Move to the Keys?

[UnderwaterBumbleBee]

I know I'm not the first or the last that will ask what it's like to live in the Keys? I've lived in Colorado most of my life and got into scuba about 3 years ago. Lately I've been thinking a lot about what it would be like to live near the ocean. Husband and I have been to the Keys once almost 7 years ago on our honeymoon (pre-divers). I'm thinking about the keys (probably around Key Largo) because I want as close to a Caribbean feel, laid back, good diving... It probably won't be hard for me to get a job since I currently work in retail but my husband is into computer software/hardware which might be hard to find.

I want to make a trip out maybe in Nov/Dec to check it out again and do some diving. I'd love some input for those that are local:
1. What are grocery stores like in this area? Is it a far drive? (any you'd recommend checking out)
2. Nice/recommended areas to look at for houses?
3. What are the best/most recommended dive shops to check out in the area and to dive with?
4. What's the typical temperature during winter?
5. How often does the weather get bad? Lots of lighting?
6. How far is away is the nearest Full Line Sears Store?
7. How far away is a decent mall and what's the name of it?

Thanks! :blinking:

 

[MsParamedic]

1. There are 2 grocery stores in Key Largo....Publix and Winn-Dixie

2. The island ISN'T that big. Just find one you can afford!

3. Check out ScubaBoard--you'll find lots of imput about shops

4. Low 80s

5. Just sort of depends...define bad weather! Not too much lightening and it tends to move through quickly.

6. Sears????? Heck Wal-Mart is over 20 miles away!

7. Decent Mall???? Another good laugh! I guess Cutler Ridge which is at exit 20 on the Turnpike (so that makes it about 30 miles) or Dolphin Mall (at exit 36--about 55 miles away)



If you are looking for Caribbean and laid back--malls is NOT in that equation!

Pat

 

[UnderwaterBumbleBee]

Thanks for the info. I sell appliances for sears so I was wondering how far away the closest one is (I know there has to be one at least within 60 miles). I don't really care about having a mall close but just wondered if you have to drive to Miami to shop for clothes? believe me, working in retail, I would rather die than shop with my free time anymore.

 

[CBulla]

Actually, there is a K-mart next to Publix and since those two are good buddies now, with Craftsman lining the shelves and all... well

Conversely, Sears would be found in Homestead

 

[DebbyDiver]

Here's a tip: rent for a year before you buy.

I'd say that to anyone moving anywhere...but especially anywhere in South Florida. Let's just say that if it doesn't work out for you, you'll know within that first year but if you purchased a home you likely will not be able to sell it.

So far as clothing, there's always the Internet and there is a Beall's Outlet next to the Publix. And there are as many T-shirt shops as there are dive shops.

Contact speargirl (Becky) here on these boards, she's an Upper Keys realtor and can set you up with purchase or rental.

Did you do your homework...are you aware of the cost of even the cheapest homes/condos/trailers down there?

 

[deeper thoughts]

There is a sears in key west which is 100 miles from Key Largo. Living in the keys takes a little getting used to for some. We have been here 3 years and LOVE it but if you are looking for malls and brand outlet stores forget it. The k-mart is the fashion spot out here. The real estate taxes are low compared to other parts of Florida(homestead properties).

 

[Speargirl]

A good time of the year to come and buy a home is not Nov and Dec here in the Keys I say this because we do have alot of people from up North who are down and they are looking for a house. Thus the prices are going up for those people. Good news is that all the prices have dropped quit a bit in the past year. (But by no means what I think is a good price). "I" would never buy a house on the Bayside ever ever but that is just me.

The weather here is beautiful all year around we do get just enough rain to water the plants. Winter nights are in the 60's and days can go up into the 80's. Water temps drop a bit but should be fine with a wet suit.

Get your own boat if you live here

For the malls ( I don't like to shop ) so I had no problems with everything being so far away. But I don't like that we only have two grocery stores to choose from. Wal- Mart is in Homestead and they have a Home Depot right there.
But if you like to go shopping it's an all day event everytime.

