Known as the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West offers an island lifestyle just 90 miles from Cuba. The compact 4-square-mile island features historic charm where classic bungalows and pastel-colored homes with gingerbread trim line narrow streets. With average rents around $2,530 for one-bedroom apartments, Key West's rental market includes boutique apartment communities and renovated historic homes throughout the island.

Old Town stands as the heart of Key West, where homes dating from 1886 to 1912 showcase the island's signature architecture: wooden structures with peaked metal roofs, horizontal siding, and covered porches. The Casa Marina district sits near the beaches, while Bahama Village celebrates the island's rich cultural heritage. The Truman Annex area offers properties near the Harry S. Truman Little White House, a significant historic landmark.

Key West's economy relies on tourism, government operations, and the Naval Air Station Key West. The island boasts the warmest winter waters in the mainland United States, with ocean temperatures averaging 75-77°F from December through February. While compact, the island's layout makes it easy to walk to most destinations, though many residents keep vehicles for trips to Stock Island or the mainland via the Overseas Highway.