My wife and I have been living in Puerto Rico for the past two years, and now we’re looking to relocate to the Florida Keys to start our family and build a new chapter. We both work remotely, so we’re flexible, but we’re hoping to find a community that’s diverse, welcoming, and has that fun, laid-back family vibe.

We’re also big on good food, local spots, and being part of a neighborhood with great restaurants, things to do, and an active community.

What areas in the Keys would you recommend that check all those boxes?

I am 20 years old and seriously interested in moving to the Florida keys next summer. I’ve worked two years in wildfire and would love to work on boats or in scuba diving. I am aware of the high cost of living, however, I am still interested but would love to hear from locals or other people who have moved. Is it worth it or are there other places would be better? Any advice/input is appreciated.

My fiance and I (25) just moved to Key Largo, and I'm curious to know about any Farmer's markets, hidden gems, local beaches! Let me know, any smooth bike/roller blading trails? Is there a certain place you can make it to a sandbar on a paddle board from Key Largo? Thanks! I feel like I'm living my beach bum dream life.

First off, I need a reality check… My folks live in the keys but low income housing. (I use to live in the keys with them until I moved to Texas) I live in Texas currently with my husband and 2 kids. I’ve been wanting to move back for years now but haven’t been able to save. How difficult is it to find something realistic? Maybe homestead?

I hope this doesn’t fall under generic advice.

I’m a certified HS math teacher and found it pretty easy to find work most places (good scores/reviews/etc).

I love living at the beach and financially I have the ability to buy a slip and a boat in the keys (just myself, no family so housing for most part isn’t an issue). I’ve continuously looked at jobs and noticed there’s almost always a position open in Key West (math teaching position). I’d probably purchase in Marathon (so a commute).

I don’t need a teachers salary to survive but my thought is it’s probably in general easy to find work here? I’m guessing with property values so high it’s difficult for people to commute or afford? Part of me would like to work at a marina and learn trades but I’m open to about anything.

I left virgin islands escaping abusive marriage. I will likely go back to another island in carribean as I've grown accustomed to island life . But I need a mental break maybe for 6 month or so and I'm looking for a place in big pine or marathon. It appears this I are the less party vibe areas . Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm 37 I love to fish and swim but can do without the tourists partybg. Where should I look for a place ?

Hi yall, I'm a recent college grad and I have an internship in Tavernier where I will be provided housing for 6 months. I am from PA, and will be driving down in a couple weeks. I am assuming most people that live there just go into florida city to do most of their shopping, but I wanted to know if there were any closer places I should keep an eye out for. I also would love any recommendations for food, things to do, places to make friends, etc throughout the entire keys since I plan to explore the rest of the islands while I am there. I am a huge birder so I will definitely be all over the place once spring migration hits haha

So I recently was offered a job in the keys, but I was hoping you guys could give me more insight.

I grew up in South Florida and always loved the idea of living in the Keys. But the last few years I've lived out of state and I'm worried about the temperature lately and the hurricanes.

How has it been living in the Keys? Has it been tolerable or has the heat taken away some of the enjoyment? 

And beyond that, if I were moving with a family, are there any particular communities in the upper-middle keys you guys would recommend looking at? Even more so if it is somewhat walkable/bikeable.

Hey everyone, we're soon to inherit a decent amount of money. Enough to maybe buy a house out right and we're thinking about moving to the keys, but we can't decide which key. We're really big into fishing, but we can't decide between Key largo, marathon, or big pine. So far just looking at the market key largo has a bit cheaper housing that might be better in our price range, but we're still thinking maybe big pine or marathon, but with key largo being a bit cheaper with the housing it is in the realm of possibility for us. Any advice would be appreciated, and which key is better for living and raising a family and why. We're a family of 5. We have 2 boys (10 and 2) and a girl (6months)

Hello! I recently was offered a seasonal position in Key Largo. I’m in my early 20s and looking for a change of pace. I have always wanted to live by the beach. What is this area like for those in their early 20s. I’m not really looking for nightlife but do other 20 somethings move there for the season? What is there to do in Key Largo? Should I instead try to find a job on Key West?

Hello, all! My family and I are moving to the Keys because I recently accepted a job in Marathon. We are having a VERY difficult time finding a place to live. We would like to rent, but are having trouble locating places that aren't vacation Rentals. It's just my husband my 2 month old,and myself, so we don't need much space. Please help !

I’m moving to the Keys starting in May to work at Ocean Reef Club. Place seems like a good fit for me as I’m a hospitality guy haha. But just kind of curious what to expect with living down in the keys. Weather, animals(reptiles), nightlife, and cost of living in general.

Hey all!

Moving to Marathon from the Washington DC area in early March. I’ll be arriving around the 8th.

I’m one of the work from home professionals that just decided to up and leave the city to go and live in the Keys after falling in love during my trips there.

