thinking they want
Old Town. It retains much of the architectural character people love about historic Key West while offering
a quieter, more residential feeling.You are still remarkably close to Old Town, yet when you return home, the neighborhood can feel
noticeably removed from the activity. That balance is precisely why The Meadows appeals to buyers who
want proximity without necessarily being in the middle of everything.
Why buyers choose it
• A quieter residential atmosphere
• Historic Key West character
• Convenient access to Old Town
• Strong bikeability
Casa Marina: Space, Tropical Living and Beach Proximity
Continue toward the Atlantic side of the island and the Key West experience changes again. Casa Marina
tends to appeal to buyers who prioritize space, privacy and outdoor living while still wanting to remain close
to Old Town.
Properties vary considerably, but buyers may find larger lots, substantial tropical landscaping, pools and
homes designed around indoor-outdoor living. For someone whose vision of Key West includes morning
walks near the water, a private pool surrounded by palms and a little more breathing room, Casa Marina
can be compelling.
Why buyers choose it
• Larger lots and outdoor spaces
• Pools and tropical landscaping
• Greater privacy
• Convenient beach and Atlantic Ocean access
Old Town The Meadows and Casa Marina Key West neighborhood guide
Which Key West Neighborhood Fits You?
Choose Old Town if walkability, historic architecture and being in the heart of Key West matter most.
Choose The Meadows if you want historic character with a quieter residential feel. Choose Casa Marina if
your priorities are tropical outdoor living, privacy, space and easy access to the Atlantic side.
There isn't one best neighborhood in Key West. There is a best neighborhood for you. You don't simply
choose a house here—you choose your version of island life.
Looking for a Home in Key West?
Whether you're considering Old Town, The Meadows, Casa Marina or another Key West neighborhood, I
can help you compare not only the homes themselves but the lifestyle and long-term considerations that
come with each location.
Allison Findlay
Real Estate Advisor | Brenda Donnelly Real Estate
Key West, Florida
Key West Real Estate, Refined.
