Key West recreation

About the Florida Keys and Key West recreation

Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something
to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
•  47 Marinas
•  13 Parks,
•  3 Golf Courses
•  10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
•
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
• Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
• Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge
• Key West National Wildlife Refuge
• Everglades National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• John C. Pennekamp State Park
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Reef Relief
• Clean Florida Keys
• Dolphin Research Center
• Florida Audubon Society
• Center for Coastal Ecosystem Health
• Florida State University: Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies
• University of Miami: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
• Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Summerland Key)

Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats

Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.

Pro Sports
• A 2-3 hour drive to Miami:
• Florida Marlins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-626-7400
• Miami Dolphins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-620-2578
• Miami Heat
• 601 Biscayne Blvd, American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL 33132-1801 · 786-777-432

Key west Casa Marina Resort

Casa Marina Resort

Builtt in 1920, Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club is a flawless merging of old Key West ambiance and contemporary luxury. Immerse yourself in a restful haven where emerald lawns meet a blue Atlantic - welcoming stunning sunrises each day. Come to the "house by the sea" enveloped in breezy elegance and shaded by graceful palms.

The Premier Place To Escape Among Key West Hotels And Resorts
Enjoy a taste of tropical living at the most legendary choice of Key West hotels and resorts - Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club. Nestled along the southern edge of the island - spanning more than 1,100 feet of private beach - our comfortably restyled modern accommodations with wireless Internet access provide a luxurious hideaway for travelers. Listed in the National Register for Historic Places, this landmark resort has attracted business tycoons, artists, and dignitaries since the 1920s. Be a part of this tradition. Bask among soaring palms trees, blooming native flowers, and sweeping ocean views. Sample the renowned nightlife of nearby Duval Street offering a large array of restaurant options. Or the charming attractions of historic Old Town. Enjoy famed Key West water sports - from jet skiing around Key West to diving in America's only living barrier reef. Lounge in warm sunshine on the largest secluded beach. Delight in a sophisticated stay in a cool atmosphere within this Key West Florida hotel, featuring true Caribbean flavor in a vibrant location:
Located on the largest private beach in Key West, Florida
A short walk from Southernmost Point U.S.A, the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway's House and President Truman's House
Minutes from the vibrant attractions and nightlife of Duval Street and historic Old Town
Easy access to world-class water sports, including deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, and diving in America's only living barrier reef
Only three miles from Key West International Airport (EYW)

Key West premier resort Living

Premier resort living at the brand new Beachside Resort & Conference Center! This top floor end unit has incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Key West sunsets. Flexible floor plan (one bedroom and full luxury bath can be rented separately) and two transient rental licenses offer the owner great income opportunities. Unit has a dedicated parking space and is being offered fully furnished. Luxurious pool and spa, meticulously kept grounds and onsite dining and entertainment. One of the owners is a Florida State Licensed Real Estate Broker.Listing #107575
$1,899,000 (LP)

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725

 at the brand new Beachside Resort & Conference Center! This top floor end unit has incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Key West sunsets. Flexible floor plan (one bedroom and full luxury bath can be rented separately) and two transient rental licenses offer the owner great income opportunities. Unit has a dedicated parking space and is being offered fully furnished. Luxurious pool and spa, meticulously kept grounds and onsite dining and entertainment. One of the owners is a Florida State Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Listing #107575
$1,899,000 (LP)

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725

Key west old town home with pool just $459,000

Charming and cozy, but surprisingly spacious, this two bedroom Old Town home must be seen to be appreciated. Nestled in a quiet compound and off the beaten path but still within walking distance of the waterfront, the Key West Cemetary, and Duval Street. Vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and a great screened porch make this the perfect Key West getaway. There is a large shared pool in the compound as well, and the monthly fees are very reasonable
Listing #107877
$459,000 (LP)

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725

key west 2007 cost of living updates

2007 stats per Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/

Boca Raton-154.74
Bradenton-114
Cape Coral-Ft Myers-108.0
Ft Lauderdale-132.0
Fort Walton-Destin-120
Jacksonville metro-94.0
Big Pine Key fl-132.46
Key Largo-146.0
Key West-168.0
Marathon fl-162.06
Miami metro-138.0
Melbourne-92.72
Naples Fl-250.59
Orlando metro-94.0
Palm Bay-84.56
Palm Coast-Flagler-125.01
Panama City-86.35
Pensacola metro-82.0
Sarasota-108.75
Tampa 94.60
St Pete-Clearwater-91.58
Vero-Beach Indian River-122.87
West Palm Beach metro-112.05
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)

* New York, NY -164.50
* Long Beach, CA -135.71
* Palo Alto, CA -234.42
* Boston, MA -127.60
* Malibu, CA -492.80
* San Francisco, -187.23
* Greenwich, CT 215
* Chicago, IL -126.45
* Dallas Tx -92,94
* Atlanta Ga -112.21

For more information about cost of living go to either
Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/
or Accra's site at http://www.coli.org/

The median 2007 home cost in Key West is $899,000.
Home appreciation the last year has been -4.26 percent.
• Beach front condos, from $650,000 to 2 million
• Inland homes from $500,000 up
• Inland condos start at $400,000

For Utility charges
Water
• The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority provides water for the entire Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-8068
• Marathon.....305 743-5409
• Lower Keys.....305 296-2454

For Electric
• The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
• provides power for the upper Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-2431
• Marathon, 3421 O/S Hwy.....305 743-5344
• Key West City Electric
• provides power for the Lower Keys
• 1001 James St, Key West.....305 294-5272

