One of the first questions buyers ask when they start looking at homes in Key West is: Where should I live?
Key West may only be a few miles long, but different parts of the island can feel completely different. Two of the biggest choices buyers often compare are Old Town and New Town.
So instead of giving you another traditional neighborhood guide, let’s make this a little more fun.
You Might Be an Old Town Person If…
You love the idea of stepping outside your front door and immediately feeling like you’re in Key West.
You picture yourself biking to dinner, walking to your favorite coffee shop, wandering down to the waterfront and spending evenings on a front porch under the palms.
Old Town is known for historic homes, charming cottages, tropical gardens, narrow streets and plenty of personality.
You may love Old Town if:
- You want to walk or bike almost everywhere
- Historic architecture makes your heart happy
- You would choose charm over extra square footage
- A front porch is high on your wish list
- You love being close to restaurants, shops and nightlife
- You don't mind a smaller lot if the location is right
- You want that classic Key West atmosphere right outside your door
Old Town homes can also come with some uniquely Key West considerations, including historic features, limited parking and properties that have evolved over many decades.
But for the right buyer, those quirks are part of the appeal.
You Might Be a New Town Person If…
Your Key West dream includes a little more breathing room.
Maybe you want a larger yard, easier parking, more storage or a home that feels slightly removed from the activity of downtown.
New Town generally offers a different style of island living. You’re still in Key West, but day-to-day life can feel more residential.
You may be a New Town person if:
- Off-street parking is a must
- You want more indoor or outdoor space
- You love entertaining around the pool
- You prefer a quieter residential setting
- You want easy access to everyday errands
- Historic-home maintenance isn't really your thing
- You don't mind hopping on a bike, scooter or car to get downtown
For some buyers, New Town offers the perfect balance: Key West living with a little more room to spread out.
Let's Play Key West “Would You Rather?”
Would you rather have…
A historic front porch or a bigger backyard?
Walk to dinner or have easy parking at home?
Original Key West character or a more modern layout?
Be steps from the action or have a quieter place to come home to?
There really isn't a wrong answer.
And sometimes the answer surprises buyers once they start touring homes.
Someone who arrives convinced they want Old Town may fall in love with the privacy and space of a New Town property.
Someone searching for a larger house may walk into a tiny Key West cottage and immediately say, “This is it.”
The Best Neighborhood Is the One That Fits Your Life
Buying in Key West isn't just about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
It's about imagining what your normal Tuesday morning looks like.
Where will you drink your coffee?
Will you bike downtown?
Do you need somewhere to park the boat, car or golf cart?
Do you dream about gardening, entertaining by the pool or sitting on the porch watching Key West go by?
Those little lifestyle questions can tell you just as much about where you should buy as the house itself.
Whether you're Team Old Town, Team New Town or somewhere in between, finding the right Key West home starts with finding the lifestyle that feels like you.
Thinking about buying in Key West?
We'd love to help you explore the different neighborhoods and find the part of the island that feels like home.
Key West Property Sisters
KeyWestSisters.com
