Moving to NAS Key West
NAS Key West is a small but busy training installation at the southern tip of the Florida Keys, hosting visiting fighter squadrons and joint operations. Life is island living: limited housing, high costs and long US-1 commutes, balanced by water, wildlife and a tight-knit community.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Key West, FL |
| Airports | Key West International (EYW); Miami (MIA) is about 3.5 to 4 hours by car |
| Climate | Tropical: hot and humid, with a hurricane season from June to November. |
| Cost of living | Well above the US average, especially housing; Key West homes often exceed $1 million. |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (Navy-privatized) |
| Medical care | Naval Branch Medical/Health Clinic Key West |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center Key West |
Where families live
Stock Island
Closest off-base option; many older homes and higher insurance costs.
Big Coppitt Key
A common pick for military families, with a relatively balanced market.
Sugarloaf / Cudjoe Keys
Larger lots and water access for those willing to commute.
Big Pine Key
More space per dollar, but the longest commute.
Schools
The Keys are served by Monroe County School District; there are no DoDEA schools. Sigsbee Charter School on the base is open to military-connected students, and secondary students from the Lower Keys attend Key West High School. Private options include Mary Immaculate and Grace Lutheran.
- Monroe County School District — Lists Military Family Life resources.
On the installation: Sigsbee Charter School
NAS Key West School Liaison, (305) 293-4442.
Things to do near NAS Key West
- Dry Tortugas National Parkday-tripRemote fort and snorkeling reached by ferry or seaplane.
- Ernest Hemingway Home and MuseummuseumThe writer's former home, famous for its six-toed cats.
- Harry S. Truman Little White HousemuseumPresidential retreat open for tours.
- Mallory Square sunsetfamilyDaily sunset gathering with performers.
- Southernmost PointfamilyIconic buoy marker at the island's tip.
- Key West Butterfly and Nature ConservatoryfamilyIndoor tropical garden with butterflies and birds.
- Overseas Highway driveday-tripScenic island-hopping road north toward the mainland.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows NAS Key West?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate | Knight & Gardner RealtyKey West and the KeysLong-running Keys brokerage with offices in Key West and the Lower Keys; no specific military program found.
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at NAS Key West? Claim or add a listing.
PCS tips for NAS Key West
- Off-base housing is scarce and expensive; start looking before arrival and ask the housing office about on-base options.
- Insurance (wind, flood) can be a major cost for older stock-island and waterfront homes.
- US-1 is the only road, so factor traffic and hurricane evacuation planning into where you live.
- No regular on-base transportation from the airport; plan a rental car or rideshare.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Southeast
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.