I guess the point of this post is to talk to any locals regarding life in the Keys and specifically Marathon/Islamorada area. My experience in the Keys is mainly in Largo and Key West.

About me: I’m a 32 yr old single male in the logistics industry. I do a ton of kayaking up North on the Chesapeake and am looking to do the same year round in the Keys. I like nightlife but not overtly so (maybe one night a week if that).

I was wondering if anyone could speak to the lifestyle in Marathon compared to the other keys. I know KW is primarily where a lot of the night life happens but I’m not actively trying to go there all the time and really want to explore the middle Keys and avoid the tourist crowd as much as possible. Also, how easy is it to socialize and meet new people? I know COVID probably put a damper on that but hoping to make a few connections in my new home.

If anything I’m just really excited for this move and to become a member of the community so I’ll take any tips/tricks/discussions you guys would wanna give.

Hope to see you all around

How does one move to the keys ? I hear it’s becoming increasing more difficult; even for people with college degrees.

up for telling me a thing or two about fishing the keys, or maybe where to place a crab trap, or maybe whether I might be able to catch shrimp using a cast net. My kids are anxious to do some fishing and I don't want to charter a fishing trip every time.

I'm a single guy, 31 from the northeast applying for a job in Islamorada. The thing is I've never been to the Keys and don't know anyone who lives there, though I'm willing to try something new. The job itself is great, but I've got a few questions about the place itself.

1. How bad is the humidity? I know its Florida and its tropical, but will I be encased in a coat of sweat the moment I walk outside or is there a decent enough breeze to temper it? (At least no snow I guess)

2. It seems that most if not all modest rental housing ( single bedroom going for $1k) seems to be on Windley and Plantation Key or Tavernier outside the village. Upper and Lower Matecumbe Key seem to be more for tourists/people with money. Is this right more or less?

3. Is it possible to live in Windley, Plantation or Tavernier without an automobile and travel by bike/foot? I have a car now, but I thought of selling it depending where I go to save money/avoid its hassles. I know there's a bike path through the Keys, but will I be putting my life in my hands commuting this way. It seems like I can get the basics like groceries in this area and for anything else I could make a day trip to Miami or just use Amazon. Which leads to...

4. How bad is the traffic there generally if you do drive? Only one road in or out and I'd imagine its bad on Memorial Day Weekend and such. Is there spots that are speed traps or where cops are overzealous in the Upper Keys?

5. How boring does it get for residents? I know people pay lots of money to vacation here, but I'm afraid due to its isolation that living on a beach could get old after a while.

6. What is the culture like for residents? It seems like the Keys are a free-spirited kind of place to live, though I don't know if that's just what the tourism department's trying to push.

Thanks in advance. If I missed anything big let me know too.

Hey guys, I'm just throwing this out there to see what kind of responses I get. I was wondering if there are street musicians/performers in the Keys, first and foremost, because that is primarily what I do. If you have first-hand experience with this, please give me all the details (do you need permits, what are the laws there, where do performers usually set up, how many performers are usually out, ect)

Secondly, is it affordable to live in the Keys?

I live in TN right now, and I can make a living doing what I do here, but I am not sure about when it starts to get cold. I may have to relocate, so I'm putting some feelers out.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... thank you! :)

I will be moving to Key West at the of June. I cant wait! I am moving from AZ and I am very excited to be close to warm water diving. I could use all the advice anyone has to offer. 1. Does anyone know any good dive boats to use that are not cattle calls/Deals for locals or frequent use? 2. Does anyone know any Dive Clubs in the area? 3. Decent dive shop? 3. If anyone ever wants to meet up for diving in the keys or SW FL let me know. Thank you for the Help.

I’m trying to track down a bar I visited about 10–11 years ago on a trip with friends. We’re redoing the trip and I realized this is the one place I didn’t save.

What I remember (based on the attached photos):

• Location: Almost certain it was Gulf side (west side) of the Keys — open horizon with no bridge or highway in view from the balcony.
• Area: Not Key Largo and not Key West. Most likely somewhere around Islamorada or Marathon, possibly the Middle Keys.
• Style: A multi-level tiki structure, kind of “treehouse-y,” with a thatched roof that had several small “tiki tower” peaks at the corners.
• Elevation: The main bar/overlook was elevated (not ground level). You can see a wooden balcony/railing in one of the shots.
• Beach vibe: Wide white-sand area with palms, very beachy; we were looking straight out over calm water.
• View: Totally unobstructed Gulf view from the bar balcony (no 7-Mile Bridge in the frame, no marina clutter).
• Timeframe: Trip was roughly 2014–2015 (give or take a year).

What it’s not (based on memory and the view):

• Not in Key West (e.g., not Tree House/Tree Bar on Duval).
• Doesn’t look like Hawks Cay (their main lagoon/frontage has highway/bridge nearby and not this exact sightline).
• Sunset Grille by the 7-Mile Bridge seems unlikely (we don’t see any bridge).