Some good advice: Go on your own up and down streets to look for ( For Sale Buy Owner) signs. Stop in and ask about there home or call them to set up time you can look at it. It's just not cool to find something that was bigger and better and less money after the fact. We have nice homes in the 300/1.5 not on water and 500 to 3.5 on the water but I am sure that if you look around "you can" find some much cheaper You also need to make sure that the house has never had any water damage. ( people do lie If you want I can help you out by telling you where to look to see.) Try to buy a home on stilts (cheaper on flood Insurance) and is probably a newer home anyways.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask But everyone here that has met me knows I don't beat around the bush I tell it like it is, and you may or may not like the answer.

Good Luck
Becky

 

[deeper thoughts]

A good time of the year to come and buy a home is not Nov and Dec here in the Keys I say this because we do have alot of people from up North who are down and they are looking for a house. Thus the prices are going up for those people. Good news is that all the prices have dropped quit a bit in the past year. (But by no means what I think is a good price). "I" would never buy a house on the Bayside ever ever but that is just me.

The weather here is beautiful all year around we do get just enough rain to water the plants. Winter nights are in the 60's and days can go up into the 80's. Water temps drop a bit but should be fine with a wet suit.

Get your own boat if you live here

For the malls ( I don't like to shop ) so I had no problems with everything being so far away. But I don't like that we only have two grocery stores to choose from. Wal- Mart is in Homestead and they have a Home Depot right there.
But if you like to go shopping it's an all day event everytime.

Some good advice: Go on your own up and down streets to look for ( For Sale Buy Owner) signs. Stop in and ask about there home or call them to set up time you can look at it. It's just not cool to find something that was bigger and better and less money after the fact. We have nice homes in the 300/1.5 not on water and 500 to 3.5 on the water but I am sure that if you look around "you can" find some much cheaper You also need to make sure that the house has never had any water damage. ( people do lie If you want I can help you out by telling you where to look to see.) Try to buy a home on stilts (cheaper on flood Insurance) and is probably a newer home anyways.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask But everyone here that has met me knows I don't beat around the bush I tell it like it is, and you may or may not like the answer.

Good Luck
Becky

Becky why dont you like the bayside?

 

[MsParamedic]

Gee...I live on Bayside and LOVE IT!!! I'm on the water, so I get to watch the sunsets every evening!

Pat

 

[Jupiter31]

We live in Miami (Coconut Grove) and love S. Florida; here almost 30 years and believe this is the best place to live if you are a diver - to me no place compares.

Living in Miami I'm less than an hour to the Keys, and an hour and 15 to Jupiter, which to me has some of the best diving in the USA. Sure, Little Cayman is better, but can you really live there if you have to work for a living?

I'll spare you all the questions as to your financial condition, etc - but the high cost of homes is just the start - 300k is a starter home (and good luck finding one for that price that is in decent condition)- I think you are looking at significantly more and well over a million if you want to be on the water.

Taxes and insurance are very high; figure 2% +/- of the sales price for taxes; insurance even not on the water is 6 - 10k a year - so for a house thats pretty marginal at 400k, you have 8k in taxes and maybe a like amount in insurance premimum - so its 15k ++ before you pay a mortgage payment.

You don't have a state income tax in FL and that helps some, but to live in the Keys you either had to purchase years ago before prices went so crazy, or have a well above average income, and I'm not talking 2 folks making 100 - 150k a year - lots more.

Hotels and other service providers bus workers in (from Homestead and Florida City) because they can't afford to live there - McDonalds will pay $10 and hour and still has trouble finding workers. Not saying those are your employment prospects, but it gives you an idea of costs. The old saying about land (Buy some because the're not making any more....) tipifies the Keys.

Housing, taxes, and insurance costs are some of the most expensive in the country in S. Florida, including the Keys.

OTOH - If you want to take a flyer, have the ability to maintain your household income, have some savings, and are willing to rent (which is not cheap either) for a while - give it a shot.

Because you don't want to be 60 years old and say "...back in 2007 we were going to try living in the Keys and never got around to it....."