Key west : Florida

What Key West is like for active adults

Key West Florida is an extremely charming community, the southernmost in the U.S. Many active adults choose this city and island 90 miles north of Cuba as their retirement community because of its sub-tropical warmth, its diversity (home to many gays), and its laid-back charm. The official town motto is "One Human Family." It is a unique combination, a cross between a Caribbean island and an affluent U.S. tourist destination.

Key West goes back even before Matthew Perry planted the U.S. flag in 1822. The Old Town is famous for its gracious colonial homes and its long Duval Street, a more charming version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. Restaurants, shops, and bars abound – it is hard to eat badly here. Ernest Hemingway wrote almost half of his major works from his lovely mansion near the lighthouse, both of which can toured. Locals, referred to as “Conchs”, and tourists celebrate each night by viewing the sunset from Mallory Square at the edge of Old Town. The newer (lower) parts of town were hard hit in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma. Cars are not necessary in Key West. Just about everybody gets around on a 50's style "cruiser", big fat tired bikes that can go over curbs and also cart the groceries.

Real estate is quite expensive. Dilapidated hulks in Old Town can sell for $400,000, but legions of them have been restored into island masterpieces, complete with old fashioned hurricane shutters and wide porches. There are some smallish condominiums sprinkled around town, but by far the nicest are those in the Truman Annex. Looking out over the water and the cruise ship terminal and near downtown, this luxurious gated community offers many homes and condos in this former U.S. Naval Base. . The “Truman White House” is in this complex, where Harry S. used to vacation.

A search in early 2009 on Zillow.com found a median price of $595,900, down from 2007. For a great blog on Key West real estate go to http://keywestrealtor.blogspot.com/

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What is special about this retirement community

• Fort Zachary Taylor National Park (and great beach) • Unusual Key West cemetery • Mallory Square and evening sunsets • Sloppy Joe’s bar, a Hemingway hangout • Old Town • Beautiful old island houses • Beaches • No car needed • Key West Golf Club and residential community • Key West Old Island Days • World class fishing

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What is not special about this retirement community

Hurricane season

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Just about anyone who likes a casual lifestyle and a diverse community. Here are more resources and information on what is like to retire in Florida

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism, cruise ships, fishing and boating

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Climate and Physical Environment

This is an island and the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Key West is the last "key" in the Florida Keys that extend south from Miami (about 121 miles). It is about 98 miles north of Cuba. Key West Island is about 4 miles by 2 miles, the City also comprises parts of other small islands. At its tip the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are joined.

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Cultural environment

• The Tennessee Williams Theatre is a performing arts center • The Key West Symphony performs here to great reviews • The Key West Literary Seminar celebrates writers and writing each January. An international audience comes to hear such writers as Ian McEwan, and Joyce Carol Oates. • The Key West Botanical Forest and Garden • Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden is a one acre garden resembling a lush, predominantly green, rainforest. • Duval Street has many bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. • Many artists and writers live here. There are 2 theatres with interesting plays

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Medical facilities

Lower Keys Medical Center. Fishermen's Hospital is in Marathon, about 54 miles.

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Transportation

The great thing about Key West is, once you get here, there is no need for a car. Key West International Airport is very convenient to town. Driving by car down Rt 1 to get here from the mainland is arduous, but interesting.

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Facts about KEY WEST

State: FL
Environment: Coastal,Small Town,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 61 +
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $500,001+
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Cost of Living Index: 121+ (very high)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: jfb48

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