Now, some 20,000 people service the visitors who come here for balmy winter vacations, its friendly, tolerent atmosphere, and for year-round fishing adventure. As usual, visitors applaud the sunsets on the dock at Mallory Square, take Conch Train tours, and generally enjoy the relaxed lifestyle for which Key West has been famous since Ernest Hemingway settled here to write his novels. It still is. Even though the population and visitor numbers have grown, Key West retains the unique features which made it an adventurous place to vacation in earlier decades. The historic architecture is a blend of Bahamian and New England seaside construction.
Houses have porches on multiple storys.
Landscaping is lush, and older buildings blend with more modern structures design to retain the unique ambience. The population is culturally diverse, mirroring the groups that settled the island over the past two centuries. This is a city that celebrates, for any reason. Art and music festivals are held year-round. Plays are premiered here.