My family is planning a trip to Key West this December for the holidays. We've decided to rent a house as we have a large group going with both adults and children. We've found a few options but as I'm not familiar with the area, I was hoping someone might be able to tell me something about these streets. Busy? Quiet? Etc...


Truman Avenue
Newton Street
South Street

http://keywest.com/newbigmap.gif

Check out this map..it should help you a bit.
Truman is very busy. Newton will be a bit more quiet but sort of far bt KW standards from Old Town & Duval. South St is on the Ocean side of the island.
More residential.
Have you been to KW before? What ages are the kids?
I have spent a lot of time there over the years and would be happy to share more info.

We prefer to stay on Simonton or over towards the Marina. In good locations, but not right on Duval.

Newton is all residential and a one way street. Truman is a main street in town and very busy as it is full of businesses, guest houses and some homes. South Street is quieter than Truman but more than Newton but the location may not be desirable.

The best bet, though not essential, is stay near Duval (a block or two off Duval), north of Truman.

Key West is a very walkable town, in fact, you almost have to walk since parking a car is a wee bit of a problem.

I normally stay at the Gardens, which I think is ideally located.

Example # 59875 of understatement:

"parking a car is a wee bit of a problem"

thanks to all that replied - all helpful information.

We're leaning towards South Street b/c we'd like to be closer to town but what did "no_name" mean by "undesirable"? Are there bad parts of Key West?

And that map is fabulous. The kids are 1 and 3 so we're looking for stuff to do with the 3-year old. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

If you stay on South Street, you can rent chairs at the small beach at the Duval Beach Club for $5.00 / day and the water there is wadable for a 5 yo. The food here isn't too bad and they have Key West Sunset Ale on tap.

You are within a few blocks of the butterfly museum on Duval, and there is the Key West Aquarium on the other side of the island on Front Street.

Pjk

Big difference between " may not be desirable" and undesirable. Its perfectly safe on South Street just not on the side of Duval Street that most people like. The Sunset Side, Mallory Square, is about 3/4 mile the other way.

http://www.seefloridaonline.com/duval/

Map of Duval Street.

Key West is like any town......all towns have area's that are better than others. An area that is known for not being a place to be at night is known as Bahama Village.
Key West is pretty much known for its party atmosphere. You have young children so I would suggest that you do Duval during the day. It gets a bit rowdy at night down around Sloppy Joes and Irish Kevins. You might find that you enjoy the waterfront area down by the Bight. (end of Williams St) Schooner Wharf bar is outside and is pretty local and mellow compared to lots of places. Conch Republic Seafood is good along with Half shell Raw bar. Be sure to eat at B.O.'s Fish Wagon at lunch for a grouper or mahi sandwich. The place is across from West Marine and looks like a dive but is the best.
Hogs Breath during the afternoon for lunch can be good with the little ones.
I have seen the guy who plays guitar there change his whole set around when there is a young child sitting near him. Last time he had the little one on a stool next too him while he played House at Pooh Corner. He knows how to earn his tips.
Since you have a large group and might be able to grab a night out for dinner by yourself...
La Tratorria (sp) on Duval is the best.
Make reservations. Kids are ok but you might enjoy being by yourself to catch some of the great live music in the bar in the back (Virgillos) and there is always The Green Parrot.
Pool at the Southermost house is only $5.00 per day....includes a free drink and a tour of the house.
Be sure to take the little one to the Butterfly place on Duval, Mallory Square at Sunset.

If you ever go back for a fun romantic weekend try staying at The Poplar House (aka Key West B &B). It is wonderful and centrally located.

How about Truman Annex. This is a private upscale community close to town. the area used to be part of Harry Trumans "winter white house".

Modern condos and townhomes with community pools in a great location.

The link below is not an endorsement...I don't know them. I am listing it to give you an idea of the types of rentals available.

http://trumanannex.com/trumanneighbor.htm