Gas.
Propane is available from local dealers                       

Telephone Companies:
• Bell South
• Residential Services.....305 780-2500   
• Business Services.....305 780-2800

Most homes in the Keys are on septic tanks with a few exceptions-Key West-Marathon. Garbage pickup is included in your taxesFl Keys cost of living updates

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725

key west 2007 cost of living updates

2007 stats per Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/

Boca Raton-154.74
Bradenton-114
Cape Coral-Ft Myers-108.0
Ft Lauderdale-132.0
Fort Walton-Destin-120
Jacksonville metro-94.0
Big Pine Key fl-132.46
Key Largo-146.0
Key West-168.0
Marathon fl-162.06
Miami metro-138.0
Melbourne-92.72
Naples Fl-250.59
Orlando metro-94.0
Palm Bay-84.56
Palm Coast-Flagler-125.01
Panama City-86.35
Pensacola metro-82.0
Sarasota-108.75
Tampa 94.60
St Pete-Clearwater-91.58
Vero-Beach Indian River-122.87
West Palm Beach metro-112.05
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)

* New York, NY -164.50
* Long Beach, CA -135.71
* Palo Alto, CA -234.42
* Boston, MA -127.60
* Malibu, CA -492.80
* San Francisco, -187.23
* Greenwich, CT 215
* Chicago, IL -126.45
* Dallas Tx -92,94
* Atlanta Ga -112.21

For more information about cost of living go to either
Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/
or Accra's site at http://www.coli.org/

The median 2007 home cost in Key West is $899,000.
Home appreciation the last year has been -4.26 percent.
• Beach front condos, from $650,000 to 2 million
• Inland homes from $500,000 up
• Inland condos start at $400,000

For Utility charges
Water
• The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority provides water for the entire Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-8068
• Marathon.....305 743-5409
• Lower Keys.....305 296-2454

For Electric
• The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
• provides power for the upper Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-2431
• Marathon, 3421 O/S Hwy.....305 743-5344
• Key West City Electric
• provides power for the Lower Keys
• 1001 James St, Key West.....305 294-5272

Gas.
Propane is available from local dealers                       

Telephone Companies:
• Bell South
• Residential Services.....305 780-2500   
• Business Services.....305 780-2800

Most homes in the Keys are on septic tanks with a few exceptions-Key West-Marathon. Garbage pickup is included in your taxesFl Keys cost of living updates

Gordon and Marge Smith
REALTORS®
BASCOM GROOMS REAL ESTATE KEY WEST, FLORIDA
1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-295-2508
Marge's Cell: 305-587-3420
Gordon's Cell:305-304-3422
Fax: (305) 295-7725

Buying a home in the Keys part 1

Buying a home in the Keys

Information unique to buying a home in the Florida Keys”

As you may be aware, the environment that makes the Keys so attractive to thousands of people is a fragile environment the requires considerable attention to protect its health and beauty. This fact has created a requirement for close management of all activities that have or might have negative impact on the environment now or in the foreseeable future. The result is a number of "unique to the Keys" regulations and procedures concerning property ownership. They are provided for information purposes of broaden your understanding of what
is invalided when purchasing property in the Keys.

Flood Insurance:
The buyer must determine the insurability of the property against flood damage by seeking the advice of a qualified insurance agent. Structures built before January 1, 1975 (pre-firm) are subject to rules governing substantial and non-substantial improvements to pre-firm structures which may
limit the reconstruction, rehabilitation or addition
to the pre-firm structure. Structures built after January 1, 1975 that has enclosures below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) are typically not habitable. The existence of habitable space below the BFE may require demolition or an increase in insurance premium. Buyers should contact the Monroe County Federal Emergency Management Coordinator or the City of Key West, City of Key Colony Beach, City of Layton, City of Islamorada and City of Marathon to ascertain how these rules may impact on the
property of interest.

For more information please go to http://keywestrealestate123.com/buyers.html

Old town key west historic home

This three bedroom award winning historic home is located in The Meadows of Key West. The elegant living area extends into a large covered lanai. Surrounded by lush landscaping and a solar heated pool with waterfall, this is the perfect spot for entertaining and relaxing. The open kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a pantry equipped with outlets for your small appliances! Step into comfort and privacy in the master suite which features a walk-in closet and huge master bath with double sinks and a small refrigerator. The beautifully restored Dade County pine and handmade stained glass transom window complete this classically renovated Key West home.

For more information please go to http://www.keywestrealestate123.com and go to featured listings.

Key West 2/2

This central Key West home is bright and lovely. Enter into the light-filled Florida room and then enjoy the warmth of Dade County pine accented with custom antique trim in the living area. Truly a unique home, the master bath has a huge step down shower that has to be seen to be believed, and the walk-in closet could almost be a bedroom! The Florida room opens to a deck and a large back yard. A large, open loft with built-in storage serves as a second bedroom accessed by stairs, not a ladder, and the major upgrades have been done - central A/C, roof, and shutters.For more information please go to http://www.keywestrealestate123.com

AffordableOld Town Key West town home

Charming and cozy, but surprisingly spacious, this two bedroom Old Town home must be seen to be appreciated. Nestled in a quiet compound and off the beaten path but still within walking distance of the waterfront, the Key West Cemetary, and Duval Street. Vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and a great screened porch make this the perfect Key West getaway. There is a large shared pool in the compound as well, and the monthly fees are very reasonable.