Pretty much anyone who has vacationed in the fabulous Florida Keys has thought about moving there at one point in their lives. If you are one of the lucky ones to have been able to purchase a home in Key West, Marathon, or anywhere else in the Florida Keys, you’re probably busy preparing for the move.
Moving to the Florida Keys is equal parts exciting and nerve wracking, especially for people who are relocating from out of state. If you are getting ready to move to the Florida Keys, make sure you follow this guide for a smoother experience and to keep things more exciting than stressful.
The Florida Keys are a subtropical archipelago made up of over 1,700 islands. The majority of the Florida Keys, including Key West, Marathon, Duck Key, and Big Pine Key, is located in Monroe County. A small section of the Keys, however, extends into Miami-Dade County.
The Florida Keys are best known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US. These same qualities that make the area a highly desirable place to live or retire.
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WHY PEOPLE DECIDE TO MOVE TO THE FLORIDA KEYS
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The weather is amazing. Residents can expect warm and sunny weather for most of the year. In fact, the Florida Keys is one of the only two locations in the US. that have never recorded temperatures below freezing. This makes it incredibly easy to take advantage of the stunning beaches and the adrenaline-pumping water activities every weekend.
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The variety of homes and neighborhoods is second to none. Homebuyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the Florida Keys real estate market. Buyers can easily find fantastic condos and luxury single-family homes in varying architectural styles all throughout the archipelago.
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You don’t need to pay income tax. This is perhaps one of the biggest reasons people from out of state are interested in moving to the Florida Keys. The lack of a state income tax allows employed residents to save thousands of dollars per year, which can be used to enjoy some of the finer things in life.
MOVING TO THE FLORIDA KEYS
Gaining a better understanding of what life is like in the Florida Keys and what makes the area a unique place to live can help streamline the preparations for the big move. Regardless of whether you’re moving in from another city in Florida or from a different state altogether, this in-depth guide to moving to the Florida Keys will prove useful.
Key things you should know before moving
Before you finalize your purchase and start packing, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some important details that are unique to the Florida Keys.
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Prices are higher in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are relatively removed from most of the major cities in Florida. As such, expect the price of food and gas to reflect the cost of shipment and transportation. Thus, factor the cost of living in the Florida Keys into your household budget. -
The Florida Keys are measured in mile markers
Most people in the Florida Keys will refer to establishments by their respective mile markers rather than an actual address. This can sometimes be confusing for people who have just moved into the Keys. Fortunately, most people pick up on this within a few weeks as they navigate the area and memorize the mile markers along Overseas Highway. -
Be prepared for the tourist season
As a top vacation destination, the Florida Keys sees a massive spike in population during the holidays. Keep in mind that the entire Florida Keys tend to get incredibly busy from March to May. Winter also brings an uptick in vacationers, especially ones coming from cold weather states. Make sure you plan ahead for these months as you may find it challenging to get around or find a table at your favorite local restaurant.
Breaking down the moving process
Thinking about everything you need to prepare for the move can be overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t have to do your pre-move preparations all in one go. Breaking down the preparations into more manageable tasks is always an option. Here is quick timeline and a breakdown of pre-move tasks to keep in mind:
Two months before the move: Organize all your documents like passports, insurance policies, medical records, and government documents and keep them in one place. You should also start making a list of which items to bring, donate, store, and sell. This will help you plan out the details of your move better, such as if there is a need to hire professional movers or find a storage facility in the Florida Keys to store off-season items you want to keep (ski equipment, winter jackets, etc.).
Two to four weeks before the move: Start packing items that you probably won’t need in the coming weeks. Starting early will help declutter your home and make packing even easier as the day of the big move approaches. Make sure you label each box clearly so you can find items easily when you move into your new home and unpack. If you’ve decided to drive to your new home in the Florida Keys, the three-week mark is a good time to have your car inspected. This way, you have enough time to get any necessary repairs done in time.
One week before the move: This is when the packing gets serious. Aside from packing the items that are currently in your home, you’ll also want to track down items you’ve lent to family friends or clothes that are still at the dry cleaners, etc. If you’ll be bringing furniture to your new home, you’ll want to start disassembling and packing these as well. Lastly, pack a travel bag that contains several changes of clothes, bathroom essentials, sleeping aids, and medication so you don’t have to dig through different boxes after a long trip.
The day of the move: A few hours before you’re scheduled to drive off to the Florida Keys, do a final walkthrough of your home. Doublecheck every nook and cranny of your home to ensure you don’t leave anything behind. If you are working with professional movers, make sure that you’re around to supervise the loading of your items. You’ll need to identify boxes with fragile items, as well as make sure that everything is in the moving truck before you sign off.
Important moving tips to keep in mind
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Consider working with a Florida Keys-based company that offers long-distance moving services
A quick search should yield several companies that specialize in helping out-of-state homeowners with the move down to the Florida Keys. This will allow you to save on both time and moving insurance. Given how you’ll be transporting thousands of dollars in personal belongings, you’ll definitely want to have trained professionals handling the process. Movers can also transport your belongings faster than if you were to haul them yourself. -
Time your arrival at the Florida Keys
Ideally, you want to arrive at your new home on the same day as the closing. However, not everyone will have the luxury of arranging their schedule so neatly. If you are scheduled to arrive in the Florida Keys ahead of the actual closing, make arrangements for a place to stay ahead of time, especially if your move coincides with the peak tourism months. -
Keep important documents out of your moving boxes
Hiccups during the closing aren’t unheard of, so you definitely want to keep documents related to your purchase on hand. In such a scenario, the last thing you want to do is have to open up every box just to find those documents. Keep them inside a large envelope and store the envelope in your personal travel bag. -
Do some pre-move shopping for warm weather clothing
If you’re coming from out of state, make sure there’s enough warm weather or beach clothing in your closet. Otherwise, go shopping. Given the warm but pleasant temperatures in the Florida Keys, opt for clothes with breathable fabrics, sandals, and other items that go with the carefree island lifestyle that the Keys promote. -
Don’t forget to change your address
This is something you can do as soon as the property is yours. You’ll definitely need to update your registered address with your bank, the IRS, and other institutions. On a similar note, you’ll need to change your voter information and vehicle registration as well, especially if you’re moving from outside Florida.
