The Meadows, Key West

Updated · 270 residents

The Meadows is a historic enclave in Key West known for its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture and quiet, tree-lined streets. This highly walkable neighborhood offers residents easy access to local galleries and dining, though the dense layout of the homes results in limited private outdoor space.

Key Highlights

High Density LivingHighly WalkableStandard ResidentialModerate Pet AccessSemi-Rural FeelHigh Energy HubHigh Noise LevelsMinimal Industrial PresenceHigh Coverage RatesLargely LiberalDiverse Age MixModerate Flood Risk
Map showing the location of The Meadows, Key West, FL
Explore full map

About The Meadows

The Meadows is a tranquil, primarily residential neighborhood in Key West’s Old Town, developed in the early 1900s as the island expanded alongside the arrival of the Flagler Railway. While local folklore attributes its name to a former dairy farm, "Cold’s Dairy," early surveys characterize the area as largely undeveloped outlands. The neighborhood is defined by its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, featuring classic Conch-style cottages and bungalows. Its history includes a significant 1923 fire that destroyed a local cigar factory and dozens of worker homes. Today, the district is distinguished by its quiet, tree-lined streets and lack of commercial development, offering a private contrast to the busier parts of Old Town. Residents enjoy proximity to White Street, a hub for galleries and dining, and the recreational amenities of nearby Bayview Park.

The Meadows functions as a vibrant yet residential anchor within the broader Old Town landscape. While the area maintains a semi-rural feel through its greenery and spatial layout, it remains a high-energy hub with significant commercial activity and transit access near Angela Street. Residents benefit from a diverse age demographic and exceptional access to health insurance, contributing to a stable and well-supported community environment according to iHuus data.

Prospective residents should note that the neighborhood features tightly packed housing, which can lead to reduced privacy compared to other parts of the island. The area experiences elevated noise levels due to its proximity to major transit corridors, and the local flood risk warrants consideration for those concerned with coastal vulnerability. Despite these trade-offs, the district is ideal for those who prioritize walkability and a central location over expansive private yards, particularly given its proximity to the well-regarded Monroe County School District.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 2 out of 10

Residential structures are positioned in close quarters with very little separation between buildings. According to iHuus data, this lack of distance between homes creates significantly less privacy than the Key West average.

Ranked #13 in Key West →
Walkability
Score: 10 out of 10

Extensive sidewalks and pedestrian-priority infrastructure make most daily errands manageable on foot. This neighborhood offers significantly greater walkability than the Key West average due to its dense grid and easy access to local parks.

Ranked #1 in Key West →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

Dense housing with boxy rooflines and tidy but small yards defines the local landscape. This area offers a typical residential aesthetic that is slightly below the Key West average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #10 in Key West →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 6 out of 10

Central park access and consistent sidewalks provide decent opportunities for walking pets, though the small size of private lots limits personal yard space. This level of accessibility is slightly above the Key West average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #3 in Key West →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Open land and scattered dwellings provide a more tranquil setting than the denser urban core of Key West. According to iHuus data, this area offers slightly more greenery and space between homes compared to the city average.

Ranked #3 in Key West →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 8.8 out of 10

Constant movement and a dense concentration of dining options near Angela Street create an atmosphere much more active than the Key West average. This area offers significant commercial pull and easy access to transit hubs, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #4 in Key West →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 3 out of 10

Frequent traffic and transit sounds characterize this area due to its proximity to major highways and rail lines. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort in this neighborhood is slightly below the city average.

Ranked #12 in Key West →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 8 out of 10

Residential character dominates this area with very little heavy industry nearby. Residents may encounter occasional boat yards or storage facilities, but the level of industrial activity remains below the Key West average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #3 in Key West →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 10 out of 10

Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents in this area, significantly outpacing the Key West average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Key West →
Ideological Lean
Score: 7.2 out of 10

Political leanings in this area are notably more liberal than the Key West average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #7 in Key West →
Population Age Profile
Score: 6.2 out of 10

Residents will find a more balanced distribution of age groups than is typically seen across Key West; this includes a blend of young adults, families, and older residents according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Key West →
Flood Safety
Score: 5.1 out of 10

Flood risk levels in this area are higher than the Key West average, though a definitive assessment remains unavailable due to incomplete local FEMA studies. Residents should remain aware of potential vulnerabilities common to low-lying coastal regions.

Ranked #3 in Key West →

Address-Level Insights for The Meadows

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

Get address-level neighborhood insights for The Meadows

  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
  • School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
  • Compare before you commit — side-by-side data across neighborhoods, down to block precision

No credit card required

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionThe MeadowsBahama Village
🚶
Walkabilityavg 7.35
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.08
Score: 3 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 4.6
Score: 2 out of 10
Score: 5 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.19
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 7 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 5.91
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 7 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.8
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.47
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Score: 8.8 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 5.55
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 7.8 out of 10
🌿
Air Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 7.4
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 3.11
Score: 5.1 out of 10
Score: 5.3 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 5.2
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Score: 8.4 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.21
Score: 6.2 out of 10
Score: 5.8 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safety
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Insights for The Meadows

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near The Meadows

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

No credit card required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Meadows a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, it is highly walkable. The area features extensive sidewalks and pedestrian-priority infrastructure that make it easy for residents to complete daily errands on foot.
What is the noise level like in this area?
The neighborhood experiences higher noise levels than the city average. This is primarily due to its proximity to major highways and rail lines that generate frequent traffic and transit sounds.
Are there good schools near The Meadows?
Residents are served by the Monroe County School District, which is highly regarded for its financial stability and strong community support. The district maintains high teacher retention and offers a range of specialized academies and charter partnerships.
How is the privacy in this residential area?
Due to the dense, high-occupancy nature of the housing, there is very little separation between buildings. Residents often find that private outdoor space is limited compared to less dense areas of the island.