Bad areas in Key West? Didn't know there were any and I have been here 30 years... Seriously, there are pros and cons to every neighborhood in Key West. It depends on what you mean by the term "bad". What is your definition of bad? When we have the answer to that question, we can better answer your first question.

Steve Eid, Broker Associate, Crocker Wagner & Associates

Hi Ann,

Contact the local police department or county sheriffs department. They have access to the most accurate and up to dte information.

Congrats on deciding on K.W. ......It is a very special location.

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"

Ann,
I too am from Michigan... I recommend following the advice of all those who answered below (Sound advice). I think you should first start by renting for a short time then finding out all the ins and outs of Key West itself. You will quickly realize the Island itself tends to be a blend of everything it has to offer all within a short walk. So make a list of your plusses and minuses then go from there.

Ann-
I too am a Michigan transplant and have been in the Keys the past 13 years. Key West and the Florida Keys is a very diverse area. You will find Million dollar plus homes built next door to a 40 year old mobile home. The charm of Key West is in it's diversity, newer structures next to century old "conch" houses, fishermen alongside the retired CEOs, tacky vs. traditional. The beauty of Key West is not black and white rather- the colors of the Sunset.

That being said, the downtown area known as Old Town consists of quaint old homes and small shops. The eastern end of the island is referred to as New Town and consists of chain stores, hotels, restaurants and mostly ranch type homes built in the 60s. There is a great community spirit throughout the Keys and as previously mentioned neighbors watch out for each other.

Key West is the only place in the country where you are closer to Cuba than to a WalMart!

I have lived here in Key West for over 30 years. My answer is that we are a very diverse island community. The "bad" about Key West in not necessarily the neighborhoods but the transient people we have coming to our island. Neighbors help neighbors by looking out for each other. We are proud of our island and we work together to ensure that all of us retain a high quality of life. We support diversity through our live and let live motto.

Your question is very subjective Ann. Have you been to Key West yet? Your best determining factor would be to go exploring your future neighborhood and make that decision on your own based on whatever criteria you consider "bad" to be. To some, "bad" might mean loud motorcylcle noise late at night - then don't move next to a biker bar right on Duval - to others "bad" might be a fishy smell lingering in the air - then don't move next to a marina or a fish restaurant........ Your best bet is to go on your own, wander the quaint little town, stay in a few different bed&breakfasts in different areas and make the call on your own on where you feel most comfortable. Best of luck to you. Jose Gomez , Realtor in Miami