Key West was home to one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway. When Hemingway visited Cayo Hueso which is now Key West shortly after the First World War, he was captivated by its charm that he decided to become one of its permanent residents and arguably the most prominent. It is where he spent his most prolific writing years while extensively fishing the Gulf Stream. With the island’s interesting history of shipwreck salvage, Conch-style architecture, Caribbean vibe, and great fishing opportunities all year long, it is easy to see why tourists keep returning to this beautiful island paradise. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing vacation getaway in the Florida Keys, Key West is the place to be and more.
Geography of Key West
Key West is a small island with a total land area of 10.88 km² (4.200 sq miles) and getting from one side of the island to the other only takes approximately 15 minutes. It is located at the southernmost point of the country and is a major island in the Florida Keys. If you’re coming from Miami International Airport, the total driving distance to Key West is 158 miles or 254 kilometers which is a 3-hour drive through the scenic Overseas Highway. It is one of the best ways to get to the island considering that you will cross through the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The unique vibe of Key West will make you feel like you’re in a different country and with its distance of 106 miles or 171 kilometers to Havana, Key West is actually closer to Cuba than Miami. With this short distance, you can opt to spend a day in Havana and return to Key West to catch your dinner reservation.
Climate
The seasons in Key West or the lack thereof is one of the reasons why the island is a Mecca for tourists. It is where you will enjoy an average of 260 sunny days and take advantage of the amazing fishing opportunities all year long. July is its hottest month with a temperature that averages 89 degrees. The island also receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year with zero chances of snow. If you’re planning for a sportfishing trip in Key West, December through February would be the best months to consider. It is when plenty of fish species would gather both inshore and offshore to escape the cold northern waters. These are also the most comfortable months in Key West as temperatures would drop to an average of 63 degrees.
Demographics and Population
The racial composition of Key West is 79.71% white, 14.04% African American, 2.03% Asian, 4.22% other races. It has an average household income of $98,784 and an average family size of 2.81. Based on the projections of the latest US Census estimates, the population of Key West as of 2022 is at 22,954 scattered all over its 13 neighborhoods. Key West is an island of cruise-ship visitors, day-trippers, sportfishing enthusiasts, second-home owners, vacation renters, and well-heeled retirees. To have your own place in Key West where you can live all year long or visit on holidays is like having a slice of this beautiful paradise that offers endless possibilities of relaxation, fun, and excitement