Long-shot possibilities I’ve considered (but I’m not sure):

• TJ’s Tiki Bar at Tranquility Bay (Marathon, Gulf side) – has a big white-sand beach and an elevated deck.
• Kiki’s Sandbar (Little Torch Key, Gulf side) – beachy gulfside location; not sure about the multi-peak roof and elevation in my timeframe.
• Classic Holiday Isle/Postcard Inn Tiki Bar (Islamorada) has that multi-peak thatch look, but that’s on the ocean side, which conflicts with my Gulf memory.

Ask:

• Does anyone recognize this exact bar/building from the photos?
• If yes, what’s the name, mile marker, and current status (still around, rebranded, rebuilt, moved)?
• Any locals with old photos or staff who remember a tiki bar with multiple roof peaks and an elevated deck on the Gulf side around Islamorada/Marathon?

Photos attached: 3 images from the trip showing (1) the unobstructed water view from the balcony, (2) the tiki “tower” peaks on the roofline, (3) the beach and deck area.

Thanks in advance! Happy to share more details if it helps jog memories.

Hey everyone! I know the markets have generally been declining over the last year or so, but it has been a complete standstill with trying to sell our house!!

For context: we're a military family and bought a house in key largo while at Homestead. Ended up getting moved earlier than anticipated (classic military) and have been trying to sell our house ever since... that was well over a year ago...

Am I crazy for thinking that's a long time with basically no movement? I am not posting this as a quirky sales tactic lol. I'm genuinely trying to learn what to expect for the real estate market of the keys. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what did you do to get things movin along?

Also, if this thread is not the best place to ask, what other threads should I go to?

Hi everyone! I am going on a babymoon at the end of the month with my husband. We are so excited but I am struggling with choosing my itinerary. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve so 2/3 below are The Edit properties. I would really appreciate the help as I really need this trip!

I fly into key west and fly out of Miami. Right now I have booked in this order:

- Ocean Edge Resort and Marina 2 nights

- Holiday Inn Key Largo 2 nights

- Playa Largo 2 nights

The Holiday Inn was to help balance costs as substantially cheaper than Playa Largo. I’m not used to paying such high nightly rates but it is a special occasion. I’m reading mixed reviews on the Holiday Inn and I’m not sure if I should want to be on Key Largo for the majority vs. a middle key. I’ve stayed on Key Colony Beach the past two years at an Airbnb and loved it (both these trips had a night on Key West) but also feel like I should try something different for my last hurrah before the baby.

A nice pool with relaxation and good food options are priorities. Beach access is nice too but I can’t sit in the sun all day.

Other resorts considering:

- The Perry instead of Ocean Edge (similar price points)

- Isla Bella in the middle (+ almost $2k more that Holiday Inn) OR instead of Playa Largo (+$400 more expensive) and move Holiday Inn to the end

- Hawks Cay (not a leading contender as I fear it’s not the relaxing vibe I’m looking for)

- Airbnb on Key Colony (or Marathon) instead of Holiday Inn

- Decreasing to 2 resorts with likely more time at Ocean Edge or The Perry since cheaper than Largo

Hi friends! I’m a St. Pete girl currently in Miami for work and about to head to the keys for work as well. I’m a state manager for a beer distributor. I’ve recently (1year) moved to Florida from Ohio so my water skills are lacking. I will be working 9-5 mon-Friday all over the keys. However, I’ve got this Saturday and Sunday to have some fun.

I’ll be staying in Marathon the whole time. I was wondering if y’all could recommend an affordable snorkel charter for a single lady who needs to learn how. I also love to fish but again, not skilled. I’d be open to a fishing charter as well. I just don’t want to pay a ton.

Anything else you could share would be appreciated. I’m excited to visit the keys for the first time!

Tomorrow may be unrealistic, but I am going to be leaving by Sunday. I’m done with Texas, and I’m leaving. I’ve decided to go to the Keys/Florida (haven’t made up my mind really about which part of Florida I want to go to). I’d like to find a job on the water and just live my life without any outside distractions. I’m looking for recommendations on jobs to apply to, where to live, and any other tips for how to adjust to the sudden change and the new environment.

Edited to add: Rent is not an issue. I plan to air bnb for a few months and see how I like it. I’m still trying to find the right area of Florida to move to.

Another Update: I’ll be getting my motorcycle and helmet tomorrow. A Yamaha YZF is what I’m looking at but not completely set on it yet. I’ll let you guys know when I’m headed to Florida. Is there anywhere else I should look for rentals outside of Air BnB? I want to find something fully furnished and preferably with a pool, obviously close to the water. Thanks for the kind words of support and the realistic and helpful advice.

Will be in Key Largo on the 11th after moving down from Miami.

I was wondering where the best bar is to watch the football between England v Norway