Local Guide7 Things to Know Before Moving to Key West
Key West, a small island city in the Florida Keys, is a fantastic place to call home. Located just 90 miles north of Cuba, it's the southernmost point in Florida. There's much to love about the area, from the snorkeling to the relaxed lifestyle and fantastic weather. For those who make the decision to move here, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you get started.
#1: Plan Where You'll Live Carefully
Key West offers a wide range of home styles, including everything from apartments to single-family luxury homes. As you plan to move, consider the amenities most important to you. For example, many people want a view (that's why they moved here, after all). Instead of a condo, then consider a luxury loft in a high-rise development. If you want more space, think about the residential communities inland, where you will get more for your money.
It's also important to work with a real estate agent in Key West to provide you with the best overall experience in finding a competitively priced property in highly desirable areas. Talk openly to your agent about your needs for this area, such as the type of community or amenities. You have lots of options.
#2: Bring Only What You Need
If you are moving your whole home to Key West and selling anything else you own, it's very important to consider what you need and want to maintain. Minimizing your assets could be beneficial since the cost to move here can be high. Unlike other cities, access is somewhat limited, and the distance is quite far for most areas. When possible, reduce what you bring with you.
If you have too many items without a lot of room and don't want to bring everything with you, consider renting a storage unit in Key West or Florida. Look for a location that's weather protected due to the area's humidity.
#3: Be Sure to Create an Accurate Budget
There's no doubt that you'll want to spend some time on Duval Street or even enjoying your time in the water scuba diving while here. However, know that the area is a bit more expensive than you may originally realize, especially if you're just visiting.
When moving here, consider that virtually anything purchased here is brought from mainland Florida. That adds to the cost. You can expect to spend more for just about any type of food or product you need to buy. It's a three-hour trip to Miami, which means any time you do need to go pick something up from a large retailer or specialty store, it's a bit of a drive.
You'll also find that the area has some concerns when it comes to weather events. You'll need to have an emergency reserve to get off the island during storms or be able to afford to hurricane-proof your home.
As a tourism-centric area, meals out, drinks at the bar, and entertainment costs more. That's not to say you shouldn't move to Key West, but you do want to have a budget in mind before you arrive.
#4: Plan for Visiting Family
Undoubtedly you'll love being on the beach and enjoying the warm sun all year. Your family is likely to want to visit. From the start of your search for the ideal home, then, be sure to plan for visiting family members. That may mean having an extra bedroom, if possible, for people to stay.
Keep in mind, though, that the area is very much adult-friendly and less kid-appropriate. The area is noted for its tourism, and that often means lots of visitors to the island on a consistent basis. There are plenty of things to do nearby for your visitors, but that often includes fewer activities for kids than adults.
#5: Choose a Truly Trusted Moving Company
Moving to Key West means a long drive no matter what. You need a moving company that's prepared and capable of helping to ensure all of your belongings move safely. Research the organization. Get reviews from several people (including others who have just moved to the island) to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations.
Because of the process and the complexity overall, it's also a good idea to ensure you have proper insurance for your move.
#6: Get Work Lined Up First
Key West has a very low unemployment rate most of the time. That means that if you plan to move here, be sure to find a job and get hired before you actually make the move. That's going to help you significantly improve your chances of having an income coming in. On the other hand, you may just want to retire in Key West. There's no reason to put that off or worry about the job market!
#7: The Roads Aren't Good All of the Time
Key West's location makes it highly prone to concerns with floods. Streets can sometimes become hard to navigate. As long as you're enjoying the laid-back lifestyle that Key West promises, it may not be a big deal to lay low for a few hours.
Key West is a fantastic place to call home. The vibrant lifestyle, the diverse culture, and the fantastic food make it a perfect place to live. With a bit of planning, you can easily make this move a success.
We're Your Storage Solution!
Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.
