Key West 82 Exceptional
Key West Livability #70 ranked city in Florida#1,048 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Key West

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

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What's it like Living in Key West?

Located in the state of Florida, Key West is a moderately-sized city with a population of 24,495 inhabitants. In Key West, there are 4,375 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Key West residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Key West will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Key West is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Florida, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like commute, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Key West and in the areas around Key West is a much easier task.

Key West has a livability score of 82/100 and is ranked #47 in Florida and #830 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Key West could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Key West also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Key West has higher than average rankings for the following: education (B), employment (A+) and housing (C+). The bad news for Key West, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Key West has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Key West has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Key West are: Fury Water Adventures Key West, Mallory Square, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

The unemployment rate in Key West has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.3%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Key West is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Key West come in at $686,700, which is 311.7% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Key West, the home price to income ratio is 9.4, which is 176.5% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Key West

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Compare Key West, FL Livability

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      Key West transportation information

      Statistic Key West Florida National
      Average one way commute13min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work57.8%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle14.5%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.5%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home6.7%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Key West, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).