Travel to the Florida Keys & Key West

Travel to the Florida Keys & Key West

Getting to the Florida Keys is easy. The Keys are accessible by road, boat or airplane.

When to go:

The most popular time to visit the Florida Keys is between December and May, when temperatures average 60-85 degrees and there is little rainfall. However, anytime is a great time to 'escape'to Margaritaville.

Travel from Miami International Airport:

You can drive the whole way. Or, there are direct flights to Key West from Miami Airport.

Driving from Miami International Airport:

This is by far the best way to come to the Keys. By the time you get here, you will be so rejuvenated and relaxed by the gorgeous scenic drive that you won’t need to spend 2 days calming down before you can start enjoying your trip.

If you fly into Miami and rent a car (make it a convertible) to travel to the Florida Keys, when you exit the airport, you should take 836 West to the Florida Turnpike. Take the Turnpike south until it ends in Florida City where it merges into southbound U.S. Highway 1. You will be at mile marker 126. Mile markers count down and end with the ‘0’marker in Key West. That makes Key West 126 miles from Florida City. You can gauge how far left you have to go to reach your destination by the mile markers.

When traveling on US-1, you will see small green signs with numbers on them that are mounted on steel posts about three feet high. These are called mile markers, often referred to as "M-M".

While you’re visiting, you will also hear people say "oceanside"and "bayside". Headed south from Miami, the Atlantic Ocean is on the left and Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are on your right.

Now, get on US1 in Florida City and head south. You will be shooting through the southern edge of the Florida Everglades and traveling through a transition area of about 18 miles of mangrove-fringed islands. This area links to the subtropical islands that arc off the tip of Florida known as The Florida Keys.

After about 18 miles, the highway enters Key Largo. From here on, US 1 will forever be referred to as Overseas Highway. There are 42 bridges that join Overseas Highway to the islands of the Florida Keys. The Atlantic Ocean is on your left and the Gulf of Mexico will be on your right. You are now experiencing one of America's most beautiful scenic drives.

***Watch your speed in the Keys. As there is virtually no crime here, there is little else for local police to do other than give out speeding tickets. Extra caution should be paid in Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine Key.

The distance from Miami Airport to Upper Key Largo is approximately 56 miles and will take you about an hour and a half.

MM 110 -86, Key Largo.

Key Largo is the first and northernmost island in the Florida Keys. It is known as the "dive capital of the world". Sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades national Park and the fish covered coral formations of North America's only living coral barrier reef, Key Largo is a premier destination for divers, kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists.

Speaking of sandwiches, stop at The Fish House at MM 102 (mile marker 102) for the best broiled yellowtail fish sandwich in the Keys. Top if off with a piece of Key Lime pie and you are well on your way to fully enjoying your first day in Paradise.

MM 83 -63. Islamorada

If you are not hungry yet, further down the road at MM 77.5 in Islamorada, The Hungry Tarpon offers the best fish sandwich in that area. Islamorada (Upper Matecumbe Key) marks the beginning of the Middle Keys. This area is known as the "sport fishing capital of the world", as it is surrounded by two seas brimming with the world"s most sought after game fish.

MM 63 - 46, Marathon

Keys Fisheries in Marathon is bayside at 35th Street with great atmosphere and good food.
Marathon is the heart of the Florida Keys--a heavily developed commercial center in the Middle Keys. Situated halfway between Key Largo and Key West, all the conveniences of a modern seaside community are here. You can find drug and grocery stores here to pick up forgotten items at home (i.e.: sunscreen!). At the southern tip of Marathon is the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It is one of the world's longest bridges and offers sweeping views of the open Atlantic on the left and the Gulf of Mexico on the right.

MM 46 -5 - Big Pine Key to Stock Island

"Low key in the lower Keys"
Although you will still feel like you are heading from north to south, the road will now be traveling east-west all the way to Key West. The Keys seem more isolated from here on and less populated. The beauty of the lower Keys is an attraction in itself. You won't find a natural habitat like this anywhere else in the U.S. Bridges become shorter, and islands begin to merge. It is not uncommon to see a large osprey nest perched atop a telephone pole in this area.

Big Pine Key is the only place in the world where endangered Key deer live. These deer average 2.5 to 3 ft tall and are the dainty subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer. Speed limits are strictly enforced through this area. 45 during the day and 35 at night.

MM 5 -0, Key West

About a half hour south of Big Pine Key is Key West, an eccentric tropical town whose atmosphere is more Caribbean than American. If you make it all the way to Key West before finding your perfect fish sandwich, Bo's Fish Wagon at 801 Caroline Street has been called the "best fish sandwich in the world", by several major publications.

Now, enjoy your stay in a charming Key West Guest Cottage.
Shop on Duval Street.

See the Southernmost Point and the Southernmost House.
Dining in Key West will be a gastronomic delight.

Dive, fish, snorkel.