How to quickly settle in to your new home
Some people struggle to feel settled in after moving to a new home. While this feeling of unfamiliarity will fade with time, there are a few steps that you can take to help you settle down faster.
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Personalize your home little by little
Even the most gorgeous and luxurious house in all the Florida Keys won’t feel like home without a little personalization. While you should prioritize unpacking essentials, do set up at least one personal item alongside the essentials. For example, after you’ve stored your pots and pans in the kitchen cabinets, put up one of your kid’s artworks on the refrigerator. -
Get into your regular routine as soon as possible
You want to regain a sense of normalcy so that things don’t feel out of place. After all, most people moving to the Florida Keys do it for the change in environment – which requires some getting used to despite the awe-inspiring scenery. If the first thing you do when you wake up is brew a cup of coffee, unpacking your coffee machine should be a priority on the day you move in. The faster you can get back into your regular routine, the sooner you’ll start enjoying life in your new home. -
Meet your neighbors
This gives you a chance to make some new friends who can double as a support group. Once everything has been unpacked, knock on your neighbors’ doors and introduce yourselves. If you have the time, you can even invite them to a small housewarming party in your backyard. This makes it easier to understand the dynamics of your new Florida Keys neighborhood. At the same time, it gives your kids an opportunity to meet new friends early on, which will help them settle in faster. -
Explore the local area!
This is easily one of the best ways to settle into your new life as a Florida Keys resident. Eat at popular local restaurants, visit iconic landmarks, and enjoy an afternoon at the beach. Not only do these enable you to unwind and feel more comfortable with living in the area, but these activities also help you adapt to the unique rhythm and vibe that comes with living in the Florida Keys.
LIVING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
The Florida Keys affords soon-to-be residents a beautiful place to call home and a high quality of life. However, this isn’t all that the Florida Keys has to offer.
What to expect after moving here
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The Florida Keys exudes a strong tropical island vibe year round
You’ll find that life in the area is very laid back, with many residents taking a relaxed and casual approach to life. Going around barefoot or shopping in your swimsuit is fine. -
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the water
The majority of the best things to do in the Florida Keys are in the water. From snorkeling and jet skiing to boating and fishing, water activities will become a regular part of your weekend plans here. Not only does this help you work on your tan, but you can also expect to live a healthier lifestyle due to all the exercise. -
There are a ton of local events throughout the year
Although the Florida Keys is quite large in terms of area, the residents here share a strong sense of community. You will very likely find yourself enjoying local events, which is a great way to become closer to your neighbors. Some of the most highly anticipated events in the Florida Keys are the Zombie Bike Ride in Key West and the 4th of July Beach Party and Fireworks Show in Marathon. -
Local employment opportunities are centered around travel and hospitality
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of the local job opportunities in the Florida Keys revolve around the tourism industry. This is something to keep in mind before moving, especially if your current employer does not offer work from home or hybrid work arrangements. If you are determined to look for local employment in the Florida Keys, think about your professional skills. Certain skills and backgrounds, such as copywriting, accounting, and web design, can easily be adapted to tourism, even if most of your work experience comes from unrelated industries. -
The Florida Keys is home to several highly rated public schools
Its 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows teachers to give each student the attention they need to really digest their lessons. Some of the standout schools in the area are Big Pine Academy, Coral Shores High School, Treasure Village Montessori Charter School, and Key West High School. All four of these schools are ranked within the Top 200 public schools in Florida.
Statutes unique to Florida and to the Florida Keys
There are a number of unique property and real estate laws in Florida. These laws may be drastically different from the ones you’re used to elsewhere. Brush up on these laws to keep yourself protected at all times.
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Under Florida law, owners of adjoining properties have no legal obligation to build a fence that marks their property lines. In case one property owner decides to erect a fence, the owner of the adjoining property is not legally obligated to share in this expense unless agreed upon in advance.
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Your legal rights to trimming encroaching tree branches is dependent on the current health of the tree. If the tree is healthy, you are legally allowed to trim encroaching branches up to your property line. If the tree branches are dead, the onus of trimming the branches falls on your neighbor.
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The Florida Keys takes pride in its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. As such, there are a number of rules and regulations that residents enjoying water-related activities must follow. For example, moving, taking, injuring, touching, breaking, or possessing coral or live rocks within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is strictly prohibited. You may read more about these regulations on their website.
FIND A HOME IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Are you ready to move to a new home in the Florida Keys? If so, make sure you work with a respected real estate agent like Lisa Ferringo!
Thanks to her detail-oriented and compassionate VIP service, Lisa consistently helps hundreds of clients each year in finding their dream home in the Florida Keys. As a result, Lisa has been recognized as the Number 1 Residential Realtor in the Florida Keys for seven years running from 2015 to 2021. She also ranks within the Top 1 percent of all Coldwell Banker Agents worldwide.
If you are interested in purchasing a home and moving to the Florida Keys, there simply isn’t a better real estate agent to work with than Lisa Ferringo.
For inquiries, please do not hesitate to call 305.797.1221 or contact Lisa Ferringo here. Started finding that perfect Florida Keys home today.