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OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE - FLORIDA KEYS

by Sport Diver Staff

OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE – FLORIDA KEYS

Filled with rich history and a tropical atmosphere, the Florida Keys offer island dreamers the perfect place to live. The two most well-known keys are Key Largo; for its phenomenal diving opportunities and Key West; for its strange and interesting residents and nightlife. Each Key is unique in its own way, offering a special individual quality along with beautiful weather, water and scenery.

While we've done our best to verify that our resources are legitimate, sportdiver.com and Sport Diver magazine cannot be held liable for information obtained from these sources. Each individual is responsible for verifying any information obtained through this or any other website.
The Florida Keys at a glance:

  • Key Largo is the first of the stretch of islands. It is the longest key and is known for its great diving.
  • Islamorada is part of the upper keys and is known as a year-round sport fishing destination.
  • Marathon is located in the middle of the keys. Its population is made up of permanent residents, with accommodations for young families and retirees as well.
  • The Lower Keys are comprised of six smaller islands. Big Pine Key, for example, provides preserved nature trails and deer and alligator sightings. It is also the largest of the Lower Keys.
  • Key West is the last island in the stretch. It is known largely for its historic buildings, unique nightlife and of course, it's pristine waters.

Buying in the Keys

Real estate purchases in the Keys follow the same basic procedures as in the rest of the United States . You'll want to explore each island to get a "feel" for its flavor and livability before taking the plunge. Keep in mind that some of the Keys are more developed than others and some areas have an almost isolated feel. What's good about the Keys is there is an incredible variety of homes from which to choose, and prices range from a modest $187,000 to a whopping $5,400,000.

Are there many properties for sale in the Keys?
Markets change with economic conditions, so at any given time the number of properties available is dependent on many factors. So, with that in mind, it's always a good idea to consult a licensed realtor or broker. And in any real estate transaction, hiring a real estate attorney is a good investment.

Since prices and conditions vary it's hard to give a realistic sampling of home prices in the Keys, but here's a couple of examples of what you might expect to get for your dollar:

• Cudjoe Key, $547,000: This beauty comes equipped with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private pool with a custom wood dock. It is a fenced in property allowing for a little more privacy in this quiet, relaxed neighborhood.
• Key Largo, $5,400,000: This luxurious home is over 5000 square feet, equipped with five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. With this property you have the best of both worlds, with Miami nightlife just a few miles north and the relaxing, tropical keys to the south.

Renting
Can I rent a property weekly in the Keys?Yes, many of the properties available are offered weekly, or you could soak up the sun a little longer and opt for a property that offers monthly rentals. There are a large variety of rental properties available, with a large villa accommodating up to 14 people for a hefty $15,000/week. But there are also one bedroom, one bathroom homes and condos available for as little as $800/week.

Below is a list of real estate companies to contact for more information on renting and buying.

REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

Florida Keys Realty, Inc.
info@floridakeysrealty.com
http://www.keysislandhomes.com/index.htm

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
info@cbschmitt.com
http://realestatefloridakeys.com/index.html

ERA Real Estate
800-859-7642
http://www.eralowerkeysrealty.com/

CENTURY 21 Prestige Realty Group
800-210-6246
http://www.c21prestigeinthekeys.com/

Florida Keys Rental Store
800-585-0584
http://www.floridakeysrentalstore.com/