Where to live in Key West?

I've been looking and holy crap the prices down there are worse than Miami or the DC area. The one decent looking apartment complex doesn't include a washer/dryer hookup only a community washer and dryer room. Or people only rent for weeks at a time for vacationers. Are there any other keys that are within half an hour commute that one would recommend?

I just hit the spam button on accident. Sorry 'bout that.

House boat FTW. Seriously.

thanks mtn! This is all just speculation but seriously, island living is ridiculous. Makes the commie red states like Maryland and Virginia with their high taxes seem not so bad.

It looks like a beautiful place, so it can't be a shock that it's expensive. Supply and demand and all that...

The whole island is only 10 miles around, and has a huge Navy Base. So land is limited. Been trying to work an assignment down there for a few year (handful of AF positions).

Vacay rentals are there, but look for someone who has a condo they don't want destroyed by week rentals. Network for that, a lot of folks wont adverstise them. If you can deal with driving, the keys a little up the road are (relatively) cheaper. If you have a military friend, have them look on AHRN for any rentals in your price range.

Oh, and of course, the closer you are to Sloppy Joe's the better

Thanks Mental! I forgot about AHRN. I agree the closer we are to Flagler the better.

Is this for relocation? Why not the one of the close keys up 'the road'?

I had an amazing week in Key West once. So I'm told.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: Is this for relocation? Why not the one of the close keys up 'the road'?

This. I like Marathon Key myself.

DirtyBird222 wrote: This is all just speculation but seriously, island living is ridiculous. Makes the commie red states like Maryland and Virginia with their high taxes seem not so bad.

Hahaha wait until you leave the US entirely and learn the true meaning of "taxes."

yea, but they get more for their tax money. We just get screwed without the KY

Marathon is supposed to be very nice. I plan to be down that way next winter.. but I will be aboard my boat

Someplace with a nice guest room, we're heading there after the Rolex 24.

Stock Island is where a lot of regular people live. Not very fashionable, but cheaper, and not too far away. But, as has been said, the farther up you go, the lower the rents. Marathon is a very nice area, but the commute might be a bit much. Pretty ride, though.