Throughout the Keys, more people than ever are living with their lovers according to new U.S. Census figures that show Monroe County is one of the most popular places to cohabit in the nation. Nationwide, the Keys also is above average when it comes to With the Keys' increasingly liberal and laid back lifestyle, Monroe's new designation shocked few people. living together outside the bonds of matrimony, ranking 23rd among 3,141 U.S. counties. With the Keys' increasingly liberal and laid back lifestyle, Monroe's new designation shocked few people. Some say the liberalization of attitudes, coupled with the anonymity of the census, has led more people, specifically gay men and lesbians, to reveal their living arrangement on paper.
Love is only one of many reasons for living under one roof, however.
Some believe Keys couples are more apt to share living quarters because of Monroe's high cost of living. Herald editor Tim Henderson contributed to this story.