Key Largo, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Key largo
Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Florida Keys and the originating point of the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), which is 113 miles long and ends in Key West. Self-proclaimed as the “Diving Capital of the World,” Key Largo is the largest of the Keys and stretches for 33 miles. It is a very popular tourist destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and sport-fishermen. With a population of 12,447 (2020 Census), 28% of its population is 65 or over, which attests to its being a popular spot for retirees. The island features a Coral Reef State Park and a Botanical State Park along with eco-tourism, dolphin encounter programs, and charter fishing. The movie Key Largo, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, was filmed here. Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirement in Florida
Where to Retire in Key largo and Home Prices
There are several styles of homes from which to choose including vacation homes, condos and townhouses. Zillow reports the median home value to be $1,023,032 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Key largo
Key Largo offers great fishing and many charters and eco tours. There are also numerous water activities including snorkeling on reefs full of marine life, scuba diving, and kayaking. The town is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, an underwater State Park.
What Is Not Special about Key largo
Very high cost of living, not a place for walking or biking, there are no sandy beaches here.
Who Will Like Retirement in Key largo
Retirees who enjoy boating and fishing and who want a a town with beautiful scenery, parks, and plenty of water activities would enjoy living here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction and Tourism drive the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature here is 71 degrees with July's average at 84 degrees. There is not much rain during the winter months, with June being the wettest. However, unpredictable storms are a possibility during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Key Largo hosts many food festivals throughout the year, and there are many dining choices. Seafood is the food of choice, but Cuban cuisine is also great. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located here along with the iconic vessel, the African Queen, which was made famous in the 1951 movie. Everglades National Park is also nearby. But for more fun and culture there are art galleries, music and great festivities. You can also follow Route 1 all the way to much bigger Key West.
Crime
The crime rate in Key Largo is low.
Medical facilities
The nearest hospital is in Tavernier, which is about 10 miles to the south from Key Largo.
Transportation
There are shuttles between the Keys. The closest international airport is in Miami, about 60 miles away. Key Largo is not considered a walkable or bike friendly community except in small neighborhoods.
Valuable Links
The Florida Keys Key Largo Chamber of Commerce John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Comments on "Key Largo"