Marge and Gordon's Key West Blog: June 2008

Welcome to our Blog site and what you need to know about Key West Real Estate. The island of Key West is unique, and so is our real estate market. A knowledgable agent is essential for the potential buyer or seller of property here. We are totally commited to providing all of our clients with dependable, professional, and personal customer service... and we are happy to share our knowledge of Paradise.

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

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

2 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:49AM

Key west Casa Marina Resort

Casa Marina Resort

casa marina

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)

0 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:47AM

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)

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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)

sidebar

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

0 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:45AM

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)

sidebar

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

0 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:41AM

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

sidebar

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

0 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:38AM

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

sidebar

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

0 commentsMarge and Gordon Smith • June 06 2008 09:36AM