Key Cove Condominium

Key Cove offers an appealing alternative for buyers who want the independence of homeownership without the size or maintenance demands of a larger single-family property.

Community and property features include:

• Community swimming pool

• Two-story townhome living

• Private outdoor areas in many homes

• Balconies and porches in many residences

• Dedicated off-street parking

• Garages or covered parking with select homes

• In-unit laundry

• HOA-maintained common areas

• Convenient New Town location

The community's relatively compact residences can also provide an attractive entry point for buyers who want fee-simple ownership in Key West rather than a traditional condominium.

Key Cove is primarily composed of two-bedroom, two-story townhomes, with individual layouts and sizes varying throughout the community.

Homes found within Key Cove range from approximately 800 to 1,120 square feet of living space.

Many properties feature:

• Two bedrooms

• One-and-a-half or two bathrooms

• Living and dining areas on the main level

• Bedrooms on the upper level

• In-unit laundry

• Private balconies or porches

• Outdoor living space

• Dedicated parking

• Garages or covered parking in select homes

Individual homes have been renovated to varying degrees over the years, so finishes, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and storm protection can differ considerably from one property to another.

Key Cove is located directly off North Roosevelt Boulevard in New Town Key West, providing convenient access to both everyday necessities and the attractions that make Key West special.

Nearby you'll find:

• Grocery stores and shopping

• Restaurants

• Schools

• Key West International Airport

• Smathers Beach

• North Roosevelt Boulevard waterfront

• Medical and professional services

• Old Town Key West, just a short drive away

For full-time residents in particular, the New Town location can make everyday life considerably easier while still keeping Duval Street, the Historic Seaport, beaches, and other island destinations within minutes.

Key Cove is governed by the Key Cove Homeowners Association, rather than a condominium association.

Owners considering renting their property should understand that HOA requirements and City of Key West regulations may both apply.

Important considerations include:

• Owners must comply with the current Key Cove HOA governing documents and rental restrictions.

• Long-term residential rentals are found within the community.

• Rental applicants may be subject to application or screening requirements.

• Rentals must comply with applicable City of Key West licensing and rental regulations.

Because rental restrictions are particularly important when evaluating a Key West investment property, buyers should verify the current minimum rental period and HOA leasing requirements before purchasing.

Key Cove should be considered a residential townhome community rather than a transient vacation-rental resort.

Buyers specifically seeking weekly or nightly vacation-rental income should not assume that a Key Cove property can be used for that purpose.

The current HOA governing documents, applicable zoning, and City of Key West licensing requirements should be reviewed before purchasing a property with rental income as a primary objective.

Before purchasing in Key Cove, buyers should review:

• Current HOA governing documents

• HOA financial statements and reserve funding

• Current rental restrictions

• Homeowner insurance responsibilities

• Flood and wind insurance

• Pet policies

• Parking rights associated with the individual property

• Owner versus HOA maintenance responsibilities

• Any architectural or exterior modification requirements

• Any current or planned community improvements

Because Key Cove is an HOA community rather than a condominium, buyers should also understand the important ownership distinction: homeowners own and are responsible for their individual residence and property, while the HOA's responsibilities are focused on the common areas and shared amenities.

Key Cove is a community I think can be easy to miss because of its North Roosevelt Boulevard address. Once you're inside, however, it feels much more residential than you might expect. The townhome layout, community pool, private outdoor spaces, and dedicated parking give buyers many of the benefits they're looking for in a Key West home without requiring them to maintain a large property.

I also like the fact that Key Cove provides fee-simple townhome ownership rather than condominium ownership. That's an important distinction for buyers who want to own and control more of their property while still having an HOA maintain the shared community areas.

For someone looking for a primary home, second residence, or residential investment in Key West, Key Cove is worth comparing with communities such as Key West Golf Club and Seaside Residences. The homes are more modest in size than Seaside, but that can also mean a more manageable Key West property and a different price point.

As always, if rental income is part of the purchase decision, I recommend confirming the current HOA rental restrictions before making an offer rather than relying on how a property may have been rented in the past.