“You are so lucky to live here!!!”
Working in the Hospitality Industry I hear this phrase daily. Tourists on their whirlwind vacations with starry eyed and romantic ideas of paradise. Sunshine almost every day, water in shades of turquoise that can’t be described, sunrises and sunsets that cameras can never truly capture, manatees and dolphins playing in the canals and open water … wait a minute … I AM so lucky to live here!
Moving to the Florida Keys, however, has its upsides and downsides. On the positive side, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, enjoy a tropical climate, and have access to various water-based activities like snorkeling and fishing. The laid-back lifestyle and vibrant culture are also big draws. When we were offered jobs in the Florida Keys 3 years ago, we felt like Dorothy skipping down the yellow brick road! Then the curtain is pulled back and you begin to see the real OZ. The unique struggles that only a Keys Local can understand and the potential downsides such as the higher cost of living, vulnerability to hurricanes, and limited job opportunities in some sectors. It’s a unique and picturesque place to live, but like any location, it comes with its own set of considerations. Here are just a few pointers and tips to help you succeed your first year living in the Florida Keys …
SHOPPING – LEARN TO PLAN AHEAD
Depending on where you decide to settle, conveniences that you may be used to having on the Mainland will look and feel a little different. Grocery stores, drug stores/pharmacies and retail shopping are not available on every Key and you may need to travel. Add the tourist community into the mix and it can be quite the challenge to get the things you need at the grocery store due to depleted inventory. That late night ice cream craving will also have to wait until morning as there are no 24-hr shopping stores here. No worries though! Online stores like Amazon and Walmart deliver very quickly in the Keys and we celebrate our USPS, FedEx and UPS drivers’ arrival at our doors on a weekly (sometimes daily) basis. Now is the time to splurge on that Amazon Prime account!
WHO’S HIRING?
Jobs are plentiful down in the Keys! Just like on the Mainland, we have a major need for qualified staff … heck, we’ll train you to do just about anything you want to try and you will learn from some of the hardest workers you’ve ever met! But a few words of caution … “Keys Disease” is a very real thing … the jobs can be stressful and the water, sunshine and liquor can be tempting on a beautiful day! Most employers in the Florida Keys advertise their job openings on local social media sites and newspapers. They will be cautious of potential candidates who are not already local as our housing and general lifestyle have a little bit of a learning curve. Don’t despair though. Patience and follow-up could land you that job in paradise!
HOW DO I FIND HOUSING IN A WORLD OF VACATION RENTALS?
Have a plan … ALWAYS!! It is difficult to secure housing in the Keys if you don’t have a plan. Most apartment complexes have waiting lists of several weeks or even months and houses for rent in our community are very few and far between due to the ever-increasing vacation properties (AirBnB, VRBO, etc). Networking through Social Media groups and local realtors can be a help in securing leads on available housing. Plan early, get your name on those waiting lists and network! You will want to watch your credit score and have enough in the bank for first/last month’s rent for a deposit on any property you may be interested in (discounted or “first month free” offers do not exist here). Some apartment complexes in the Keys do offer workforce housing discounts based on income or for community first responders.
If you are considering purchasing a home, it will be important to disclose to your realtor any future plans that you may have for a property of interest. Building permits can take months or years to get approved due to additional city and state regulations, environmental laws and permit limits. That new dock that you may be dreaming about for your boat may not be as easy to get accomplished as you would think, and your realtor may be able to save you some of the frustration ahead of time.
ONE HUMAN FAMILY
“One Human Family” is a phrase you will hear often in the Florida Keys. It’s not as much a saying as a community movement or feeling. The local culture is influenced by a mix of Cuban, Caribbean, and American influences. This is reflected in the cuisine, music, and art found throughout the Keys. The Coconut Telegraph that is celebrated in songs and books is a very real thing and the locals will be your best source of knowledge on everything from housing to entertainment. The Keys atmosphere is often laid-back and friendly, making it easy to socialize and meet new people. Join some of the “locals” social media groups, attend a community event, talk to your new neighbors or chit chat with your favorite bartender. The majority of locals remember what it’s like to be the newbie in town and will be extremely helpful in your success when moving to the Keys.
LIVING THE ISLAND LIFESTYLE
The local lifestyle in the Florida Keys is often characterized by a laid-back and outdoorsy vibe. Many locals embrace the unique opportunities that the Keys’ natural beauty and warm climate offer. Locals frequently engage in water-based activities like fishing, boating, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The Keys’ waters are teeming with marine life, making these activities a way of life.
There can be challenges to island living, however. The pace of life in the Keys can be slower compared to big cities. Locals often embrace the “island time” mentality, which may take an adjustment period to get used to when first moving to our area. Another factor can be travel. We have one major road in the Florida Keys (US1) and our island archipelago chain is 144 miles long. That “run” to a certain store or location in the Keys can be a beautiful but long trip. Add the peak-season tourist traffic and it can be a downright nightmare.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE HURRICANES?
Due to the vulnerability of the Keys to hurricanes, locals are usually well-prepared for the hurricane season, with a keen awareness of evacuation plans and safety measures. Our local authorities do an excellent job with keeping the community informed so that correct preparations can occur. You will always find a local with a story of bravery or fear during past storms to learn from and hurricane parties might sound like a quirky tradition, but they underscore the resilience and unity of the community. Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but being prepared can put your mind at ease and keep your family and belongings safe. Check out our blog on Hurricane Preparation for a list of items to stock up on but always keep in mind that evacuation may always be your safest option if the Hurricane is rated a Category 3 or above.
FUN FACT: The state limits growth in the Florida Keys because the island chain has been designated an Area of Critical State Concern and is required to be able to evacuate its population in 24 hours for an approaching hurricane. Our local and state authorities are constantly monitoring the population of tourist, workforce and permanent residents to ensure that a safe and effective evacuation can take place if needed.
Moving to the Florida Keys means embracing a lifestyle that’s as vibrant as the coral reefs just off its shores. From the quirky charm of Key West to the serene beauty of Bahia Honda, each key offers a unique experience that becomes a part of your story. Whether you’re savoring the catch of the day at a waterfront seafood shack, diving into the mysteries of the deep, or simply unwinding in the company of newfound friends, the Keys have a way of captivating your heart and soul.
As you step into this tropical paradise, remember that life here is a balance of enjoying the present and respecting the forces of nature. . Living sustainably becomes a shared responsibility to protect the delicate ecosystem that makes the Keys so enchanting.
So, if you’re ready to trade city lights for starlit skies, traffic jams for leisurely coastal drives, and the ordinary for the extraordinary, the Florida Keys stand ready to welcome you with open arms. The journey won’t always be without its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable – a life filled with sun-soaked adventures, vibrant culture, and the undeniable magic of the Florida Keys.
***Affiliate Disclosure ***
Land2Shore LLC participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any affiliate partnerships, and all opinions expressed here are our own. By purchasing through our affiliate link, you not only enhance your adventures but also support the creation of more content that celebrates the Florida Keys. Photography taken by Nico and Kirsten unless otherwise noted. Please ask permission before reposting any of our images.
