Affordable Key West Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Key West.

About Key West, FL.

Key West is an island city, the westernmost of approximately 1,700 islands that comprise the Florida Keys. Famous for its powdery white sand beaches, expansive Caribbean vistas, and historic, pastel-colored houses, Key West is also the southernmost point in the Continental United States. Around 25,000 people call Key West home, and over 5 million people visit Key West and the Florida Keys as tourists every year.

What to do in Key West, FL

It's hard to imagine ever running out of things to do in Key West. The island is a hub for outdoor recreation, adventure, history, and culture. Some of the top attractions in Key West include:

• Historic Sites: Key West's rich history is on display at historical sites like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park and Truman Little White House, which was once the 33rd president's "winter White House," and now serves as a museum. The Hemingway Home & Museum, where the famous author lived in the 1930s, is another must-visit site.
• Beaches: No discussion of Key West is complete without mentioning its amazing beaches. The spectacular Smathers Beach and Rest Beach are perennial favorites, and the Key West Dog Beach is a great place to take your four-legged friends for a swim.
• Nature & Wildlife: Key West offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, including the Key West Aquarium and Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Anglers can always try their luck fishing from the Edward B. Knight Pier.

Working in Key West, FL

The job market in Key West includes a wide range of what are traditionally considered blue-collar or white-collar occupations. The unemployment rate is just 3.2%, well below the national average, and over 37% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher.

More people work in accommodation and food services than any other occupation, which is no surprise considering the importance of Key West's tourism industry. Retail trade, public administration, construction, healthcare, and social assistance are common occupations.

Given the location of the U.S. Naval Station Key West, Key West is also home to a large number of military personnel and civilian contractors. The U.S. Armed Services is the largest employer in Key West, followed by Monroe County Schools.

Key West, FL Neighborhoods

Despite being a relatively small island with a land area of just over 7 square miles, Key West includes several unique neighborhoods and communities, many of which have their distinct atmosphere. Some of the best places to live in Key West include:

• Old Town: Several neighboring districts on Key West are collectively known as Old Town, including Downtown Old Town and the Key West Historic District. With a median real estate value of $1,100,000, this is one of the costliest areas on the island, and most of the houses were built before 1940. Old Town also includes many of Key West's best restaurants and nightlife spots.
• New Town: Inhabited mostly by locals who live here year-round, New Town overlooks the northern shore of Key West. True to its name, most of the moms in the New Town neighborhood were built fairly recently (in the latter half of the 20th century) and come with a median real estate value of $578,000. In addition to residential areas, this neighborhood contains most of Key West's chain stores and restaurants.
• Mid Town: With an average real estate value of $930,700, Mid Town is nestled on the south side of Key West. The neighborhood is divided by Bertha Street into "Mid Town West" and "Mid Town East," the latter extends eastward to Key West International Airport. It's a suburban neighborhood populated by both owners and renters.

Key West, FL School District

Public schools in Key West, including Poinciana Elementary School and Key West High School, are part of the Monroe County School District. This district serves about 8,700 students and spans the Florida Keys from Key West to Key Largo. Private schools, including Sigsbee Charter School and May Sands Montessori School, are also available.

Key West is also home to the College of the Florida Keys, a public community college that is part of the Florida College System. It is the southernmost college in the contiguous United States, offering associate and bachelor's degrees in many fields of study.

Moving to Key West, FL Resource Guide

There are always some challenges when moving to a new place. Key West is an island over two hours' drive from the Florida mainland, so some of these challenges are amplified. Luckily, there are some excellent resources available to new residents, like this Florida Keys Community Resource Guide courtesy of the United Way of the Florida Keys.

The official City of Key West website also provides helpful information on the local Police and Fire Department, as well as Energy and Utilities. To learn more about local parks, outdoor events and recreation, consult with the Monroe County Department of Parks & Beaches, or Key West Parks & Facilities.

Key West, FL Housing

Unsurprisingly, the overall cost of living in Key West is significantly higher than the national average. That holds when it comes to residential real estate, with a median home cost of $752,400. Rental rates are similarly costly, ranging from an average monthly rent of $1,377 for a one-bedroom apartment to $3,007 for a four-bedroom apartment.