The Top Places To Live In The Florida Keys
With their laid-back tropical vibe, the Florida Keys offer a unique island lifestyle in the U.S. If you’re considering a move to this island paradise, you’ll want to choose the right Key to call home. Read on for the best places to live in the Florida Keys based on amenities, outdoor activities, dining and nightlife.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different Keys and highlight which ones offer the best combination of community, convenient amenities, recreation, and ambiance for residents. From Key Largo to Key West, discover the Keys that blend island serenity with livability.
Key Largo
Community Profile
Key Largo, the largest island in the Florida Keys, is a vibrant and charming community that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. With a population of approximately 11,000 residents, Key Largo provides a welcoming and tight-knit community atmosphere.
The island boasts a range of housing options, from waterfront estates to cozy cottages, making it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and young professionals.
Outdoor Recreation
Key Largo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, allowing residents to explore the stunning coral reefs that surround the island.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty of opportunities to cast their lines and catch a variety of game fish. For those who prefer to stay on land, Key Largo offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as beautiful parks where residents can enjoy picnicking, bird-watching, and kayaking.
Dining and Shopping
When it comes to dining and shopping, Key Largo has something for everyone. The island is home to a diverse range of restaurants, serving up delicious seafood, Caribbean cuisine, and international flavors.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual beachside meal or a fine dining experience, Key Largo has it all. Additionally, the island features a variety of boutique shops and art galleries, where residents and visitors can find unique souvenirs, clothing, and artwork.
For more information about living in Key Largo, you can visit the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce website. There, you can find additional details about the community, local events, and resources for residents.
Islamorada
Community Profile
Islamorada, often referred to as the “Village of Islands,” is a picturesque community located in the Florida Keys. With its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s no wonder why Islamorada is a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.
This charming village offers a small-town atmosphere with a tight-knit community that welcomes newcomers with open arms. The residents of Islamorada take pride in preserving their natural surroundings and maintaining a laid-back lifestyle.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise in Islamorada. The village is known for its world-class fishing, diving, and boating opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to reel in a trophy catch or a snorkeler wanting to explore the colorful coral reefs, Islamorada has something for everyone.
The warm waters of the Florida Straits provide the perfect environment for a wide variety of marine life, making it a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers. Additionally, Islamorada is home to several beautiful parks and nature trails, offering residents endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
Dining and Shopping
When it comes to dining and shopping, Islamorada has plenty to offer. The village is known for its fresh seafood, and there are numerous waterfront restaurants where you can indulge in delicious dishes while enjoying breathtaking views.
From casual beachside cafes to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In terms of shopping, Islamorada has a unique selection of boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops.
Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or trendy fashion items, you’ll find it all in Islamorada.
For more information about Islamorada, you can visit the official website of the Village of Islamorada at https://islamorada.fl.us/.
Marathon
Marathon is a charming city located in the heart of the Florida Keys. With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, it is no wonder that Marathon is considered one of the top places to live in the Florida Keys.
Community Profile
Marathon offers a close-knit community that is welcoming to both locals and newcomers. The city has a population of approximately 8,000 residents, creating a tight-knit community where neighbors become friends.
The crime rate in Marathon is relatively low, making it a safe place to live and raise a family. The city also boasts excellent schools, providing a high-quality education for children.
Outdoor Recreation
For outdoor enthusiasts, Marathon offers a wide range of recreational activities. The city is surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a paradise for boating, fishing, and diving.
The famous Sombrero Beach is a favorite spot among locals for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Additionally, Marathon is home to several parks and nature reserves, where residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Dining and Shopping
When it comes to dining and shopping, Marathon has plenty to offer. The city is known for its fresh seafood, and there are numerous restaurants and seafood markets where residents can enjoy delicious meals or purchase fresh catches of the day.
From casual waterfront dining to upscale restaurants, there is something to suit every taste. In terms of shopping, Marathon has a variety of boutiques, gift shops, and galleries where residents can find unique items and souvenirs.
Big Pine Key
Community Profile
Big Pine Key is a picturesque island located in the lower Florida Keys. Known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, this small community offers a unique and charming place to call home. With a population of around 5,000 residents, Big Pine Key provides a tight-knit community feel where neighbors quickly become friends.
The island is also home to the National Key Deer Refuge, which is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the endangered Key deer species. Residents of Big Pine Key can enjoy the peacefulness of this protected area and take pride in their commitment to conservation.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Big Pine Key. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for boating, fishing, and snorkeling. Nature lovers can explore the numerous hiking trails in the area, including the scenic Blue Hole.
This freshwater lake is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife sightings. Additionally, Big Pine Key is just a short drive away from Bahia Honda State Park, which boasts stunning beaches and excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
Dining and Shopping
Despite its small size, Big Pine Key offers a variety of dining and shopping options for residents and visitors. The island is home to several locally-owned restaurants that serve up delicious seafood dishes, including fresh catch of the day.
From casual beachfront eateries to upscale dining establishments, there is something to satisfy every palate. When it comes to shopping, Big Pine Key has a mix of boutique stores, art galleries, and specialty shops.
Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or handmade crafts, you’re sure to find something special on the island.
Key West
Community Profile
Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States, is a vibrant and eclectic community that offers a unique and laid-back lifestyle. With its colorful buildings, tropical climate, and lively atmosphere, Key West attracts a diverse population of residents and visitors alike.
The community is known for its welcoming and inclusive nature, making it an ideal place to call home for people from all walks of life.
Key West boasts a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters, showcasing the talents of local artists and performers. Residents can enjoy a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Outdoor Recreation
One of the major draws of living in Key West is the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts. Residents can indulge in activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating, all within easy reach.
In addition to water sports, Key West offers plenty of options for those who prefer to stay on land. The city has numerous parks and nature reserves, where residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
The stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys is on full display in Key West, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Dining and Nightlife
Key West is known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, serving up delicious seafood, Caribbean cuisine, and international flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for casual beachside dining or fine dining with a view, Key West has something to satisfy every palate.
After a delicious meal, residents can explore the lively bars and nightclubs that line the streets of Key West. From cozy cocktail lounges to energetic dance clubs, there is no shortage of options for a night out on the town.
Key West is also famous for its vibrant sunset celebrations, where locals and visitors gather to watch the sun go down and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Conclusion
With their tropical climate and island pace of life, the Florida Keys offer a unique place to live in the U.S. The best Keys such as Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon balance easy access, community amenities, recreational opportunities, and charm.
Whether you prioritize outdoor adventures, a laid-back vibe, or island amenities, you can find your paradise in the Florida Keys.