Rent a bike and wander streets lined with fine Victorian homes and quaint white-frame "conch"cottages, soaking up the town's distinctive ambience.

And, if you decide to make the Florida Keys your home, please call Naomi Van Steelandt to help you locate your very own piece of Paradise.

Relocation in the Florida Keys and Key West

Relocation in the Florida Keys and Key West

Part of our job is meeting people relocating from other parts of the country or world and making them feel at home in our community. Those smiles and thank-you letters sent to us by families who have moved 2,000 miles make assisting relocating buyers personally rewarding.

With dual careers, school-age children, and multigenerational households, moving has an impact on all members of the family-even the family pets. At Key West Real Estate Company, we will benefit you in educating you about your new community, real estate market, and schools. We can ease your transition into your new community, and offer you tips for making the entire experience a little less stressful for all members of your family.

We stand apart as a refreshing alternative, in a time when "superstores" and "mega firms" seem to both dominate and alienate their clients. We elect to remain small and more intimate, providing a higher standard of service for our clients, and never treating them like "just another number". With a dedicated staff of relocation specialists, the company can make your individual move a smooth transition.

KWREC provides the following relocation services:

Coming to the Key West area Relocation Services
Leaving the Key West area Relocation Services
International Relocation Services
Area Information Packages
Rental search assistance
Community Tours
Contact Us for Relocation Assistance.

Lower Keys & Key West Schools & Libraries

Lower Keys & Key West Schools & Libraries

Public Schools
GERALD ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5855 W. COLLEGE ROAD , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 464-1609 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK - 5
GLYNN ARCHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1302 WHITE STREET , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 293-1600 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK - 5
HORACE O'BRYANT MIDDLE SCHOOL
1105 LEON STREET , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 296-5628 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: 6 - 8
KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL
2100 FLAGLER AVENUE , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 293-1549 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: 9 - 12
MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL
1221 VARELA STREET , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 294-5302 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: 1 - 5
PACE-LOWER KEYS
3130 FLAGLER AVENUE , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 293-1892 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: 8 - 12
POINCIANA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1212 14TH STREET , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 293-1630 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: KG - 5
SIGSBEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FELTON ROAD , KEY WEST , FL 33040
(305) 294-1861 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK - 5
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
P.O. BOX 1788 , KEY WEST , FL 33041
(305) 293-1400 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK - 12
SUGARLOAF SCHOOL
255 CRANE BOULEVARD , SUMMERLAND KEY , FL 33042
(305) 745-3282 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK - 8
BIG PINE NEIGHBORHOOD CHARTER SCHOOL
P. O. BOX 432131 , BIG PINE KEY , FL 33043
(305) 872-1266 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: KG - 2
MARATHON HIGH SCHOOL
350 SOMBRERO BEACH ROAD, MARATHON, fL 33050
(305) 289-2480 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: 7-12

STANLEY SWITLICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3400 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050
(305) 289-2490 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK-6
MARY IMMACULATE STAR OF THE SEA
700 TRUMAN AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040
(305) 294-1031 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK-8
MONTESSORI CHILDRENS SCHOOL
1221 VERALA STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040
(305) 294-5302 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK-8
VINEYARD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
100 COUNTY ROAD, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33040
(305) 872-3404 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: PK-K
MARATHON LUTHERAN SCHOOL
325 122ND STREET-GULF, MARATHON, FL 33050
(305) 289-0700 - MONROE COUNTY
grades: K-6

Colleges
FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
5901 COLLEGE ROAD, KEY WEST, FL 33040
(305) 296-9081
Public
2-year

Public Libraries
MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
700 FLEMING STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040
(305) 292-3595
MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
700 FLEMING STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040
(305) 292-3595
BIG PINE KEY LIBRARY
213 KEY DEER BLVD., BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043
(305) 289-6303
GEORGE DOLEZAL BRANCH
3251 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050
(305) 743-5156

Purchasing Key West property

Purchasing Key West Real Estate

With the right Realtor, buying into paradise can be as delightful as living here. I thoroughly and continually research the market to uncover what's sold recently, what's for sale now, and my being entrenched in the community gives me inside information as to what properties will be coming onto the market. I'll help you to locate the house of your dreams, and I'll help you to relocate and settle into your new home and the community.

I can promise to:

Stay thoroughly current with available Key West property inventory, saving you time

Locate a choice of desirable homes, based on your 'wish list'

Show you the finest condominium apartments, townhomes, or single family homes

Give careful attention to each of the details that follows an offer

Guide you to the best mortgage brokers, insurance companies and property inspectors

Help to smooth the way for your stress-free relocation to the Keys

Refer you to contractors with excellent references, proven integrity and fair prices

My investment of time, experience and effort in finding the right homes to show you at the right prices matches your investment in the perfect property for your needs. We're both making a big commitment and my goal is your complete satisfaction.