Choosing the Right Island for You - Part 1

When moving to the Florida Keys, the biggest decision that you face is on which Key you should begin your real estate search. There are more than 40 inhabited islands in the Keys to choose from, and each one has its own unique flavor. To help you choose and find the island that best suits your wants and needs, it is important to weigh your priorities carefully.

One of the biggest deciding factors for most looking to buy in the Keys is how far down the chain they are willing to go. The average driving distance from Key Largo, the furthest island north, to Key West, the furthest inhabited island south, is about 100 miles. This may seem like a short distance, but with only one road (US-1) in and out, and a speed limit averaging between 35-50 miles an hour, those 100 miles can typically take four hours to traverse, if you’re lucky. Now add in a holiday weekend, and watch the time increase drastically. Add in a hurricane evacuation, and watch US-1 turn into a virtual parking lot. You get the picture. If you plan on going back to the mainland often, you may want to consider staying close. Perfect options in the Upper Florida Keys include Key Largo and the islands of Islamorada. These areas are close to the mainland (typically about 25-30 minutes driving) and include some of the best assortment of leisure activities as well. Those looking for a medium distance should look at Marathon. It generally takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach the mainland at Florida City from Marathon. Buyers who don’t plan on leaving often, or who enjoy the beautifully scenic drive, can look at purchasing properties for sale in in the Lower Keys like Big Pine Key, Key West, Sugarloaf Key, Summerland Key, or the Torch Keys. Each area has its own major draws, but if location is the most important priority, this is important to take into consideration.