After your first visit or may be even a few visits, you will definitely find your favorite spots on the Island. Favorite place to stay, favorite place for Happy Hour, favorite place to watch sunset, favorite place to walk. We have ours too. Once of those favorites is Truman Annex Key West. It really has it all. Give me a call and we can go look at some homes for sale in the Truman Annex.
What are the three best things about Truman Annex?
Location
As any realtor will tell you…. location, location, location…. and Truman Annex has that. Located just blocks off of Duval Street and a short walk to Mallory Square, this place is absolutely centrally located. Close to the famous eateries in Bahama Village and the night life of Duval Street yet the tree lined streets and location provide everyone a quiet retreat.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is just a quick bike ride or walk away. Practically in the back yard of Truman Annex is this wonderful park. The beach offers a place to sunbath and watch the ocean. On a clear day you can see fish swimming in the waters while snorkeling.
Truman Annex is located west of Whitehead Street. As you are walking down Duval, Southard will take you directly to the Shipyard Condos and Fort Zachary Taylor. A few small steps past the Green Parrot and you will find the entrance to Truman Annex. Non-guests are free to walk, bike and drive through the area; which I really do encourage.
History
Truman Annex Key West has history and then some. This place is a neighborhood and a military installation.
It’s beginnings trace back to to 1845 as it was part of Fort Zachary Taylor. The Navy added new docks in 1932 to make a home base for submarines. In 1947 it was taken over as the Fort Zachary Taylor Annex. Then in 1974 it was decommissioned as the larger nuclear submarines no longer were able to use the facility because they were too large.
The Naval Airstation continues to operate today as the primary installation in the area. But, has been relocated six miles east of Truman Annex to Boca Chica Key. Today the Navy still owns 17 acres in Truman Annex.
After World War I, the base was decommissioned and its personnel were transferred or released. Most of the buildings were destroyed or dismantled and moved to other locations. From 1920-1930 the base was used, only occasionally, for sea plan training. Then it remained inactive until 1939. The base was then reopened just prior to the US entering into World War II to support the Navy.
If you enter through the gate, just past Margaritaville Resort (next to Mallory Square), you will find the Truman White House. The area was named after President Truman as he spent many winters enjoying the Key West weather. Stop in and expore the home and take the tour. Very interesting history of not only Truman’s time spent here, but other dignitaries.
Beautiful Place to Stay
Private developers created a gated community in 1987 when land was sold to Pritam Singh for $17 million. The tree lined streets transport you back in time. The hustle and noise of Duval cannot be seen or heard as you wander the community. Here you can find stately private homes, townhomes and condos, but a lot of them offer the opportunity for you to rent them. When conducting a search for your vacation rental, zone in on the Truman Annex area and see what’s available.
Each unit and area offers their own unique spin on the Key West lifestyle. Plus they come with a parking space, which makes them, in my book, twice as attractive. Drive in, park the car, and then don’t worry about driving it until you leave.
The Foundry
These units have a Bostonian exterior style but are all tropical inside. They are three level townhouse with access to a pool. As an interesting side note, Thomas Edison worked in the building for six months in 1918 and perfected 41 weapons for the US war effort.
Mills Place
These condos are either one or two levels and offer private courtyards and balconies (if you are on an upper level).
Harbour Place Condos
View passing ships and sunsets from this location. This building was the US Naval Headquarters before being repurposed as elegant condos.
Porter Court
In this section, nineteen homes surround a central pool and hot tub.
President’s Walk
Here you will find two level townhouse with private courtyards and balconies.
Shipyard Condos
Single level condos offering private courtyards or balconies on the second level. This is one of my favorite locations. With a very large community pool, you will always find a spot to sleep off the morning activities and dip in the refreshing pool. I prefer a downstairs unit because you have a private courtyard. Given there are really no views in this section an upper level balcony isn’t a must have.
No matter your reason for visiting Truman Annex Key West, plan to take time to wander through the streets and take in the beauty of the community, the historic stops and of course the beach and Fort Zach.
There are some great homes for sale in the Truman Annex. Call me today and let's go take a look. You can be Truman Annex's next resident.
Gary
