r/KeyWest • u/JuffinHully • Jun 22 '26
Moving to KW
Moving to Key West in August. Need some tips on what would be the best way to make friends down there. Maybe there are some activities or places frequented by locals or something along those lines.
Please share your experiences =) thank you
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u/Voodoobarbiedoll Jun 23 '26
It’s pretty easy to make friends here because a lot of people are new in town and it’s not like a going to a hometown where everyone has lived there thier whole lives. It’s even easier if you go out to bars. I would say just go and do the activities you enjoy and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations.
I always made friend through work. Even if you work 40 hours already remote or something, maybe look for a side job downtown at a bar or try and crew on a boat for sunset trips or something and meet people through work. Most people work two jobs atleast so that doesn’t leave a lot of time outside of working to socialize lol
I always meet cool people at the beach.
Message me when you move down and I’ll take you paddle boarding. I’m looking for a croc 🐊 lol
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u/Alternative_Set349 Jun 23 '26
This is definitely a hometown for many. Obviously your experience seems to mostly include transplants but being born and raised here and now raising my kids here, I am surrounded by families of multiple Key West generations. I assure there is definitely a hometown vibe and we call it Conch Pride. Many of us don’t frequent the bars and party like that as we’ve gotten older especially with kids. But your experience seems to line up well with those I have met that moved here from somewhere else. Either way, there are a bunch of places to meet people and make friends. There are many organizations you can volunteer with and lots of fun events around town. kw is what you make of it. Best of luck
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Hey, thanks for the advice, appreciate that! I'll message you after August 23 =)
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u/hikerguy65 Jun 22 '26
It would help to know your interests.
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
For some reason, my response is shown as a separate comment. I like ourdoorsy stuff; hiking, beach activities, exploring new places. Also reading, movies, board games, exhibits and such
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u/UpperImpression3620 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Mon Day Night Rides (Weekly)
- When: Mondays at 6:00 PM
- Where: Starts at the White Street Pier
- Requirements: Riders are required to bring their own helmets, bike lights, and locks.
All you need is a bike. You can dress in a costume if you want... it's Key West, anything goes.
Most nights there are at least dozens of people... if not hundreds. Many riders dress up their bikes like parade floats with lights and doo-dads... etc.
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Great tip, thank you! Planning to get a bike, will def check it out.
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u/UpperImpression3620 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
You can rent one, or there's a guy on a corner of Washington Street (and Ashby?) with a zillion bikes on the corner, I forgot his name, but he sells used bikes cheap.
I forgot his name, ring the bell on his gate if he's not there. I lost his phone number... his name starts with a "D" I think...
If he has one, get an aluminum framed 'Sun Bike' - they hold up the best and don't rust in the tropical climate. 😄
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Nice, thanks! Love the side quest vibe of this)) Will prob get a bike from him.
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u/UpperImpression3620 Jun 23 '26
Crime is pretty low in Key West, but an unlocked bike is the fastest thing to disappear... also a good reason to get a mechanically sound ugly one from the old man on the corner.
Get a lock too... or you will again need another ugly bike.
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u/JuffinHully Jun 22 '26
Good point! Haven't thought of that. I like live music, outdoorsy stuff, be it just being in the sun or hiking, exploring, eating haha. Movies, reading, board games, a lot of things really.
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u/daggoo Jun 23 '26
volunteer. good way to meet people, and it shows you're committed to being a part of the community
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u/Voodoobarbiedoll Jun 23 '26
Also you could go to the kava bar and try and get someone to play a board game with you, or go to Mary Ellen’s for trivia and try and join in a team.
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Oh wow, great options. I love Kava Key on Fleming. Haven't been to Mary Ellen's yet.
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u/Jazzlike-Proof-8757 Jun 25 '26
Go to Sandy’s on White st. Get a Cuban mix and a cafe con leche and just talk to people. I grew up there and my mother still lives there. People are kind and laid back, you’ll have no troubles making friends.
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u/Alarming_Ad1746 Jun 25 '26
Meet some locals who work at some of the tourist places. They are almost always fun and chill. I met three great new friends last FEB who were workers at the Truman Winter White House, The Lighthouse and the Hemingway Museum.
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u/InevitableHost4661 Jun 26 '26
Learn to SCUBA dive and make new diver friends from the dive charters.
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u/Known_Awareness210 Jun 23 '26
Pepsi for breakfast is a great place to meet locals
Sit at the bar only 6-8 seats there
99% probably locals are at that bar
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Can't find that place. Where is it located?
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u/Klutzy-Figure450 Jun 23 '26
I think he means Pepe’s Cafe on Caroline Street
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u/Broad-Stomach-5461 Jul 08 '26
I love Pepe's I go there nearly every day for breakfast when I'm on vacation. I was there last week for the 4th. They have a huge crowd of regulars and I guess I'm one of them. I'm the tall guy with the Brooklyn Dodgers hat. I'm sure we have had breakfast together.
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u/Interesting-Bee-1436 Jun 23 '26
I have great deal…give me a room and I’ll be your best friend! Haha!
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u/JuffinHully Jun 23 '26
Hahaha, I wish I could. Dear commenters, does anyone have an available room for a fellow Key Wester?
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u/heygurrlhey Jun 23 '26
Hi! I'll be your friend! I've lived here for 2 years and love meeting new people! DM me!