This flower-scented little city/island is a haven for famous writers, former hippies, struggling artists, sun seekers, and tourists from all over the world. They like the relaxed pace, the storybook architecture, the carnival-like street life, and they are drawn to Mallory Square every evening to applaud the sunset.
The island, just 2 miles wide by 4 miles long, is one of about a thousand coral islets in an archipelago that stretches 126 miles southward from Miami. It is linked to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, which ribbons its way across 34 of the islands with over 42 bridges, the largest one spanning 7 miles.
The U.S. government acquired Key West from Spain in the early 1800's. During those days, most of the isolated islanders made their living as wreckers and pirates, diving for the booty from ships that wrecked on the coral reefs offshore. Business waned in the mid-1800's: There were fewer wrecks after the government built lighthouses. So the economy turned to shrimping, fishing, sponging and cigar making with the help of Cuban dissidents who had fled their island and Spanish rule. During the Spanish-American War and World War I, major military installations were built on the island. In the 1920's much of the local economic base began to fade as the military left and the cigar industry moved northward to Tampa.
Real Estate Info
Key West real estate is a great investment for anyone searching for the perfect tropical second home, investment or a place to retire. 1031 tax exchanges and using a 2nd home as a rental property are just two of the reasons people buy in Key West besides the great tropical weather, sights and scenery you can enjoy.
