Upper Duvall, Key West

Updated · 770 residents

Upper Duval serves as a high-energy cultural hub characterized by its exceptional walkability and upscale coastal aesthetic. Residents enjoy immediate access to boutique shopping and dining, though the area experiences notable street noise and higher-than-average flood risks.

Key Highlights

Mixed Residential DensityHighly WalkableUpscale Coastal ViewsLimited Public GreenerySemi-Rural CharacterHigh-Energy HubModerate Street NoiseLow Industrial PresenceLower Insurance CoverageLargely LiberalDiverse Age MixModerate Flood Risk
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About Upper Duvall

Upper Duval, often referred to as the 'Uptown' of Key West, encompasses the stretch of Duval Street between Petronia and United Streets. Historically, this area developed alongside the city’s 19th-century cigar industry, anchored by landmarks such as the 1876 Eduardo H. Gato Cigar Factory, which stands as a testament to the era when Key West served as a major center for Cuban-American cigar production. Architecturally, the neighborhood is defined by a refined collection of wood-frame Victorian mansions and traditional conch cottages, many of which have been meticulously preserved. Distinct from the commercial intensity of Lower Duval, Upper Duval has evolved into a sophisticated cultural district, characterized by a high concentration of art galleries, boutiques, and upscale dining, maintaining a residential charm that reflects the island's enduring architectural and immigrant heritage.

The neighborhood functions as a vibrant, high-energy district where residents benefit from a dense, pedestrian-friendly grid. The area features a mix of upscale homes and coastal resorts, creating a visually appealing environment that balances urban activity with residential charm. According to iHuus data, the community maintains a diverse demographic, welcoming a blend of young professionals, families, and long-term residents who appreciate the active local atmosphere. The layout consists of closely situated structures and some shared property lines, contributing to a semi-rural feel despite the intense commercial activity found along the main corridors. Living here requires navigating specific trade-offs, such as moderate street noise and limited public green space for pets. While the area offers a unique lifestyle, prospective residents should consider the higher flood vulnerability and the dense housing layout. Families are supported by the stable and well-funded Monroe County School District, which provides robust educational resources and competitive teacher compensation, making this a viable option for those prioritizing access to both city amenities and a strong school system.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 4.5 out of 10

Residential spacing varies throughout the area, featuring some closely situated structures with shared property lines alongside sections with moderate buffers. According to iHuus data, this level of density is roughly in line with the rest of Key West.

Ranked #5 in Key West →
Walkability
Score: 9 out of 10

Pedestrian movement is easy through this area due to a dense grid of sidewalks and frequent crossings. This level of accessibility for walking is significantly higher than the Key West average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #7 in Key West →
Visual Appeal
Score: 7 out of 10

Larger homes and frequent upscale amenities provide a more aesthetically pleasing environment than the Key West average. While some areas feature high-density housing, many properties include notable coastal resorts and private pools according to iHuus data.

Ranked #4 in Key West →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 6 out of 10

Public space for pets is relatively scarce due to a dense urban grid, though nearby waterfront parks and soccer fields offer some access to open areas. This level of accessibility is roughly in line with the city average, according to iHuus data.

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

Open land and scattered homes are common throughout this area, though the density remains slightly lower than the Key West average. According to iHuus data, some pockets within the neighborhood feature a more concentrated urban grid with high building coverage.

Ranked #3 in Key West →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 8.3 out of 10

Constant movement and high business density create a bustling atmosphere that is significantly more active than the Key West average. According to iHuus data, this area offers intense urban energy driven by dense clusters of dining, transit hubs, and coastal activity.

Ranked #6 in Key West →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 4 out of 10

Steady traffic sounds from a nearby busy street are present; however, acoustic levels remain higher than the Key West average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #6 in Key West →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 7.5 out of 10

Industrial activity is minimal in this area, with most of the neighborhood consisting of residential and light commercial spaces. While some sections near the pier experience heavy freight traffic and loading dock activity, the overall presence of heavy industry is consistent with the city average.

Ranked #11 in Key West →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 4.9 out of 10

Health insurance enrollment in this area is slightly lower than the Key West average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #11 in Key West →
Ideological Lean
Score: 6.3 out of 10

Political leanings in this area trend more liberal than the Key West average, with a modest presence of opposing viewpoints according to iHuus data.

Ranked #10 in Key West →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.9 out of 10

A balanced demographic of young adults, families, and older residents characterizes this area. This distribution is more varied than the typical age profile found across Key West according to iHuus data.

Ranked #4 in Key West →
Flood Safety
Score: 4.8 out of 10

Flood risk in this area is higher than the Key West average, though specific levels remain undetermined due to incomplete federal studies. Residents should account for potential vulnerability during extreme weather events according to iHuus data.

Ranked #4 in Key West →

Address-Level Insights for Upper Duvall

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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  • 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
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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionUpper DuvallBahama Village
🚶
Walkabilityavg 7.35
Score: 9 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.08
Score: 4 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 4.6
Score: 4.5 out of 10
Score: 5 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.19
Score: 7 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: 8.3 out of 10
Score: 8.8 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 5.55
Score: 4.9 out of 10
Score: 7.8 out of 10
🌿
Air Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 7.4
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 3.11
Score: 4.8 out of 10
Score: 5.3 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 5.2
Score: 6.3 out of 10
Score: 8.4 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.21
Score: 5.9 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 Upper Duvall

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Upper Duvall

  • 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Upper Duval a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, it is highly walkable. The area features a dense grid of sidewalks and frequent crossings that make pedestrian travel significantly easier than in other parts of the city.
What is the noise level like in Upper Duval?
The neighborhood experiences moderate street noise due to its bustling nature. Residents may notice steady traffic sounds from busy nearby streets, which are higher than the city average.
Are there schools for families in this area?
Yes, the neighborhood falls under the Monroe County School District. This district is well-funded and stable, offering strong educational outcomes and high teacher retention rates for local families.
What should I know about flood risk in the area?
The area has a moderate flood risk that is higher than the Key West average. While specific impacts vary, residents should prepare for potential vulnerability during extreme weather events.